United States Anti-Slavery Organization
A national human rights movement dedicated to confronting America’s history of Slavery and ending its modern legacy through education, civic engagement, and collective action.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Tristan Matthew Chen
CEO, Chairman of Board
Tristan is an abolitionist, purpose-driven leader, and human rights activist committed to equity, innovation, and combating modern slavery and unjust incarceration in America.
With a strong foundation in social impact and clear organizational development, Tristan has worked across education, philanthropy, and grassroots activism to empower underserved communities and confront institutional injustice.
Previously served as an assistant supporting managing directors and partners within Goldman Sachs Asset Wealth Management division in New York City. With critical thinking and collaborative leadership, and an unwavering dedication to justice, Tristan plays a key role in leading the USASO and national initiatives that bridge policy, storytelling, and educational peaceful community organization action.
Gettysburg College '20
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Ben Tingle
Director
Ben is a transformation leader and strategic advisor with a proven track record across the public and private sectors. A former senior consultant at McKinsey & Company, Ben has been serving as an independent advisor, partnering with organizations navigating complex transformations across industries including technology, financial services, biotech, and the public and social sectors.
With deep expertise in strategy development, operating model design, organizational design, tech optimization, change management, and customer experience, Ben is passionate about helping organizations evolve and thrive amid disruption. His human-centric approach to transformation is
grounded in real-world experience and a pragmatic understanding of what drives sustainable change.
Before entering the world of management consulting, Ben served as Chief Operating Officer of a defense contractor, where he led the company through a tenfold growth trajectory and oversaw all core business functions—from operations to finance, HR, and compliance.
Ben started his career in the U.S. Federal Government, holding pivotal roles within the Intelligence Community, which include the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA). As a business intelligence manager and later an advisor during a White House transition, he developed a strong foundation in national security, economic policy, and cross-agency strategic planning.
Today, Ben combines his private-sector insight with public-sector experience to advise on the intersection of technology, national security, and public policy. He is very passionate about the role of artificial intelligence in public policy and he continues to contribute thought leadership in this rapidly evolving space.
Dethra Giles
Director
Dethra is a recognized expert in leadership, workplace culture, and business transformation.
With a track record of success working with Fortune 500 companies, including the NBA, LVMH, and Goldman Sachs, she delivers high-impact keynotes that drive measurable change.
Her expertise in leadership development, conflict resolution, and diversity and inclusion makes her the ideal choice for critical organizations looking to build high performing and resilient teams.
A TEDx speaker, and a leadership strategist, Dethra combines research-driven insights with real world experience to provide the actionable strategies that empower leaders and employees alike.
Founder of ExecuPrep, she has trained and coached leaders across all industries, equipping them with the tools to navigate work- place challenges, foster innovation, and drive business success. Her dynamic keynotes also challenge outdated leadership models and offer fresh, effective solutions that organizations can implement.
Her work with top institutions, including Goldman Sachs 10KSB and the Tory Burch Program, has shaped the careers of countless executives and entrepreneurs. Her vision is to create evolutionary change globally, impacting communities and fostering inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Jimmy Robinson
Director
Jimmy is the Founder of PingPong Digital an award-winning full service Chinese digital marketing agency based in the US, UK and China.
As an official partner with Alipay, Weibo, WeChat, and ByteDance, PingPong Digital and Jimmy have worked with hundreds of education clients on their Chinese market strategy and is seen as an industry leader in the Chinese education market. In the US, they work with clients such as Columbia University, Purdue, Harvard Business School, Miami University, amongst others.
A seasoned digital strategist and cross-cultural marketing expert specializing in helping Western brands expand into the Chinese market. With over a decade of experience in transformation, e-commerce, and international brand development, Jimmy plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic vision
and delivering results-driven campaigns for recognized clients across the entire globe.
Jimmy has worked with Fortune 500 companies, government trade organizations, and high-growth
startups, guiding them through brand localization, influencer marketing, and omnichannel digital growth. His leadership has helped PingPong Digital earn accolades for its creativity, cultural fluency, and
measurable ROI. Passionate about bridging East and West through technology and storytelling, Jimmy regularly speaks at international conferences on topics such as cross-border e-commerce, digital innovation, and the future of global branding.
He is a champion of ethical marketing, youth empowerment, and digital inclusion. Outside the office, Jimmy is an avid traveler, lifelong learner, and advocate for inclusive tech education.
Beverly Bennett-Roberts
Director
Beverly is a professor at the University of the District of Columbia, a nationally recognized Educational Consultant, and a leading Equity and Diversity Specialist with over three decades of experience transforming systems and advancing equitable practices within education. She has been at the forefront of professional development for educators, administrators, parents, and students across the United States and Canada.
Her work centers around culturally responsive education, closing the achievement gap, and building inclusive learning communities. Beverly brings deep expertise in team-building, diversity awareness, effective communication, cultural
literacy, sensitivity, self-discovery, and student family engagement. A former classroom teacher and middle school administrator, she holds four certifications in Special Education as well as a secondary principal’s license.
Beverly's respect and admiration for those dedicated to the well-being of children are reflected in her tireless commitment to equity and professional excellence. She has delivered transformational training in over 20 states, including Arizona, California, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Minnesota—and has been invited to work with numerous
organizations, including: District of Columbia State Board of Education, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Office of Water, Science, and Technology), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Loudoun County
Government & NAACP, The HOPE Foundation, George Mason University, George Washington
University, Indiana University, University of Central Missouri, Augsburg College, and others.
She is a passionate advocate for youth leadership and has worked closely with the National Future Educators Association and holds a proud legacy with Phi Delta Kappa International, one of the oldest teaching organizations in the world. Former development strategist US Capitol Police. In recognition of her dedication, she received the 2008 Excellence in Education and Exemplary Service Award from the Loudoun County NAACP.
Crawford Oswald
Director, Secretary
Crawford is an organizational and business developer with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and forging strategic partnerships across the marketing and ecommerce landscapes. In his role as Strategic Account Executive at Uptick, he collaborates with enterprise clients to unlock performance through AI-powered insights and innovative sales enablement solutions.
Every approach is rooted in understanding client challenges and delivering tailored, data-informed strategies that yield measurable outcomes. Previously, Crawford worked at Revenue Roll, a high-performance marketing platform focused on helping ecommerce brands. He led growth strategy and business development efforts, leveraging behavioral data to support critical processes and crafting conversion strategies across all marketing channels.
Crawford spent several years at Wunderkind, where he played a key role in scaling the platform’s impact for global ecommerce leaders. He began his career at IRN – The Reuse Network, where he managed large-scale projects and stakeholder engagement. His experience there instilled in him a deep appreciation for mission-driven work and effective operational coordination.
With a versatile background spanning SaaS, ecommerce, and social impact, Crawford brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, relationship management, and revenue-focused execution to every role he takes on. His ability to see and understand impactful growth opportunities and turn them into long-term value, makes him a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.
Austin Allen
Director, Vice President
Austin is a dynamic media sales and account management professional at The Walt Disney Company, where he plays a key role in overseeing high-value partnerships across the ESPN network.
With a strong focus on revenue optimization and client satisfaction, Austin manages advertising deals
across ESPN, ESPN2, Deportes, and ABC Sports, representing millions in revenue from brands such as Hershey, Safelite, Lionsgate, BET, Sleep Number, Live Nation, Little Caesars, CBS/Paramount+, Golden Corral, Peloton, Kohl’s, Showtime. In his role, Austin collaborates cross-functionally with several internal departments—including the traffic team, Sports Brand Solutions, scheduling, and Revenue Yield Management—to ensure seamless
campaign execution and alignment with client objectives. He serves as a Disney trusted point of contact for agencies, ensuring ad units are delivered accurately, budgets are fully optimized, and campaign performance meets expectations. Austin also manages all ESPN network accounts with a sharp focus on achieving fiscal goals and
maintaining the integrity of pricing and CPM consistency. He works closely with other sales team members to safeguard revenue continuity and deliver exceptional client service across the board.
With a keen understanding of the media landscape and a results-oriented mindset, Austin delivers strategic value to both internal teams and external partners. Passionate about human rights activism and voice for change.
Richard Allen
Special Advisor to Board
Richard was a Local Principal lawyer in Baker McKenzie’s Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration Practice Groups, based in Singapore. He trained and practiced for eight years in the Firm’s London office before relocating to Asia in 2016. He is pursuing his doctorate at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies currently.
Richard has extensive experience advising clients across industries such as oil, gas, construction, mining, financial services, and consumer goods on complex cross-border disputes and international investment matters. His practice spans commercial and investment arbitration, litigation, and public international law, often involving government actions affecting foreign and direct investments across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America.
He was a member of Baker McKenzie’s Energy, Mining & Infrastructure and Industrials, Manufacturing, Transportation Global Industry Groups, in which Richard represented Fortune 500 global clients in major critical arbitration and adjudication proceedings involving energy projects, post-M&A disputes, and sovereign immunity issues arising from their contracts with local and national governments, state-owned enterprises, as well as financial institutions.
During his time in London, he managed the Firm’s pro bono relationship with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and contributed to several landmark human rights cases before the UK Supreme Court and European courts.
Meet Our Team
Bernadette Agano
Chief Advocacy Officer
After surviving human trafficking and Slavery, to leading the fight against it, Bernadette shares her incredibly powerful journey of transformation and advocacy for justice.
In her work with Free the Slaves in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bernadette has directly empowered fellow survivors, influenced policies, and helped build a global national survivor network. Her own incredible personal story overcoming Slavery in the 21st century, is a clear testament to resilience, solidarity, and the urgent need for action in the fight against all forms of modern Slavery.
Almost every single smart phone, computer, electric battery, has cobalt or other critical minerals mined by Child Slaves in Congo. The entire supply chain is dirty and multi-national corporations and governments have knowingly been taking advantage of the situation for decades. As a survivor leader advocate, Bernadette is here to make a powerful statement for peace, justice, freedom, and liberation. By helping end Slavery and unjust incarceration in America, she understands the implications that the USASO will have internationally on a global scale.
Bernadette has had the privilege not only to have a seat at the table, but also to bring chairs for other survivors. From participating in forums, actively contributing to survivor recommendations for inclusion in the Alliance 8.7 roadmap, and activist training in the Survivor Leadership Academy, the pathway is now open for other survivors, and for people from all walks of life, to follow courageously in her footsteps, and to join the fight against modern Slavery.
Morgan Unger
Chief Development Officer
Morgan brings the focus to advancing organizational growth and community impact. With a strong background in development, outreach, and humanitarian service, Morgan leads initiatives that connect people, resources, and purpose to create lasting change.
She has experience in development, donor engagement, having coordinated outreach campaigns, cultivated partnerships, and supported major fundraising efforts to strengthen community programs. Her leadership emphasizes relationship-building, transparency, and strategic communication—ensuring that every project reflects the USASO's values and vision.
Morgan is a passionate advocate for social progress and equity, Morgan’s career reflects her commitment to empowering individuals and communities through access, advocacy, and opportunity. She has worked alongside diverse teams to address employment barriers, support vulnerable populations, and promote inclusive, community-centered growth. She leads with integrity, empathy, and a results-oriented mindset—dedicated to building sustainable networks of support that expand the organization’s reach and deepen its impact.
Sunbul Ahadi
Chief Research Officer
Sunbul leads national and international research efforts to end modern Slavery, advocate for human rights, and support evidence-based abolitionist policies.
Born and raised in Afghanistan, Sunbul’s journey to Gettysburg College embodies her courage, resilience, and an absolute lifelong commitment to justice. As a passionate advocate for women’s rights and human freedom, she has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized voices and confronting systems of cruel oppression—especially those perpetuated through Slavery and the global exploitation of women and children.
Sunbul has experience working at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., contributing to historical research and data management that have helped preserve and share knowledge on human rights, law, and social progress. She has helped guide students in academic research and critical inquiry. She is an activist, using her digital platforms to advocate for women’s rights around the world.
Working with the Afghanistan Peace & Justice Organization, the Eisenhower Institute, and the Seashore Trolley Museum, she developed multimedia storytelling and research skills that have strengthened her human rights work today.
Sunbul’s leadership at USASO reflects her belief that education, research, and activism must work hand in hand to build a more just and free world. Her courage and compassion continue to inspire others to join the fight for true abolition and equality.
Community Organization
We believe that education is the foundation of liberation. Through community dialogue, historical truth-telling, and civic literacy initiatives, we help people understand the connections between America’s past and present injustices — from slavery’s constitutional loophole to the modern prison system and economic inequality. Knowledge empowers change, and every informed citizen becomes a catalyst for progress.
Peaceful Civic Engagement
Our work is grounded in peaceful civic engagement. We train and mobilize individuals to participate actively in democracy — through voting, advocacy, public service, and organizing — with respect, compassion, and courage. By bringing people together across differences, we promote unity, accountability, and a shared commitment to human rights and dignity for all.
Critical Public Awareness
USASO raises critical public awareness of the hidden systems that perpetuate racial and economic injustice. We expose the truth about how corporate interests, laws, and institutions sustain modern forms of slavery and exploitation — and we inspire communities to demand change. Through art, journalism, education, and civic action, we transform awareness into movement. We envision an America where justice is not conditional, freedom is not selective, and equality is not postponed. Our mission is to make that vision real — through education, peace, and the power of an informed, united people.
65%
65% of incarcerated people (about 800,000 workers) are forced to work, often for little or no pay (AFSC/ACLU, 2022).
13th Amendment Slavery loophole:
The amendment prohibits Slavery “except as punishment for crime” — creating the foundation for modern prison labor exploitation.
38%
Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population but 38% of the prison population (NAACP).
Black individuals are 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession despite equal usage rates with whites (ACLU, 2020).
60%
Over 60% of incarcerated workers report being forced to work under threat of punishment, including solitary confinement, loss of family visits, or denial of parole opportunities (AFSC survey, 2022).
Pioneering Research and Innovation
Advancing Knowledge and Transforming Lives
