From a hut in Cambodia to a global network combating human trafficking

Supporting the supporters is a key ethos that powers IWD GIVING.

Nomi Network works to end human trafficking by creating pathways to safe employment, empowering women and girls to break cycles of exploitation in their families and communities and rewrite the narratives for future generations. 

So how did Nomi Network's story begin?

In a small hut in rural Cambodia and, thanks to the work of three driven women, Nomi Network grew into an impactful organization empowering survivors of human trafficking and vulnerable women through life-changing support and economic opportunities. 

Determined to end cycles of exploitation

Diana Mao Kelly was traveling throughout rural Cambodia doing research on the impact of micro-finance for these communities. While conducting surveys in a small village, she met a single father with seven children. The family was living in desperate poverty with little food, no running water, and few opportunities to earn an income. 

At the end of the visit, the father offered his six-year-old daughter for sale to Diana’s male colleague. Looking into his eyes, she saw his grief and desperation to do something, anything, to try and care for his family. Hunger, poverty, and lack of opportunity drove this father to do the unthinkable. 

This was a pivotal moment for Diana. She, like most people, believed trafficking was exclusively from criminal networks. Instead, she realized that trafficking and exploitation of women and girls begins in homes ravaged by poverty and lack of opportunities. Diana was determined to find a way to economically empower women to end cycles of exploitation. 

Building a network takes a team

Diana, and co-founders Supei Liu [pictured above] and Alissa Moore learned all they could about trafficking. They conducted research trips to Cambodia to listen to women and find opportunities. In their living rooms, late into the night, they worked with other volunteers to create a solution. 

The founders had expertise and connections in fashion and retail, and from that, the first Nomi Network program idea was formed. Women could earn an income by making products such as bags, jewelry, ornaments and other items. Nomi Network would provide training on how to make high-quality products and connect them to markets for sale at a fair price.

Supei Liu moved to Cambodia to help get the program running. While working with the women, she discovered more was needed beyond technical training. Women needed to find their confidence and self-agency and have an opportunity to take on a new mindset. A mindset whereby they valued themselves as capable and having a voice. By listening to the women and what they needed, Supei helped create the first life skills training for the program.

Growing Nomi's network

Through a State Department grant, Nomi Network was able to expand to India. Nomi Network now has a full Workforce Development Program in India and Cambodia. Women find income solutions or employment that works for them. When women asked for ways to prevent their daughters and nieces from enduring the same exploitation or early marriage they did, Nomi Network created the Adolescent Girls Empowerment Program.

In the U.S., Nomi Network now serves justice-involved youth and survivors of trafficking in Dallas and adult women in Houston. Nomi Network has partnered with more than 30 corporations and businesses and many community-based organizations to bring employment and training to the places with the most risks and the fewest opportunities for women.  

Helping women reach their fullest potential

Nomi Network remains true to its founding story. Nomi Network believes every woman can reach her fullest potential despite her history, circumstances or environment. Nomi Network also understands the unique challenges trafficking survivors and vulnerable women face because we listen to them. Nomi Network creates a network around every woman with a focus on finding concrete economic solutions and strengthening social and emotional skills.

Until every girl and woman can reach her full potential and be free from trafficking and exploitation, Nomi Network remains committed to this work.

Help build a world where women and girls are free

Why not consider supoprting Nomi Network's mission as a donation helps fund training programs, provide stipends, and creates sustainable futures for women in Cambodia.

You can help Nomi Network end human trafficking through economic empowerment.