TESTIMONIALS
“I have worked with Joy Friedman for over 15 years as a valued research collaborator. Most recently, for the last 5 years she has served on a survivor-centered advisory group that co-creates and vets a complex research project to develop mathematical models that identify potential sex trafficking disruptions. This is cutting-edge transdisciplinary research. Ms. Friedman is insightful, brilliant, and consistent. She deeply understands the math models and translates real-world insights to make the models more realistic and therefore better. I deeply value Ms. Friedman's expertise and committed actions to making the world a better place.”
— Lauren Martin, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota
“Joy Friedman, a seasoned survivor leader and speaker with decades of experience, delivers captivating and honest presentations that create a powerful connection with audiences. Her transparency and authenticity foster empathy and trust, encouraging a supportive community. As a knowledgeable leader, Joy empowers listeners with insights to navigate challenges, leaving a profound impact and inspiring positive change".
— Cynthia Luvlee, Founder | CEO Shyne™
“Joy is a valuable member of AEquitas’ Just Exits Advisory Council providing training and technical assistance on complex topics related to sex trafficking, exploitation, forced criminality, and co-occurring intimate partner violence. Joy has improved our development and delivery of training and technical assistance to prosecutors, law enforcement, and allied professionals. Her insight provides professionals with practical strategies to implement trauma-informed and victim-centered responses to victims and survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation.”
— AEquitas team
“It has been my honor and pleasure to work with Joy over the last several years. Having co-presented with Joy at dozens of trainings, in front of various audiences, I can attest that she has a unique ability to educate and advocate with humor, insight, and (of course) JOY!”
— Jane Anderson, AEquitas
"Joy Friedman is a powerhouse. Her energy and passion light up every room, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and action. With a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise, she brings real, tangible solutions to every event. Her insights ensure that all intersectionality has a clear starting point for meaningful, lasting change. An invaluable voice in any space."
— Rebecca Bender
“Joy is my go-to person for advice, particularly in direct services and program management. Her consulting has been instrumental in my success in the sober home business. Joy is refreshingly honest, always telling you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. She's not only a fantastic consultant but also a great friend and colleague—brave, unafraid of challenges, and a key factor in my achievements”.
— Jennifer Gaines, Founder/Director of JCS Affective Sober Living
“Joy Friedman was a phenomenal outreach worker and advocate when I as Chief of Police in St. Paul partnered with her and Breaking Free. Joy and Breaking Free were the voices of responsible compassion that guided our efforts to reduce the frequency of prostituted women on the streets of St. Paul. Together with Joy we addressed the demand by hosting John's school and created new and innovative programs to address the myriads of personal social challenges that draw young people into the street and that are often so difficult to overcome in saving the survivors”.
— John M. Harrington, Former St. Paul Police Chief and Commissioner of MN Department of Safety
“I have had the pleasure of working with Joy for the past several years on a large research team that brings together people from all backgrounds, including those with lived experience and academic researchers. She has been a critical piece of the success of the team. Joy presents the truths and realities of sex trafficking in a compassionate, accessible, and ethical way with an eye towards helping individuals that have experienced it heal and helping disrupt the systems that have enable it to continue to exist".
— Thomas Sharkey, PhD, Professor of Industrial Engineering, Clemson University
Loyalty is a cornerstone of Joy's character. In both professional and personal relationships, she has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to her commitments, colleagues, and friends. Her reliability and trustworthiness make her a true friend and an individual one can always count on. Joy has faced and overcome numerous challenges in her life, showcasing her resilience and strength of character. Her ability to navigate adversity with grace and determination is truly inspiring. Despite the obstacles she has encountered, Joy remains focused on her goals and continues to pursue success with an unwavering spirit.
As a leader, Joy effortlessly assumes the role of guide and mentor, inspiring those around her to reach their full potential. Her leadership style is characterized by a balance of compassion and decisiveness, creating an environment where individuals feel empowered and motivated to excel”.
— Terry Forliti, International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Committee
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Joy Friedman on a number of projects for TAT, including survivor-leader focus groups, in-person presentations and trainings, filming for our law enforcement module training and collaborating on some PSAs for TAT and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) with a CBS Community Cares grant. Joy is a joy. She brings her very authentic self to each project and is professional, on time, adaptable and thoughtful. She survived 22 years of “the life” and has spent all her years since educating, helping and empowering others to help end this crime. She is both tough and kind at the same time. You can trust what she says, and what she says she’ll do. I have enjoyed working with her, and I look forward to future projects!”
— Kylla Lanier, TAT Deputy Director, Senior Director of Public Sector Engagement
“I am writing to recommend Joy Friedman who has Worked with me on many projects. Some of the more recent things we have worked on are Trainings, curriculum, Consulting work, Policy, proceJoy is a valuable member of AEquitas’ Just Exits Advisory Council providing training and technical assistance on complex topics related to sex trafficking, exploitation, forced criminality, and co-occurring intimate partner violence. Joy has improved our development and delivery of training and technical assistance to prosecutors, law enforcement, and allied professionals. Her insight provides professionals with practical strategies to implement trauma-informed and victim-centered responses to victims and survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation.dure, best practices, Group facilitation and youth Mentoring.
While working with Joy she showed Outstanding leadership skills, Extensive Knowledge on multiple topics and Temperance.
Joy is an exceptional subject matter expert and can keep her audience engaged, she brings authenticity, integrity, enthusiasm, Courage and Humanity, all of which you need for being a Subject matter expert. Even as an expert Joy remains teachable and innovative! I wouldn't Hesitate to Work with Joy or hire her for a Training, facilitator, consulting, or just to be the leader she is.”
—Lateesha Coleman, Founder of Survivor’s For System’s Change
“I have worked with Joy in multiple capacities for nearly 20 years. Joy is a trustworthy, talented, powerhouse who has expertise on many topics and the ability to read a room and know exactly how to reach them. I highly recommend Joy, and it has been an honor to work with her all these years!”
– Heather Caillier, President, Ascend Consulting, Inc.