Bella is a fierce advocate of anti-trafficking initiatives to combat and abolish human trafficking. As a survivor herself, she understands the adverse impact of trafficking. This empathy has guided her career and interests to support policies that contribute to supporting victims as they navigate life after victimization.

Bella is a trainer, advisor, and keynote speaker on Human Trafficking and Mental Health. As a former member of the White House Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, Ms.Hounakey contributed to the landmark Executive Order on Combating Human Trafficking and Online Child Exploitation and leads trafficking education and victim advocacy initiatives. She is currently employed at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) where she oversees policy initiatives regarding migrants.

Bella currently serves on two Human Trafficking Council- she’s a member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and Framework, a training and technical assistance project aimed at building capacity to address labor trafficking in the United States.

Her goals remain steadfast: raise awareness, reduce the risk of victimization, educate members of the judicial system and general public, and advocate for victim protection and treatment.

Bella received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish; and a Master’s degree from Western Michigan University.