Maria Elisa Escobar

Maria Elisa Escobar is an advocate dedicated to advancing national awareness and action to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation. She previously served as Communications Manager at World Without Exploitation, where she led national advocacy campaigns and strategic communications efforts to elevate survivor-centered policy and prevention.

During her undergraduate studies, she co-founded and co-chaired the World Without Exploitation Youth Coalition, mobilizing young people across the country through prevention, policy advocacy, and public education initiatives. Over six years with the organization, Maria Elisa testified in support of survivor-centered legislation, spoke on panels nationally, and presented at the United Nations’ 65th Commission on the Status of Women on youth leadership and the role of social media in prevention. She also led major national campaigns, including the #CourageIsContagious campaign calling for the release of the Epstein Files.

As a law student at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, she continued her anti-trafficking work through legal research and direct client advocacy. She served as a Research Assistant with the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation and supported survivors navigating trafficking and immigration-related challenges through the Villanova Law Clinic for Asylum, Refugee & Emigrant Services ("CARES").

Following her law school graduation in May 2026, Maria Elisa will continue advancing justice and combating gender-based violence as an Assistant District Attorney.