WHO WE ARE
WE ARE DISRUPTORS
We have noticed two types of people in this world. The people that believe 1 person can change the world, and the people that ask themselves “what can 1 person really do?”. We believe in the power of 1 AND the power of many. The 1 Collective brings both types of people together to unite them under one cause where we can make a greater impact on human trafficking individually and as a whole group; DISRUPTING the chains of one of the largest problems the world faces today… human trafficking.
Karen Heard, CEO
Karen has always felt passionate about bringing people together to fight for a common good. After a trip to Cambodia in 2015 where Karen witnessed the horrors of human trafficking first hand, the idea that has now developed into The 1 Collective was born. Karen lives with her family in the Atlanta area where she enjoys kayaking, hiking, collecting historical art, and spending quality time with her family.
Anna Heard, Executive Director
In 2017 Anna visited Cambodia with a team led by Karen Heard. Since then Anna has had a heart for the communities and people of the nations. As Executive Director Anna will be helping to break the chain through coordinating field visits, overseeing fundraising, and making sure that every member of The 1 Collective is informed, seen, and heard.
“I am passionate about the fight against human trafficking and it is my joy to be a part of The 1 Collective’s efforts to break the chain. Our partners are passionate, dedicated, loving people that work hard to prevent trafficking in their communities, and I strongly believe in supporting them in any way that we can.”
Project Cambodia Staff:
Sony Meas, Project Cambodia Director
Sony has worked tirelessly for over a decade to improve the lives of the people in Cambodia. With a master’s degree in Rural Development Management, Sony has created programs that work to end poverty and has fostered deep relationships with those in his community. Sony wears many hats for The 1 Collective including teaching English and other classes to over 200 children in the community, managing our Cambodia Sponsorship Program, coaching 4 soccer teams, driving students to and from school, providing medical and food assistance to villages around his, counseling parents, and so much more. He and his wife, Kim, have two daughters and live in the Kdhey Takoy village outside of Phnom Penh.
Kim Meas, English Teacher
Kim is the lead teacher for English classes provided through Project Cambodia. She has taught English through Project Cambodia for the past four years, and with the assistance of Sony and students from the Sponsorship Program, now teaches English to over 200 children every day of the week. Kim never stops mothering and caring for the children in her community and the villages around her, and is highly respected and loved. Kim is married to Sony Meas and they have two daughters, Rebekah and Angel, and live in the Kdhey Takoy village outside of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“To serve and work with children is the best privilege in my life.”
Project North Africa Staff:
Lauren Byers, Dar Al Shifa House Director
Lauren was the founder of Dar Al Shifa (House of Healing) in 2014, and now serves as the Director of the Transition Home. As a licensed counselor and having lived in North Africa for over 8 years she is uniquely gifted to guide young girls out of vulnerability and into safe independence. Lauren is in the home daily working alongside the House Moms to create an environment of healing, learning, growing, dreaming, and freedom for each girl that passes through the home.
Constance Dobbs, Dar Amal House Director
Constance is the founder and director of Dar Amal (House of Hope). Constance has lived in North Africa for the past 5 years fostering the connections and relationships needed to start a transition home in North Africa. The 1 Collective came alongside Constance in 2022 as a financial partner, and we are excited to help foster the beginning of Dar Amal. Constance is an energetic, passionate, caring, and thoughtful woman, and is just the person to start a Transition Home for young, unwed, pregnant women in North Africa.
**We cannot adequately champion the staff and partners that we work alongside. We are honored and grateful to get to partner with each of them to create lasting and meaningful change in the lives of so many women and children in their communities. Without their hard work, passion, and dedication none of this would be possible.**
Board of Directors
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Karen Heard
FOUNDER
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Alex Williams
TREASURER
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Leslie Turville
SECRETARY
