Elizabeth Pfenning currently serves as a Senior Program Associate and Trainer with Polaris Project’s Executive Management Team and National Training & Technical Assistance Program (NTTAP).  Her core responsibilities include liaising with local and Federal task forces, developing and delivering tailored curriculum and resource materials to diverse audiences, conducting research on criminal elements related to human trafficking, assisting with a variety of special projects under our national programs, and overseeing the Fellowship Program. 

Prior to becoming full-time staff, she served as a fellow with both Development and the Executive Management Team in 2009.

In addition to conducting undergraduate research on immigration and the role of “sanctuary policies” in cities across the United States, Ms. Pfenning is passionate about combating violence against women, particularly among marginalized communities.  While abroad, she also acquired experience advocating for the rights of refugees and migrant laborers. 

Ms. Pfenning graduated magna cum laude from Colgate University with a B.A. in Sociology & Anthropology and Classical Studies.  She has also studied at Loyola University of Chicago’s John Felice Rome Center in Italy.