Published
January 30, 2026
Human trafficking remains one of the most urgent human rights crises of our time, impacting tens of millions of people worldwide. In recognition and observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and A21, a leading global anti-human trafficking organization, recognized four companies across two categories for their leadership, achievements, and the measurable impact they are making in the fight against modern-day slavery.
- Counter Forced Labor Technologies
- In-N-Out Burger
- Marriott International, Inc.
- Sanctuary Project
These four businesses were honored during a November 2025 event at the U.S. Chamber's historic headquarters.
Category One: Prevention & Awareness
Counter Forced Labor Technologies
Counter Forced Labor Technologies (CFL) provides companies with
AI-powered tools to identify, assess, and mitigate forced labor risks across complex global supply chains. CFL’s platform, GRAT (Global Rizk Assessment Tool™) , supports organizations of all sizes and industries, from multinational enterprises to regional manufacturers.
By leveraging AI, predictive analytics, and real-time risk mapping, CFL ensures that clients can intervene proactively, rather than reactively, when risk indicators arise.
A major electronics manufacturer used GRAT to identify forced labor indicators in a Tier 2 supplier in Southeast Asia, leading to corrective actions and renegotiated supplier terms based on human rights criteria.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger was recognized for its extraordinary commitment to human trafficking awareness year-round through the ongoing work of its Slave 2 Nothing Foundation.
During their annual campaign, held each January to recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month, restaurant employees across all locations wear pins, distribute informational materials to customers, display signage in drive-thru lanes, and match donations at registers to support organizations working with human trafficking survivors. In addition to In-N-Out 's annual campaign, it continuously demonstrates commitment to awareness and prevention through reporting materials posted in all restroom stalls and employee training.
Category Two: Survivor Empowerment
Marriott International, Inc.
Since 2019, Marriott International has supported the University of Maryland’s Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment (SAFE) Center’s Economic Empowerment program. In collaboration with the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, Marriott International piloted a hospitality training program with the SAFE Center, which has since trained 40 clients.
The partnership has expanded to offer hospitality training for survivors nationwide, with support from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation. Marriott International also donates clothing and essential items to survivors in the program.
Sanctuary Project
As a survivor leader, Holly Christine Hayes founded the Sanctuary Project to create spaces where trafficking survivors can heal and receive employment opportunities.
The model offers paid job training in jewelry production, packaging, fulfillment, and quality control.
Participants also receive mentoring, trauma-informed coaching, and are paired with peer-support recovery coaches who meet with them regularly to set goals and address challenges. The program has served 47 survivors with a 92% long-term success rate.
Sanctuary Project’s social enterprise jewelry line, Sanctuaire, sells their products through Sanctuaire shop and target.com, and opened its first flagship store in the Nashville, TN area in 2025.
These four organizations demonstrate that businesses across all sectors can play a vital role in combating human trafficking. Their innovative approaches to prevention, awareness, and survivor empowerment serve as models for corporate responsibility and meaningful impact in the fight against modern-day slavery.
About the author
Michael Billet
Michael Billet, director of policy research for Employment Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, keeps members and internal Chamber policy staff abreast of pending labor, immigration, and health care legislation, as well as federal regulatory and subregulatory activities. He is also responsible for planning the Chamber’s annual workplace and community wellness forum.
