Jacksonville
2013 Director’s Community Leadership Awards
Jacksonville | Michelle Clowe |
The Jacksonville Division honors Michelle Clowe for her service, leadership, and significant contributions to the communities of northeast Florida. Mrs. Clowe currently serves as the reception and placement coordinator for World Relief Jacksonville, where she has helped nearly 500 refugees each year receive housing, medical care, and assistance assimilating to American culture. Mrs. Clowe is also co-chair for the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition. Under her leadership, she has been instrumental in establishing a three-tier approach to assisting trafficking victims, which includes a community action team, law enforcement, and a victim service provider group. The coalition meets monthly to collaborate on issues regarding victims of human trafficking as well as refugees who are resettling in Florida. Mrs. Clowe provides advocacy, referrals, and support to victims, coordinating with the Department of Children and Families, the Child Protection Team, the Florida Coastal Law Clinic, faith-based organizations, and others to ensure that international victims are extended the same rights and protections as domestic victims of human trafficking. Mrs. Clowe is considered an expert on the state of human trafficking in northeast Florida. She is often contacted by the media and is invited to speak at forums and events on both labor and sex trafficking issues. During National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Mrs. Clowe, along with other victim advocates, helps to organize and manage events within her community. |