Theresa Flores
Founder of The SOAP Project • Human Trafficking Survivor • TEDx Speaker • Bestselling Author
Meet Theresa Flores
Theresa Flores is an internationally recognized human trafficking survivor, advocate, educator, and founder of The SOAP Project. Through powerful presentations grounded in both personal experience and professional expertise, she educates communities, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, educators, and businesses about the realities of human trafficking in the United States and how it can be prevented.
Her message demonstrates that survivors can move beyond exploitation to create lasting change for others.
Watch Theresa’s TEDx Talk
Nationally Recognized Speaker
Theresa has spoken to audiences across the United States, including:
TEDx
Hundreds of colleges and universities
Law enforcement agencies
Medical and healthcare professionals
State and national conferences
Fundraisers and community organizations
The U.S. Attorney General's Office
State Senate and House committees
She has also appeared on numerous national television programs, including:
The Today Show
CNN
MSNBC
The 700 Club
Crime Watch Daily
For The Record
and many others
Author, Educator, and Advocate
In addition to being a survivor, Theresa is a licensed social worker and holds a master's degree in education. She has authored five books, including two USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestsellers.
Her memoir, The Slave Across the Street, was nominated for an Audie Award as one of the nation's top five biographies and memoirs. The book continues to rank among Amazon's bestselling titles in categories including:
Women's Studies
Child Advocacy
Political & Social Sciences
Gender & Race Relations
Family & Health Law
Theresa's life and advocacy were also featured in the award-winning documentary The Girl Next Door.
A Survivor's Story
As a teenager living in what appeared to be a typical middle-class suburban neighborhood in Michigan, Theresa was groomed, trafficked, and sexually exploited for two years while continuing to live at home.
For decades, she remained silent because of fear, shame, and concern for her family's safety. Today, she shares her story to help others understand that human trafficking happens in communities of every size—not only in large cities, but also in suburban and rural areas across the United States. Her presentations educate audiences about warning signs, prevention, survivor recovery, and the importance of community awareness.
Changing Laws and Saving Lives
Theresa's advocacy has helped change public policy and increase awareness of domestic human trafficking throughout the United States.
Among her many recognitions:
L'Oréal Women of Worth Award
Courage Award presented by Ohio Governor John Kasich
The Theresa Flores Law in Michigan
The Theresa Flores Law eliminated the statute of limitations for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Michigan, allowing survivors to pursue justice whenever they are ready.
Through The SOAP Project and her national speaking engagements, Theresa continues to help communities recognize human trafficking, protect vulnerable youth, and support survivors on their path toward healing.
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The Slave Across the Street tells the true story of Theresa Flores' experience as a victim of human trafficking while living in suburban America. Since its original publication, Theresa has become one of the nation's leading advocates and educators in human trafficking prevention and survivor recovery.
This updated edition explores the lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects of trafficking, offering deeper insight into the complex trauma survivors often face on their journey toward healing.
Also available on Audible.
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In this follow-up to the bestselling book The Slave Across the Street, survivor and bestselling author Theresa Flores teams up with co-author PeggySue Wells to help educate the next generation about the realities of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
Slavery in the Land of the Free provides students with an in-depth look at human trafficking, its impact on victims, and practical ways they can help raise awareness and prevent exploitation.
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The Girl Next Door: The Story of a Human Trafficking Survivor is an award-winning documentary based on Theresa Flores' experience of being trafficked while living in a suburban Michigan community.
The film shares her remarkable journey of survival while educating viewers about the realities of human trafficking in the United States. It is a valuable resource for educators, community groups, and middle and high school students.
Available on Amazon Prime Video.
