The Hidden Data Behind Human Trafficking in America

In this episode, Ken Freire sits down with John Nehme, President and CEO of Allies Against Slavery, to explore how data, technology, and strategic partnerships are transforming the fight against human trafficking. John shares the personal experiences that led him into this mission, how his nonprofit is scaling state-by-state through data infrastructure, and why AI may become one of the most powerful tools for preventing trafficking before it happens. Along the way, they unpack lessons on scaling a purpose-driven organization, navigating long enterprise sales cycles, and building a business that creates lasting impact.

• Allies Against Slavery – https://alliesagainstslavery.org/
• BEST (Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking) – https://www.bestalliance.org/
• National Human Trafficking Hotline – https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
• AnnieCannons – https://www.anniecannons.org/
• University of South Florida – https://www.usf.edu/
• University of Alabama – https://www.ua.edu/
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise – https://www.hpe.com/
• Tim Tebow Foundation – https://www.timtebowfoundation.org/

• 00:01 – Why data is the missing weapon in the fight against human trafficking.
• 06:20 – John's personal journey and the experiences that led him into this work.
• 10:42 – The shocking scale of trafficking in the U.S. and why better data is essential.
• 13:58 – Practical ways business owners can help combat trafficking through culture, partnerships, and supply chain awareness.
• 18:20 – Scaling a nonprofit like a startup: systems, repeatability, leadership, and sustainable revenue.
• 22:30 – Selling to state governments and navigating 12–24 month enterprise sales cycles.
• 27:15 – How partnerships and AI are reshaping anti-trafficking technology and accelerating impact.
• 41:20 – Rapid-fire questions on AI, leadership, the future of prevention, and the legacy John hopes to leave.