Kristen Lanning

Kristen Lanning is the Executive Director and Founder of Eleeo International, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting vulnerable individuals, empowering marginalized communities, and creating opportunities for women in Northern Thailand. With approximately 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, her career has centered on anti-human trafficking work, an area she became passionate about during her college years. Through Eleeo International, she works to empower vulnerable women by developing their leadership abilities, strengthening their independence, and helping them recognize their own voices and potential. Lanning provides organizational vision, strategic direction, development, and fundraising while leading a team of Thai nationals. Her work includes traveling to Thailand for vocational training, professional development, and recruitment initiatives. Her professional approach emphasizes empowerment, dignity, leadership development, and creating pathways away from exploitation. Lanning holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, International Studies, and Leadership from the University of Denver and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University Global. She is also involved with Covered Colorado, a nonprofit providing healing and stabilization services for adult women affected by sex trafficking. She attributes her success to the Thai women she serves, the relationships and trust she has built throughout her career, and the strong support of her husband. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes asking difficult questions, embracing discomfort, challenging the status quo, and recognizing that meaningful leadership extends beyond the traditional responsibilities of managing an organization.