Program Description
Human trafficking is often thought of as a distant problem, but it is a serious issue here in Marin County and across the Bay Area. Trafficking involves the exploitation of vulnerable people—most often women and children—for forced labor or commercial sex. It thrives in secrecy, making awareness and education essential for prevention and intervention.
Our program features local experts and advocates who are working on the front lines to identify victims, support survivors, and hold traffickers accountable. They will share insights into the scope of trafficking in Marin, how local law enforcement and service providers are addressing it, and what community members can do to recognize warning signs and respond.
This conversation sheds light on how trafficking networks operate in suburban communities, the challenges of prosecuting cases, and the importance of cross-agency collaboration. Attendees also learn about resources available in Marin for victims and families, and how to support organizations dedicated to ending this exploitation.
Panel Bios
Lori E. Frugoli is the elected Marin County District Attorney and a lifelong member of the Marin community. Her career in public service began early, serving as a police cadet, reserve officer, and later as a full-time police officer in Santa Rosa, where she worked in investigations, undercover assignments, and crisis response. She joined the Marin County District Attorney’s Office in 1990 and has prosecuted a wide range of cases, including domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and gang-related crimes. As District Attorney, she is committed to strengthening public safety through collaboration, increasing community understanding of the justice system, and ensuring fair and effective administration of justice.
Elizabeth Quiroz is the co-founder of Redemption House of the Bay Area, a survivor-led nonprofit supporting women impacted by human trafficking. Drawing on her own lived experience, she is a nationally recognized advocate, author, and social worker dedicated to healing, education, and empowerment. Elizabeth’s work focuses on outreach, peer support, and helping survivors build pathways to safety, recovery, and self-sufficiency.
Lisa Diaz-McQuaid — Co-Founder, Redemption House of the Bay Area
Lisa Diaz-McQuaid is a survivor, advocate, and co-founder of Redemption House of the Bay Area, a Sonoma County-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking. Born and raised in Santa Rosa, California, Lisa brings lived experience of trauma, addiction, and recovery to her work in survivor support, mentoring, and community education. She has contributed to published works on surviving human trafficking and works as a human trafficking case worker in Sonoma County. Through her leadership, Redemption House provides outreach, support, and pathways to healing for women affected by exploitation and trauma, helping them reclaim purpose and build resilient futures.
Vic Lacey serves as an Advisor and Special Projects Program Manager for Special Operations | Finding Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to finding missing and exploited children and supporting their recovery. He brings extensive law enforcement experience, with a deep background in investigating and solving serious crimes and leading investigative teams focused on victim recovery.
Vic is recognized as a specialist in trafficking crimes against children. In 2008, he joined International Justice Mission (IJM) as the Director of Investigations in Kolkata, India. During his decade with IJM, his team led operations that resulted in the rescue of 163 trafficked children, and he supported investigations in multiple countries including Ghana, El Salvador, Romania, and the Dominican Republic.