Her Story
About Kachia
Kachia Phillips serves as Program Coach and Survivor Leader for Hub of Hope NWA, where she is dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking and advancing prevention efforts within the community. She has served in her current program coach role for nearly two years, following four and a half years as a Survivor Leader on the organization’s Board of Directors. With nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit human trafficking survivor support, Phillips leads prevention and education initiatives for communities, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare providers, helping increase awareness and strengthen responses to human trafficking.
In her role, Phillips provides comprehensive survivor support services, including case management, safe transportation coordination, housing assistance, therapy connections, therapeutic art sessions, and survivor support groups. She develops individualized service plans that focus on building essential job skills, life skills, and long-term stability for survivors. Her expertise is deeply rooted in her lived experience as a survivor who endured 22 years of trafficking in Northwest Arkansas, combined with professional training and certifications in mental health first aid, CPR, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), and project management. Her unique perspective allows her to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support while advocating for meaningful systemic change.
Beyond her work with Hub of Hope NWA, Phillips is a committed community advocate and volunteer. She has served as a six-year ambassador for Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas, where she was recognized as Ambassador of the Year and selected as one of 31 Women Who Inspire honorees worldwide in 2025. She previously served six years on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Legal Aid and co-founded Nicole’s House, a sober living facility for women, where she continues to volunteer. Phillips also collaborates closely with Oasis of NWA to expand resources and support for survivors. Guided by her faith and commitment to community, she attributes her success to creating pathways of healing and restoration for women while advancing prevention and education efforts that help protect others from exploitation.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kachia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to healing, restoration, and creating opportunities for other women who have experienced similar challenges. My journey has inspired me to advocate for prevention, education, and awareness surrounding human trafficking within our community. I believe that equipping people with knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent exploitation and help others avoid the hardships I experienced. Through this work, I strive to bring hope, empowerment, and meaningful change to those who need it most.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to keep moving forward by taking one step at a time and staying present in each moment. I have learned the importance of remaining teachable, embracing opportunities to grow, and continuously seeking new knowledge and skills. By staying open to learning and focusing on the journey rather than only the destination, I have been able to adapt, overcome challenges, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be true to themselves, remain authentic, and lead with integrity in every decision they make. Stay grounded in your values, treat others with respect, and always strive to do the right thing, even when it is challenging. Authenticity and strong character are essential qualities that build trust, create meaningful connections, and pave the way for long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing the emotional demands and high-stress nature of the work while maintaining a healthy balance in my personal life. It is important for me to be fully present for those I serve while also learning how to set boundaries and avoid bringing the weight of my work home. Finding ways to practice self-care, remain resilient, and maintain perspective allows me to continue providing compassionate support to others while protecting my own well-being.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are my faith and my commitment to my community. My faith provides me with strength, guidance, and purpose, while my connection to the community inspires me to serve others, create positive change, and support those who need help. These values influence the way I approach my work, relationships, and my dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
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