Heidi Alvarez, MA, MBA, is a distinguished leader in the fight against human trafficking with over a decade of experience in non-profit organizational development. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors. In her role as COO, Heidi is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the SAFE Center’s operations, human resources, finance, and administration to ensure that the SAFE Center processes are streamlined and efficient. As Chief of Staff, Heidi advises the Center’s director to develop and implement the center’s strategic plan. Throughout her career, Heidi has demonstrated a commitment to collaborative efforts and strategic planning, working with teams to develop effective solutions for combating human trafficking.

Heidi holds an MBA from the University of Maryland Smith Business School, MA in International Development from the University of Denver and a BA in International Relations from Connecticut College, grounding her work in a solid academic foundation and a deep understanding of global issues. Her combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and compassionate leadership make her a driving force in the fight against human trafficking and an asset to the SAFE Center.