Shamere McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer
Shamere McKenzie is a distinguished consultant with the United Nations and various U.S. government agencies, a passionate activist, and an internationally recognized speaker specializing in human trafficking. Leveraging her lived experience and expertise, she transforms adversity into advocacy, driving systemic change and advancing policies that promote justice, protection, and meaningful survivor inclusion nationally and globally.
As the CEO of Sun Gate Foundation, an anti-trafficking organization, Shamere passionately channels her commitment to education and policy into providing survivors of human trafficking with essential educational opportunities. Her influential role extends to the Maryland State Human Trafficking Task Force, where she co-chairs the victim’s services committee.
Beyond her impact in the United States, Shamere responded to a call from the Ministry of Justice in her birthplace, Jamaica, and holds the distinguished title of the first appointed Anti-Human Trafficking Ambassador for Jamaica since 2018.
Drawing on her experiences as a former Program Director, Shamere authored a groundbreaking anti-trafficking program and oversaw an emergency residential program for adult survivors. She is a sought-after resource, having trained various professionals, including the FBI, Homeland Security, and Bureau of Diplomatic Security, as well as personnel from churches, hotels, and airlines, on identifying and responding to human trafficking victims.
Shamere’s compelling narrative, rooted in her lived experiences with sex trafficking, has been featured in several books, documentaries, and media outlets, serving as an impactful educational tool. Her most recent documentary, “False Promises,” released in 2018 on the island of Aruba, specifically addresses sex trafficking awareness among Caribbean youth.
In 2015 Shamere graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She actively contributes to various boards, advisory boards, and speaker’s bureaus and has garnered numerous awards in recognition of her outstanding work.
Shamere’s unwavering determination, passion for success, and faith in Jesus Christ serve as guiding principles, reinforcing her commitment to the cause. Refusing to be labeled a victim or survivor, she proudly identifies as a liberator—breaking free from the chains of her past to pave the way for others who have endured enslavement.