Core Team

Erika has worked for non-profits fighting against human trafficking for over 3 years. Through her work, Erika helped to oversee focused strike initiatives to end human trafficking and developed a system of support for volunteers committed to seeing trafficking end nationwide. Erika helped to educate people on how to lobby for change on both the local and national levels of government. Erika also ran an online merchandise store and served as the Senior Administrator for a non-profit organization where she helped to oversee volunteers and interns committed to social justice change in America.

Over her years of experience, Erika believes that one of the things that has impacted her the most is seeing the lack of true awareness most people have about the brutality and despair of human trafficking. Erika found that most people are not aware of the realities of human trafficking and how our culture contributes to the devastation. Her work over the past three years has given her a passion to fight against trafficking, educate people on the root issues and be a part of solution-oriented teams that are committed to practically helping victims and seeing human trafficking end worldwide.

Project Manager & Website Coordinator

Whitney Shetler co-ordinates all projects, fundraisers and special events for Unlikely Heroes. She is passionate about seeing a generation of women who realize their beauty, worth and power. Whitney has a value for family that pushes her to develop projects and programs for Unlikely Heroes that will help to communicate long-term connection and commitment to the kids who Unlikely Heroes helps to rescue and restore. Whitney studied Psychology/Sociology at Olivet University outside of Chicago, Illinois.

Director Unlikely Heroes San Francisco Bay Area Rescue Project

Rebecca Hathaway is the Director of the Unlikely Heroes San Francisco Bay Area Rescue Project. Rebecca, who is passionate about stopping slavery on a micro and macro level, has been working with at-risk youth since she was only 15 years old. Rebecca has spent her time working in both government and privately funded enrichment programs focused on serving at-risk youth with a special emphasis on the creative arts.

“I have seen the benefit of using an asset building approach to inspire transformation in the lives of at-risk, underprivileged youth.” Rebecca said.

Rebecca has also created and developed asset-building curriculum for use with individuals and groups, teaching practical life and educational skills, mentoring girls. Additionally, Rebecca served on the ‘Anderson Partnership for Healthy Families’ board during in England from 2010-2011 – working at the local government level to increase the services available to at-risk children and their families.

Currently,  Rebecca can be found on the most dangerous streets of the San Francisco Bay area at any time of the day or night – reaching out to the most vulnerable in our society – children who have become the victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Rebecca also collaborates with other justice focused non-profit organizations in the Bay area to build a network of services that provides wraparound services to child victims of commercial sexual exploitation at street-level.

Directors of Unlikely Heroes Mexico

John and Jessica Freeborn have spent the last two years living in Mexico laying the groundwork for a restoration home for child victims of sex slavery in Mexico that will provide the life skills, education and therapeutic treatment services child survivors need to fully recover. John and Jessica have been leading teams into orphanages, drug rehabilitation houses and caring for the needy as well as developing lasting relationships with local non-profit organizations. Both John and Jessica have years of experience working with troubled youth (gang members, sex offenders, and broken home children) under various non profit organizations.

Director of Outreach

Ben Decker is a publicist, event planner and entrepreneur. He has been involved in events associated with the Golden Globe Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards and more. Ben specializes in producing and publicizing concerts, fashion shows and charity events. Ben has been a part of fundraising events for Toys for Tots, Susan G. Komen foundation, Benson Breast Cancer Foundation, Children of the Night, SPCALA, The American Red Cross, Falling Whistles, Love Cures Cancer, Total Family Support Clinic and more. Follow Ben Decker on Twitter at @BenDecker

Founder & President

Erica Greve, MSW is the President and Founder of Unlikely Heroes. Erica graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley in 2008 and has worked with youth and young adults nationwide for over ten years. Erica’s vision is to see every child who has been sold for sex in America rescued, provided with safe housing, rehabilitated, and restored.