Biography:
Katherine Chon is a prominent figure in the fight against human trafficking and a leader in the movement to end modern-day slavery. Born in South Korea, Chon immigrated to the United States at a young age, where she would later become a trailblazer in the field of anti-trafficking advocacy.
Chon’s journey in combating human trafficking began during her undergraduate studies at Brown University. It was there that she first learned about the widespread problem of modern-day slavery and felt compelled to take action. In 2002, immediately upon graduation, Chon co-founded the Polaris Project with fellow Brown University student Derek Ellerman. Polaris Project is a leading organization in the United States that combats all forms of human trafficking, supporting survivors and working to create long-term solutions.
Under Chon’s leadership, Polaris Project has made significant strides in both raising awareness about human trafficking and providing crucial services to survivors. The organization serves both U.S. citizens and foreign national victims, addressing both labor and sex trafficking. One of Polaris Project’s key initiatives is the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline, a vital resource for individuals seeking help or reporting trafficking cases. Chon’s expertise in the field has also led her to testify before Congress, highlighting the scope and magnitude of human trafficking.
Chon’s dedication to the cause of ending human trafficking has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her significant contributions to the field. In 2005, Chon received the prestigious Do Something Brick Award for Social Entrepreneurship, presented by President Bill Clinton. Two years later, she was honored with Brown University’s John Hope Award for Community Service, recognizing her outstanding commitment to making a difference in her community.
Chon’s tireless efforts have also garnered recognition from national organizations. In 2007, she was awarded the Center for Social Innovation Fellowship from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. The same year, she received the esteemed Running Start Women to Watch Award from Lifetime Television, further acknowledging her as an influential leader in the fight against human trafficking.
In 2009, Chon received the Harlequin More Than Words Award in recognition of her remarkable work empowering survivors and raising awareness about human trafficking. The following year, she was honored with the Diane von Furstenberg People’s Voice Award, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer and advocate for change.
Chon’s impact extends beyond the United States, as she was named one of the 50 most influential women in the world by Woman’s Day magazine in 2010. This global recognition speaks to the immense influence she has had in shaping the anti-trafficking movement and inspiring others to join the fight.
In 2013, Chon received the Power of One Award from the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. This prestigious award further underscores Chon’s commitment to social justice and her dedication to combating human trafficking.
Today, Chon continues her work in the fight against human trafficking as a Senior Advisor in Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through her leadership and expertise, she remains an invaluable force in the battle against modern-day slavery, leaving an indelible mark on society and women’s history.
Awards:
– 2005 Do Something Brick Award for Social Entrepreneurship, Presented by President Bill Clinton
– 2007 Brown University’s John Hope Award for Community Service
– Center for Social Innovation Fellowship from the Stanford Graduate School of Business
– 2007 Running Start Women to Watch Award from Lifetime Television
– 2009 Harlequin More Than Words Award
– 2010 Diane von Furstenburg People’s Voice Award
– Named one of the 50 most influential women in the world by Woman’s Day magazine in 2010
– 2013 Power of One Award from the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center