Pathbreaker Awards
2011 Awards
The 2011 Pathbreaker Awards honored state attorney generals who, as their state’s highest law enforcement official, has demonstrated extraordinary diligence in pursuing a comprehensive legal framework to prevent domestic minor sex trafficking.
On November 30, 2011, pictured above, Shared Hope International was proud to honor Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley (left), Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna (mid), and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott (right), at the first Annual U.S. Pathbreaker Awards ceremony in San Antonio, Texas. These leaders have championed legislation and advocacy in their state to inspire a safer environment for children.
History
As an organization that works to rescue and restore women and children from sexual slavery, Shared Hope International created the Pathbreaker Awards over a decade ago to recognize pioneering efforts of individuals throughout the world who broke the trend of inaction and initiated proactive responses to prevent sex trafficking.
In the same year the first Trafficking in Persons report was released, the State Department enlisted Shared Hope International to hold Pathbreaking Strategies Conferences in six different countries, energizing the national conversation about the issue of trafficking and sharing innovative approaches to combat the problem. Funded by the Department of State, Shared Hope International awarded aspiring individuals to recognize their dedication.
It was in this context that Pathbreaker Awards was introduced to recognize the pioneering efforts of individuals in the international and domestic community and celebrate their outstanding contribution to the determined pursuit of solutions to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of women and children.