How AnnieCannons is Transforming Careers and Communities

By: Laura Hackney, CEO + Cofounder of AnnieCannons

At Spotlight, we recognize that the fight against human trafficking extends beyond intervention and victim identification. Sustainable solutions require strong, survivor-led pathways in areas like prevention, economic justice, and long-term support. While our focus remains on technology solutions for investigations, we are committed to elevating organizations that support survivors in building secure, independent futures. AnnieCannons is one such organization, bridging the gap between survivorship and sustainable careers through its transformative approach to technical training and job placement.

AnnieCannons: Our Beginnings and Our Vision

“The system that is supposed to support survivors after trafficking is failing. Few have access to services — notably mental health and employment supports — they need to heal and thrive. Likely as a result of all of these factors, survivors are living in poverty or near poverty far too often. ” - Polaris Project, National Survivor Survey

When people ask about the founding of AnnieCannons (AC), I often get the following questions: Why tech? Why these types of roles? The answer is simple. The organization was formed based on the belief that survivors possess incredible potential and that the anti-trafficking movement needs to do more to bridge the gap between survivorship and sustainable financial security.

Trafficking isn’t just about physical movement or coercion. It’s about systems that create inequities, communities that are left fragmented and without access to resources, and survivors who are left with few options for rebuilding their lives. Our team and I realized then that we can create a space that encourages learning, healing, and exploration. We needed to create real, tangible pathways to opportunity for survivors. That realization planted the seed for what would eventually become AnnieCannons. Every individual deserves the opportunity to grow their careers, support their families, and chart their own course.

Adapting to Needs

When we started AnnieCannons, we focused on our technical training, as well as building out a “DevShop” to support our students’ development as developers working on real coding projects. Outside organizations and companies hired AnnieCannons to build their software, and we hired our students. Our students would build their income and their portfolios in a trauma-informed workplace. Win-win-win!

After several years and 65+ software projects, we were able to deliver close to $3.7 million in direct payments to our students as developers. We started to see a problem though. So much of our small organization’s focus and attention was pulled in by the clients who were hiring us, and we weren’t creating enough opportunities for students to launch out of AC and start their own careers in the industry. We wanted to build a pipeline into technical roles outside of AC, including roles in tech-adjacent careers like product management and design. 

In 2022, we launched our new program design that focused our efforts on technical training alongside job readiness, professional development, and placement in technology companies. This holistic approach to economic justice provides a more supportive pathway into a career for our trainees and refocuses our organization on providing the best possible opportunities for our graduates. We did keep the best parts of the DevShop. During the advanced coursework, participants engage with product and engineering teams to build real software for our Lighthouse and ResourceFull platforms. Students become part time employees of AnnieCannons, so that they receive compensation and benefits while they are continuing their learning journey. 

Through training, coaching, and a community of care, survivors of trafficking can establish sustainable technology careers and achieve economic stability for themselves and their families.

Transforming Survivors into Leaders in Tech - One Job At A Time

Our program now focuses on technical training, professional development, mentorship, and paid apprenticeship opportunities, ensuring that graduates transition into the workforce.

In 2025, we are working on several strategic initiatives to help deliver lasting impact. We are committed to scaling our impact and ensuring survivors have access to sustainable career opportunities in tech. That’s why we launched our Seven City Strategy, an initiative designed to establish deep-rooted, survivor-led ecosystems in key cities across the U.S. Through this strategy, we are expanding our coding training, workforce development, and survivor advocacy programs in seven targeted locations, including Atlanta, Dallas, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Memphis, Los Angeles, and Seattle. By working closely with local partners, service providers, and businesses, we are creating pathways for survivors to build economic independence while strengthening the broader fight against trafficking. Each city serves as a hub for long-term systemic change, where survivors are not only equipped with skills but are empowered to lead, mentor, and shape the future of the industry.

Additionally, in 2025, we are launching a pilot program called the ThriveConnect Collaborative. ThriveConnect is a collaborative effort between AnnieCannons, Elevate Academy, and Empowered Network, three leading nonprofits that serve survivors across the country in job readiness. Together, we are creating a tech-enabled ecosystem that connects survivors with top-tier employers committed to inclusive hiring. Survivors will have access to a secure job-tracking platform that streamlines employment opportunities. Additionally, Harvard Business School Community Partners and Impact Rising are providing consulting to help shape the strategic direction of this initiative. Through these partnerships, ThriveConnect is building a national model for survivor career placement, ensuring economic empowerment and long-term success in fields like technology, project management, sales, and human resources.

How Can You Help?

Individuals can support anti-trafficking initiatives like AnnieCannons by advocating for policies that promote economic justice, donating to survivor-led organizations, and raising awareness about ethical hiring practices. Tech professionals, in particular, can mentor survivors, provide internships, and advocate for new hiring pipelines in their workplaces.

Shifting perspectives is essential. Survivors’ lived experiences bring unique insights, and, by investing in their growth, we create a more inclusive and equitable future where survivors thrive as innovators, leaders, and changemakers.

By harnessing the power of technology and community, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed on their own terms.

If you think you know someone who is a victim of human trafficking, reach out to your local police or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888).

If you are inspired by AnnieCannons work, visit their website.