Abolitionist Spotlight | Tanner Hensley

This month's featured human trafficking abolitionist is Tanner Hensley! Tanner is a Master's student at Eastern Kentucky University, where he's studying social work. He also received his bachelor's degree in social work from EKU. While searching for a place to complete the practicum required for his degree, a friend suggested that he look into an internship with the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center here in Cincinnati. After some research and interviews, he jumped on board with IJPC as their MSW Intern! Tanner is currently working on a big anti-labor trafficking project, helping to create awareness and promote current legislation to protect and support survivors. Policy and how it can be used to assist or defend people is something Tanner is passionate about, so this work is right up his alley!

When he's not working on his studies or making a difference at IJPC, Tanner can be found at his full-time job, where he trains new foster parents! This kind of work was actually how he first got into the field of social work. He started foster care work immediately out of undergrad. He loved what he did but ended up taking some time off to recharge and explore other opportunities. In February of 2020, he began working at a homeless shelter, reigniting his passion for the social work field. Unfortunately, COVID hit, and he was let go in April 2020. It was during quarantine that he decided to go back to school! His favorite part of his job at IJPC, aside from getting to work closely with policy, is knowing that when he's done, this work will go on! The passion he has for social work is shared by colleagues who will continue to make a difference.