Melissa Yao is a nationally recognized leader in the anti-trafficking movement with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and survivor-centered program development.

Melissa Yao is a nationally recognized leader in the anti-trafficking movement with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and survivor-centered program development. She is the founder and former Executive Director of a highly impactful national anti-trafficking organization, where she served for seven years, leading strategic growth, cross-sector collaboration, and the expansion of services that supported thousands of survivors across the United States. Under her leadership, the organization became a trusted convener in the field, equipping over 120 residential programs for recovery and strengthening systems of care for survivors nationwide. 

Melissa has worked extensively at the intersection of policy, practice, and innovation, collaborating with government agencies, law enforcement, and nonprofit leaders both domestically and internationally. Her experience includes engagements with the White House, hosting United Nations delegations, and speaking at global conferences on human trafficking and human rights. She is widely recognized for her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to drive meaningful change and advance coordinated, solutions-oriented strategies. 

A subject matter expert in trafficking and recovery, Melissa has a particular focus on the intersection of substance use disorders and human trafficking. She is currently leading a global research initiative exploring access to evidence-based addiction treatment for survivors, with the goal of strengthening recovery outcomes and informing best practices across the field. Her work emphasizes practical application, systems-level impact, and the integration of emerging research into real-world programming. 

In addition to her leadership and research, Melissa advises nonprofit organizations on strategy, development, and organizational growth. She is known for her strengths as a convener, communicator, and strategic thinker, helping organizations clarify vision, strengthen infrastructure, and scale their impact. Her work is grounded in both lived field experience and a deep commitment to advancing dignity, healing, and long-term outcomes for survivors. 

Melissa holds a Master’s degree from Eastern University and a Bachelor of Arts from American University.