Credentials

KATE OUIMETTE-WEDELL

HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT

Author | Public Speaker | Founder & Executive Director with 16+ years leading survivor-centered nonprofit and social enterprise initiatives addressing human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Proven track record scaling residential recovery programs, designing trauma-informed systems, advising law enforcement, and integrating lived-experience leadership into organizational strategy. Recognized thought leader advancing policy, program architecture, and sustainable impact models nationally.


SKILLS

• Organizational Strategy & Growth

• Survivor-Led Program Development

• Trauma-Informed Systems Design

• Social Enterprise Development

• Board & Advisory Leadership

• Policy & Legislative Consultation

• Cross-Sector Law Enforcement Collaboration

• Grant Writing & Fund Development

• Program Implementation & Operations

• Survivor-Led Support Group Facilitation & Curriculum Design

• Housing Navigation (CalAIM Framework)

• Case Management & Client Advocacy

• Data & Program Tools: SPRITE, OHTS-RTI, KPI

CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Narrative Focused Trauma Care (NFTC), The Allender Center

• Licensed Cosmetologist (State of California)

EXPERIENCE

CHERISHEDLA, LOS ANGELES — FOUNDER/CEO
December 2010 – Present
 

• Founded and scaled a survivor-led nonprofit delivering comprehensive services to individuals exiting human trafficking and the commercial sex industry

• Directed operations of two residential recovery homes, integrating housing, trauma care, education, and employment pathways

• Designed and implemented a trauma-informed, survivor-centered program model, including mentorship, support groups, and creative healing initiatives

• Launched and led a mission-driven social enterprise (Cherished Studios) providing workforce development and entrepreneurship training

• Partnered with the FBI and cross-sector law enforcement, providing subject matter expertise, case consultation, and survivor-informed insight

• Developed and delivered national trainings, executive briefings, and keynote presentations, equipping professionals across sectors

• Conceptualized and led public awareness campaigns and immersive educational exhibits to advance systemic change

AFFILIATIONS & BOARDS

Allender Center — NFTC Directory – Trauma Care Facilitator
June 2025 – Present
 

• Facilitate trauma-informed care using the Narrative Focused Trauma Care framework

• Support leaders and practitioners in integrating story-based healing models

 

3Strands Survivor Advisory Board – Sacramento, CA

• August 2025 – Present

• Survivor Consultant – Policy, Legislation & Curriculum

 

• Advise on survivor-informed policy and prevention curriculum development

• Contribute to statewide and national anti-trafficking initiatives

development in an international context

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Consultant

Kate consults with nonprofits, ministries, and organizations seeking to strengthen trauma-informed and survivor-aware care. Drawing from lived experience and years of frontline leadership, she helps organizations develop ethical, compassionate approaches to survivor engagement, creative outreach approaches, staff training, and program development. Her consulting work has supported organizations in the U.S., Greece, Spain, Argentina, Thailand, and the U.K.