Rebecca Merrill is the acting Executive Director of the Boston Initiative to Advance Human Rights (BITAHR).  Rebecca has been combating the issue of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation since 2008.  She oversees all programmatic, financial, and operational areas of the organization including leadership over the consulting and intern staff and collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Rebecca is involved in all aspects of BITAHR’s comprehensive approach to fighting sex trafficking, including (i) the development of innovative education, outreach, and advocacy programs that address the demand side of sex trafficking; (ii) the design and implementation of direct service programs to support survivors of commercial sexual exploitation; and (iii) acting as a conduit to connect survivors with public and nonprofit social service agencies to promote healing, advance and protect the rights of victims, and ensure access to and equity of services.

Rebecca has a strong background in public health and health management coupled with experience in nonprofit law and business organization.  Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, in psychology with a concentration in child and family counseling in 2004; completed her Master of Health Administration degree in 2007; and graduated from Suffolk University Law School with a Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, with a concentration in health law in 2010.

Rebecca is a licensed attorney in both Massachusetts and North Carolina.