The FBI New Orleans Field Office is proud to announce Jennifer Paul Ray will receive the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award at a ceremony next week in Washington, DC. Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. will join Ray at the event that celebrates outstanding accomplishments by individuals in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

“Ms. Ray is Covenant House’s Coordinator for the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force, which is a coalition committed to assisting the FBI’s mission in the prevention of human trafficking. She brings years of care and compassion to victims of human trafficking,” said Williams.

In her role as Coordinator, Jennifer Paul Ray has led the collaborative efforts that resulted in the 2022-2025 Sustainability Plan for the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force guaranteeing continued efforts through 2025. Jennifer continually promotes the collaborative and coordinated, victim-centered and trauma-informed, anti-human trafficking response. Ms. Ray supports efforts to bring much needed, urgent services to identified victims of human trafficking at all hours of the day and night.

Ms. Ray believes that by expanding the engagement of multi-agency and multi-disciplinary actors this will strengthen the response to human trafficking and the FBI’s efforts. She leads a team of more than 85 member organizations from different sectors including law enforcement, social services, legal services, medical services, and research institutions.

Ms. Ray has hosted training for community members, conducted outreach activities, and provided services to victims and survivors of human trafficking. Ms. Ray brings a unified voice in New Orleans by partnering with the FBI to render aid and emergency services to victims of human trafficking such as immediate housing, backpacks with necessities, comfort items, transportation, and healthcare services.

The award presentation will take place Friday, May 5, 2023. The Director’s Community Leadership Award was created in 1990 to honor citizens who understand the FBI’s mission and go out of their way to help agents protect the American people. Information about the award and past recipients can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/outreach/dcla.