Board of Directors
Helene Blanchette
Helene Blanchette is a seasoned senior executive, international business strategist, and thought leader dedicated to helping organizations navigate complex, transformative landscapes. As Director of the Schmid Center for International Business at Chapman University, she draws on more than three decades of global corporate experience to bridge theory and practice.
Helene's corporate career began at Xerox, where she led strategic initiatives across North America, before spending a decade at Fuji Xerox in Asia-Pacific, becoming the first woman appointed to senior leadership in that region. She is the founder of the Xerox 1:1 Lab, an incubator for data-driven marketing design that earned multiple global industry accolades.
An accomplished keynote speaker, Helene has addressed thought leaders and policymakers at the Davos Lodge during the 2025 World Economic Forum, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican, and the Forbes Power Women Summit in Monaco.
Helene's commitment to giving back is central to her mission. She is the founder of BizAndGive's social impact mandate, served on the Board of the Child Creativity Lab for six years, and is proud to join the Board of International Sanctuary, advocating for survivors of human trafficking as they reclaim their freedom and dignity.Kathryn Coen
Kathryn Coen has a background working with various nonprofit organizations and
ministry groups both in her community and internationally. She has a background in teaching, event planning, as well as coordinating local and global serving opportunities.
After providing the initial capital investment to start The Sumba Foundation with her husband in 2002, she focused on donor relations, fundraising, and vision trip coordination for over 10 years. She has firsthand experience working in remote tribal villages with teams that met countless needs for the people of Sumba, Indonesia. Kathryn believes that life change happens when family, friends, and peers come together to serve.
One of Kathryn’s greatest joys has been leading women’s bible studies for the past 30 years. She feels a great calling to support women in her community. She has supported several organizations around the world that strive to enable and support women.
As the Executive Director for the SageView Foundation at SageView Advisory Group (a financial services entity), Kathryn focused on making serving others a contagious part of the corporate culture. Kathryn believes that creating opportunities for team members to engage in projects deepens community connection in a corporate setting. For over a decade, she under her leadership, the foundation grew in Rwanda from a team of five to over 350 farm workers in a rural location.
Over the years, Kathryn has come to develop the philosophy that one must balance the giving of their time with the resources they are stewards of.
Vina Leite
Vina Leite brings more than two decades of executive human resources leadership in high-growth technology companies, with a proven track record of building exceptional workplace cultures, developing leaders, and guiding organizations through periods of rapid growth and transformation.
Throughout her career, Vina has held senior leadership positions with some of the technology industry's most respected organizations, including serving as Chief People Officer at AI-driven cybersecurity company Cylance, where she led the organization through significant expansion. During her tenure, Cylance was recognized as one of Orange County's Best Places to Work in 2018. She has also served as Chief Human Resources Officer for QLogic and Unicom, and as Vice President of Human Resources at EMC, bringing extensive expertise in leadership development, employee engagement, organizational strategy, and culture.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Vina is deeply committed to helping women thrive. She has served on multiple nonprofit boards, generously lending her strategic insight and leadership to organizations dedicated to creating lasting impact. A dedicated supporter of International Sanctuary since 2017, Vina has championed the organization's mission to empower women escaping human trafficking to heal, grow, and thrive.Seannapri Cerillo
After learning about the realities of human trafficking in 2009, Seannapri asked the question: How Can I Help? Since that day, she has dedicated herself to helping survivors and advancing efforts to prevent exploitation in her community and beyond.
As a member of the SC Abolitionist, a grassroots group of mothers in San Clemente dedicated to ensuring human trafficking could not thrive in their community, Seannapri became actively
involved in local awareness, prevention, and survivor-support efforts. She has supported
several impactful initiatives, including the I-5 Freedom Network, the SC Abolitionist
movement, and International Sanctuary's Orange County Sanctuary, which opened in 2019.
Trained in inner-healing ministry, Seannapri has been walking alongside individuals seeking healing and restoration following trauma and adversity. Her passion for seeing people
experiencing the freedom and wholeness God intended for us continues to shape her service and leadership.
Seannapri resides in San Clemente, California, where she remains committed to building communities that protect the vulnerable and support survivors on their journey to wholeness. Wendy Dailey
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Wendy Dailey is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of International Sanctuary, a global organization dedicated to helping girls and women escaping human trafficking heal, grow, and thrive. Since co-founding the organization in 2007, Wendy has helped shape its growth from a single vision into an internationally recognized nonprofit providing employment, education, healthcare, and community through a holistic model of care.
Wendy’s commitment to ending human trafficking began in 2005 while living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she witnessed firsthand the exploitation of young girls being sold for commercial sex. Deeply impacted by what she saw, Wendy felt compelled to take action and dedicate herself to creating sustainable solutions that provide survivors with the resources and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.
Based in Orange County, California, Wendy leads U.S. operations, fundraising, communications, strategic partnerships, and organizational growth initiatives. She works closely with philanthropists, corporations, foundations, churches, and community leaders to build support for International Sanctuary’s mission and expand its impact.
A graduate of Pepperdine University with a background in education, Wendy is passionate about connecting people with purpose and building sustainable solutions that create lasting change. She is known for her relationship-driven leadership style, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to ensuring every woman has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
Wendy resides in Orange County, California, where she continues to advocate for survivors, engage communities, and develop partnerships that advance the fight against human trafficking.
Leadership Team
Max Fernand
Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer of International Sanctuary, Max Ferrnand leads the organization's global team to help survivors of human trafficking heal, grow, and thrive through employment, education, healthcare, and community.
Before entering the nonprofit sector, Max built a successful career in international financial markets, leading teams as a professional currency trader. Despite his success, he felt called to pursue work with lasting social impact. He left the financial industry to lead the foundation ministry of his local church, overseeing a broad portfolio of humanitarian initiatives including prison outreach, programs serving women in brothels, orphan care, and ministries supporting children experiencing hunger. During his tenure, he strengthened operations, expanded the foundation's reach, and increased the effectiveness of its programs.
Through more than a decade of serving vulnerable communities, Max recognized that lasting transformation requires more than relief—it requires sustainable opportunity, which he found when he discovered International Sanctuary's holistic model of survivor restoration through dignified employment and comprehensive care.
Max joined International Sanctuary in 2017 as India Sanctuary Director and was soon promoted to International Program Director, overseeing the organization's growing global programs.
Known for his humble, servant-hearted leadership, Max has led the organization as CEO since April 2023. He leads with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering belief that every woman deserves the opportunity to rebuild her life with dignity and hope. 
Michelle Danly
Director of Impact
Michelle Danly serves as the Director of Impact at International Sanctuary, where she leads efforts to cultivate philanthropic partnerships, develop strategic initiatives, and inspire communities to invest in the mission of helping women escape human trafficking and build lives of dignity, purpose, and hope.
Michelle brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and philanthropic development. For many years, she served as the Director of Wells of Life, where she helped mobilize resources to provide access to clean water for villages throughout Africa. Through her leadership, Michelle connected donors, partners, and communities to a mission that transformed lives by addressing one of the most fundamental needs—access to safe water.
Michelle has also served with Valiant Women at Mission Hospital, contributing her passion for service, philanthropy, and advancing opportunities for women and families in the community. She currently serves on the Lion's Heart Board of Directors, continuing her commitment to developing young leaders and strengthening community impact.
Michelle is passionate about seeing women discover their strength, purpose, and potential. She believes that when communities come together with compassion and action, lives can be transformed for generations to come.Michelle Danly serves as the Director of Impact at International Sanctuary, where she leads efforts to cultivate philanthropic partnerships, develop strategic initiatives, and inspire communities to invest in the mission of helping women escape human trafficking and build lives of dignity, purpose, and hope.
Michelle brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and philanthropic development. For many years, she served as the Director of Wells of Life, where she helped mobilize resources to provide access to clean water for villages throughout Africa. Through her leadership, Michelle connected donors, partners, and communities to a mission that transformed lives by addressing one of the most fundamental needs—access to safe water.
Michelle has also served with Valiant Women at Mission Hospital, contributing her passion for service, philanthropy, and advancing opportunities for women and families in the community. She currently serves on the Lion's Heart Board of Directors, continuing her commitment to developing young leaders and strengthening community impact.
Michelle is passionate about seeing women discover their strength, purpose, and potential. She believes that when communities come together with compassion and action, lives can be transformed for generations to come.Greg Healy
Greg Healy serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships at International Sanctuary, where he leads corporate partnerships and strategic initiatives that expand opportunities for survivors of human trafficking and advance the organization's mission of empowering women through meaningful employment and economic independence.
Greg brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning strategic partnerships, business development, operations, customer engagement, and organizational transformation. Throughout his career, he has built high-performing teams, cultivated long-term relationships, and led complex organizations across North America and the Asia-Pacific region.
Before joining International Sanctuary, Greg spent more than two decades with SAP, serving in several senior executive leadership roles, including Chief Revenue Officer for SuccessFactors Greater China, Regional Vice President in North America, and Senior Vice President of Consulting. During his career, he partnered with organizations of all sizes to drive growth, strengthen strategic relationships, and deliver meaningful business outcomes.
Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in Southern California, where they are active volunteers with several local nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving their community.Sheridan Ockunzzi
Social Commerce and Community Engagement Manager.
Sheridan Ockunzzi serves as the Social Enterprise Manager at International Sanctuary, where she leads initiatives that expand the reach and impact of Purpose Jewelry—the organization's survivor-made jewelry brand that creates sustainable employment opportunities for women escaping human trafficking and exploitation.
With a background in marketing and customer service, Sheridan joined International Sanctuary in July 2024 as a Fulfillment Assistant, managing the packing and shipment of online Purpose Jewelry orders. Through her exceptional work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the mission, she quickly advanced into her current leadership role.
Today, Sheridan oversees the day-to-day operations of the social enterprise, cultivating retail and wholesale partnerships that increase both product visibility and awareness of International Sanctuary's mission. She collaborates with the organization's international teams to support product development, ensuring each collection reflects the craftsmanship, creativity, and stories of the women who create it.
As Social Enterprise Manager, Sheridan supervises the fulfillment team while mentoring young women entering the workforce, helping them develop practical skills, confidence, and pathways toward long-term success. She is passionate about creating environments where women are equipped not only with employment, but with the support and encouragement to heal, grow, and thrive.
Sheridan's heart for service, combined with her strengths in marketing, operations, and relationship-building, makes her an integral part of International Sanctuary's mission to restore hope through dignified employment.Renuka Reuben
Director of Communications
Based in Mumbai, India, Renuka serves as the Director of Communications for International Sanctuary, where she brings the organization’s mission and impact to life through compelling storytelling and strategic communication. Working closely with Sanctuary Directors, staff, and the women served across International Sanctuary’s global locations, Renuka shares the stories of resilience, restoration, and transformation that demonstrate how girls and women are healing, growing, and thriving.
Renuka joined International Sanctuary in 2019 and has a deep passion for seeing survivors of human trafficking restored to lives of dignity, purpose, and hope. Through her work, she highlights the voices and achievements of the women while helping supporters around the world understand the impact of employment, education, healthcare, and community.
Prior to joining the nonprofit sector, Renuka worked with the British Council for 11 years, gaining valuable experience in communications, cultural exchange, and international engagement. Her unique blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to the mission makes her an integral part of advancing International Sanctuary’s global vision.
Cheryl O’Neil
Director of Finance and Administration
Cheryl O'Neil serves as the Director of Finance and administration at International Sanctuary, where spreadsheets and policies meet social justice. With a sharp financial mind and a heart for the mission, Cheryl ensures that every dollar entrusted to the organization is managed with excellence, integrity, and purpose.
Bringing years of experience in nonprofit finance, accounting, and human resources, Cheryl oversees budgeting, financial reporting, audits, compliance, cash flow management, HR, and organization-wide policy development, along with strategic financial planning. She works closely with the executive leadership team and Board of Directors to provide the financial and operational insight and accountability that enable International Sanctuary to grow sustainably while maximizing its impact.
Cheryl believes that good stewardship isn't just about balancing the books—it's about creating opportunities for women to heal, grow, and thrive. She is passionate about using finance as a tool for social justice, ensuring that resources are invested where they can make the greatest difference in the lives of women escaping human trafficking and exploitation.
Known for her attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and ability to keep the organization financially healthy, Cheryl brings both discipline and heart to her work. While she may be happiest with a well-balanced budget and a clean audit, she's even more inspired by knowing that every financial decision helps create pathways to freedom, dignity, and hope for survivors around the world.
For Cheryl, every number tells a story—and the best stories are the ones where lives are transformed.
Pam Thurin
Director of Operations
Pam Thurin has been a dedicated champion of International Sanctuary since 2016, serving the organization in a variety of volunteer leadership and advisory roles. Her passion for empowering women to heal, grow, and thrive has made her an invaluable advocate for the organization's mission.
With deep roots in Orange County's philanthropic community, Pam brings exceptional expertise in relationship building, strategic vision, and nonprofit engagement. She has served as Gala Chair for Mission Hospital Foundation, where she helped cultivate community support and advance philanthropic initiatives through meaningful donor engagement and successful fundraising events.
Pam began her career in retail with Coach, where her talent and leadership quickly propelled her through the organization. As a Regional Manager, she oversaw multiple luxury retail locations spanning the Southern California region, leading high-performing teams while driving sales growth, merchandising excellence, and elevated customer experiences.
Today, Pam leverages her extensive retail and branding expertise to strengthen International Sanctuary's social enterprise. Her insight into merchandising, product positioning, customer engagement, and brand strategy helps advance Purpose Jewelry's mission of creating sustainable employment opportunities for women escaping exploitation.
Pam is deeply committed to seeing survivors not only find freedom but flourish with dignity, purpose, and opportunity. She brings a unique combination of business acumen, philanthropic leadership, and heartfelt compassion to every aspect of her service with International Sanctuary.
Sanctuary Directors
Sulekha Thapa
Director, Mumbai, India
Sulekha joined International Sanctuary, Mumbai in July 2025. She brings a unique combination of experience in education and social impact, with 10 years of teaching in nursing colleges, where she mentored and prepared young professionals, and nearly 20 years of experience in the social development sector.
Throughout her career, Sulekha has worked at both the grassroots and senior leadership levels. Prior to joining International Sanctuary, she led anti-human trafficking initiatives at Oasis India, an organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities.
Her passion to support and empower people to reach their full potential, especially vulnerable women, children, and youth. She is committed to helping individuals rebuild their lives, restore their dignity, and establish a strong foundation for a hopeful and sustainable future.
Tracy Lamunu Aneno
Director, Kampala, Uganda
Tracy Lamunu Aneno is the Sanctuary Team Lead and Administration Lead at Omugaso International Sanctuary. She provides strategic and operational leadership for the Sanctuary, guiding programme implementation while overseeing administration, financial stewardship, governance, compliance, and organisational performance.
Tracy leads a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering holistic, survivor-centred aftercare that promotes healing, dignity, and long-term independence.
With a background in social work and project management, she is passionate about building resilient organisations, strengthening systems, and fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, innovation, and compassionate leadership that enables both staff and survivors to flourish.
Basiledes Jakosalem
Director, Cebu, Philippines
Basiledes Jakosalem is a Licensed Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) professional with experience in teaching, educational planning, and community development. Her background in education has strengthened her skills in communication, program facilitation, and creating supportive learning environments that empower individuals to grow and thrive.
Currently, she serves as the Program Director of Dalangpanan Incorporated, where she oversees the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs that support women on their journey toward healing, independence, and long-term success. She works closely with our program team to ensure services are delivered with excellence and aligned with our trauma-informed approach. Guided by the belief that recovery is a journey, she is committed to creating opportunities that empower women, strengthen communities, and help transform lives through compassionate and sustainable programs.
Our Team