Survivor Lived-Experience Expert

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Sheri Lopez is a nationally recognized speaker, educator and lived-experience expert in human trafficking, author of four books, and provides professional insight to courts, law enforcement, educators, policymakers, and multidisciplinary response teams across the United States.

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Sheri was groomed at the age of 15 and trafficked for seven years. Today, she uses her lived experience to deliver prevention-focused education, professional training, and systems change work designed to disrupt exploitation before it occurs. Her work centers on grooming with the intent to exploit; equipping professionals with the knowledge to recognize early indicators, understand victim behavior, and respond effectively.

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Professional Expertise

Sheri serves as Founder and Executive Director of Pearl at the Mailbox, operates the National Grooming Prevention Hotline, and is President of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition. She works nationally as a lived-experience expert, including:

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• Providing expert testimony in human trafficking cases

• Training law enforcement and prosecutors

• Educating educators and community professionals

• Supporting multidisciplinary response development

• Advising on survivor-informed policy approaches

• Testifying before the United States Judiciary Committee on human trafficking

• Contributing to legislative reform efforts at the state and federal levels

 

Areas of Focus

Sheri’s professional training and presentations address:

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• Grooming with the intent to exploit

• Victim identification and behavioral indicators

• Offender tactics and pattern recognition

• Survivor-informed investigative context

• Prevention and early intervention education

• Systems gaps and response improvement

 

Her approach bridges lived experience with professional application, ensuring audiences gain practical, actionable understanding relevant to their roles.

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Publications & Policy Work

As the author of four books addressing exploitation awareness and prevention, Sheri combines education and advocacy with policy engagement. She has testified at the federal level and actively contributes to legislative reform efforts in Arizona and nationally, advocating for stronger protections for children and trafficking survivors.

 

Engagement Opportunities

Sheri is available for:

 

• Expert witness consultation

• Professional training and workshops

• Conference presentations

• Policy briefings

• Community trainings

• Conferences and events