Alexandra Stevenson

Anti-trafficking activist, co-founder of the nonprofit Uprising, and surviving victim of human trafficking

Alexandra Stevenson, a former trafficking victim turned activist, embarked on her anti-trafficking journey at 11. After 10 years and personal hardships, she recognized her experience as human trafficking. With a candid storytelling approach and strong academic background, she bridges communities, educates on tough subjects, and empowers change. She co-founded Uprising in Wyoming and her personal brand, The Laughing Survivor, in British Columbia. Alexandra's strength and resilience inspire others to persevere and foster compassion.

Alexandra Stevenson speaks openly about the life experiences that led to her being trafficked and how it wasn’t until more than a decade after her exploitation that she even knew that what happened to her was trafficking. The response she got after she shared her story for the first time was incredible; her story had connected deeply with the audience. People came up and shared their own similar experiences or those of their friends or loved ones. Alexandra immediately felt the connection created by the power of sharing. Using her own non-linear story of trauma, victimization, surviving, and thriving (not necessarily in that order!) she connects with audiences on a personal level. Alexandra knows that opening up the conversation around trafficking and trauma is one of the best ways to save lives.

She shares the vulnerabilities that made her an easy target for an exploiter and teaches audiences how they can not only identify vulnerabilities in themselves and their loved ones but also how to build protective factors around them. Alexandra empowers audiences of all kinds to look inwards, reach out, and take action—inspiring community heroes and sustainable change.