MARY TANAGHO ROSS

Dynamic nonprofit executive leader with a proven track record in human rights law, dedicated to amplifying survivor voices and driving impactful change. Expertise in combating forced labor and human trafficking, leveraging strategic partnerships and advocacy to create long-term systemic change. Committed to fostering inclusive environments that empower marginalized communities and promote social justice. Passionate about transforming systems to end exploitation.

Certificate in Nonprofit Management

• Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai, Pasadena, CA August 2012 – February 2018 Litigated international human rights cases in supply chain accountability matters on behalf of victims of human trafficking and forced labor; represented individuals in claims of human trafficking in international litigation under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the Alien Torts Statute (Ratha v. Phatthana, Case No. 18-55041 (9th Cir. 2018)); worked in Cambodia to investigate human rights violations and gather evidence in support of claims of forced labor and human trafficking; worked closely with clients in various phases of litigation, including defending and taking depositions and appearing in state and federal court; hired, supervised and mentored law students and attorneys. Class counsel in Dukes v. Wal-Mart, Case No. C-01-2252-CRB (N.D. Cal. 2013), on behalf of a class of thousands of women in gender discrimination claims.
• Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law September 2023 – September 2024 Served as a consultant and expert to the Institute on scaling their access to justice programs in Uganda and preparing best practices for a staff of Ugandan Attorneys; traveled to Uganda to supervise the work of American and Ugandan law students and attorneys. Helped launch the first public defender’s office in Uganda.
• UCLA International Justice Clinic, Los Angeles, CA August 2010 - May 2011 Traveled to Liberia to conduct research and interview government officials, NGO workers, and others working with child victims of sexual violence and gender-based violence. Prepared a manual of best practices for the protection of victim-witnesses of gender-based violence in international tribunals and domestic courts. Identified barriers to accountability and prepared a report on my findings which was presented to Liberian government officials.
• International Work 2004 – present Served with various NGOs throughout Mexico, Panama, Zambia, South Africa, Spain and Thailand working with women and children who have faced violence, human trafficking, and oppression. Traveled to each of these countries for varying amounts of time with organizations such as Every Orphan’s Hope, Mosaic Church, and Teen Mania Ministries; coordinated children’s camps for orphaned children; worked alongside the local church to meet the needs of the indigent community members; supported orphan sponsorships process by conducting interviews with children and connecting them with sponsors; taught English to refugee communities.
• Student Action for Refugees, Cairo, Egypt January 2006 - June 2006 Course Instructor Taught English to Sudanese, Somali, and Eritrean refugees and supported them as they acclimated to life in Egypt.

• The Human Right to Water, UCLA UNDERGRADUATE LAW JOURNAL, Vol. 7, No. 1 (2008).
• An Orphan’s Rights, USC JOURNAL OF LAW AND SOCIETY (Summer 2008).

• Federal Litigation Challenging Agency Action June 18, 2018
• Appellate Litigation for Immigration Practitioners (Webinar) August 22, 2018
• AILA Federal Litigation Conference – Federal Court Litigation Track December 2020
• Press Conference – Preventing Human Trafficking in the Wake of Natural Disasters 2024