Dr. Marlene Carson
Dr. Marlene Carson is a nationally recognized leader, advocate, and strategist dedicated to combating human trafficking and empowering survivors. As the Founder and CEO of BLAST Movement, she leads innovative programs that equip survivors with transferable skills, sustainable income strategies, and the resources needed to reclaim agency in their lives. A survivor herself, Dr. Carson’s leadership is informed by lived experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a commitment to building ethical, survivor-centered systems that outlive inspiration. She has spent over 27 years in the field, serving as a transformative voice for women and youth affected by trafficking.
Throughout her career, Dr. Carson has held influential roles, including Chair of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking at the White House, where she helped shape policy and advised government leaders on systemic solutions. She has founded multiple organizations, including Rahab’s Hideaway, The Switch Anti-Trafficking Network, and Praise On Promotions, each focused on restoring dignity, promoting faith-based leadership, and creating sustainable pathways for survivors. Her work bridges government, nonprofit, faith-based institutions, and community leaders to deliver actionable, evidence-based programs that prioritize healing, education, and long-term impact.
Dr. Carson holds a doctorate in Theology from CICA International University & Seminary and is a certified Master Facilitator for Peer Support through Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services. She has received numerous national honors, including multiple Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards for voluntary service, and continues to serve as a mentor, executive coach, and speaker. Guided by faith, wisdom, and integrity, she is committed to transforming lives, influencing policy, and building systems that endure, ensuring that survivors of human trafficking are not only supported but empowered to thrive.
• Certified Life Coach
• CICA International University & Seminary - ThD
• Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
• United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking
• Rahab's Hideaway
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to faith, discipline, and an unwavering refusal to let my past define my future. Every opportunity I’ve been given, I steward with excellence. I made a decision early on that my pain would not be wasted — it would be transformed into purpose. Success for me has never been about visibility; it has been about impact. When purpose drives you, doors eventually open.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Dr. Cornel West said, “Justice is what love looks like in public.” I have come to understand that justice is not abstract, it is love expressed through systems that protect, restore, and uplift the vulnerable.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know who you are before the world tries to tell you who to be. Anchor yourself spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. Do not confuse attention with opportunity. Seek mentors, ask questions, and remain teachable. Your calling should be stronger than your need for approval.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge is the ongoing underrepresentation of women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, in positions of creative authority. We’re still fighting for equity in decision-making rooms. Yet that challenge is also a major opportunity: because real change accelerates when diverse voices are finally empowered to shape narrative at every level, from script to screen, policy to platform.
What 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 education, integrity, honesty, and loyalty. These principles guide my decisions, relationships, and the way I approach challenges.