Jay Benke

Jay Benke is a Gender-Based Violence and Human Trafficking Specialist and uses this expertise in her work as a consultant, trainer, public speaker, author, mentor, curriculum developer, content creator, graphic designer, and fact-check editor. She is the owner of Clever Human, LLC, and the creator of The Network, a comprehensive directory connecting survivors, advocates, allies, and stakeholders committed to the work of supporting victims and survivors. Jay is also a National Engagement Specialist for the Sex Trade Survivor Caucus (STSC), an all-survivor organization that supports survivors in shaping policy and legislation. She is a faculty member at Elevate Academy, the largest human trafficking survivor school in the U.S., and consults for both the public and private sectors.

Bringing a unique intersectional perspective as a disability and LGBTQ2SIA+ advocate, Jay focuses on championing the rights of marginalized communities and advancing solutions in criminal justice reform, demand reduction, survivor equity and inclusion, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.

Among her many roles, Jay serves on the Oregon DOJ Human Trafficking Intervention Advisory Committee, contributes to the Oregon DOJ Research & Data Committee, consults with the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign, and advises the Trafficking Law Center. She is also part of the Multnomah County Community Sexual Violence Community Advisory Board and Multnomah County's Sex Trafficking Collaborative Executive Committee.

Outside of advocacy, Jay is pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity to use her tech skills in the fight against human trafficking.