Resources to Combat Human Trafficking

Author - Suleman Masood

Toward a More Just System: Trauma-Informed Approaches for Criminal Justice Professionals – Part Two

April 26, 2019

by Marie Martinez Israelite, Suleman Masood

Toward a More Just System: Trauma-Informed Approaches for Criminal Justice Professionals – Part One

April 17, 2019

by Marie Martinez Israelite, Suleman Masood

Suleman Masood

Suleman Masood is a Subject Matter Expert and Executive Board Member for the National Survivor Network (NSN). Suleman has served as a Human Trafficking Subject Matter Expert in the anti-trafficking movement since 2013. Raised in Santa Maria, California, Suleman’s tireless campaign in completing his education gave him the opportunity to attend California State University Fresno to complete his bachelor’s degree. Suleman has served as a consultant throughout the state of California, as well as for the federal government. After graduating, he was selected to participate in a pilot leadership development cohort under the Office of Trafficking in Persons and NTTAC’s leadership and in partnership with Coro Northern California. Suleman was credited with creating the textbook definition of “survivor-informed,” which was published by the Administration for Children & Families.

Suleman’s experience in public speaking has given him the ability to speak out as an advocate for survivors of human trafficking, specifically male labor survivors of crime. In these presentations, he details his experiences with victim services and advocating on ways to improve the quality of services. He has delivered curriculum and training with OVC TTAC on “Tips of Engagement from a Survivor Leader’s Perspective”, as well as helping to create an “E-guide for Creating a Human Trafficking Task Force”. This work emphasizes the need to partner with survivors and ensure that strategies and implementation are created with a trauma-informed approach. Suleman's commitment to education is living proof that if a survivor is given a platform to return to normalcy, they will not only thrive but be the best advocates in uplifting others.