Bella Hounakey

Bella Hounakey

Bella Hounakey has dedicated her professional life to encouraging and supporting victims as they navigate the recovery process. Since 2011, she has served as an advocate, organizer, and speaker on anti-trafficking programs and policies. She previously served on the Board of the Human Trafficking Coalition in Michigan. She has also counseled female victims of sex trafficking at a specialized residential Trauma Recovery Center. Since 2015, she has worked with and supported the most vulnerable trafficking victims in the foster care system. Throughout her career, Bella’s ambitions have remained steadfast: raise awareness, reduce risk of victimization, educate members of the judicial system and general public, and advocate for victim protection and treatment. Bella received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish; and a Master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Want more stories of economically empowered women?

Sign up to receive stories of transformation and learn how you can build a freer world for women and girls!

We care about your privacy. Read our privacy policy

Nomi Network Mentor Application

Help us create pathways to safe employment for survivors and girls at risk of human trafficking. Nomi Network is looking for committed and inspiring individuals to provide mentorship, workshops, seminars, internships, and work exposure to teen girls facing adversity and lack of opportunities in Dallas. This application will help us get to know you more as we seek to onboard and connect mentors with girls.


Tell us more about yourself, your inspiration, your career journey, and interests in volunteering.

This information is strictly confidential and will be used only as reference when matching volunteers with youth who come from similar backgrounds. (Check all that apply)

Thank you for taking the time to submit an application to empower girls through the Nomi Network mentor program. You are steps closer to team with us to provide crucial ways for adolescent survivors to break down barriers to economic empowerment. Next, we will reach out with available interview dates and times. We look forward to speaking with you.

Nomi Network Volunteer Interest

Help us create pathways to safe employment for survivors and girls at risk of human trafficking. Nomi Network is looking for committed and inspiring individuals to provide mentorship, workshops, seminars, internships, and work exposure to teen girls facing adversity and lack of opportunities in Dallas. Please take 5 minutes to record your interest in the volunteer opportunities below.


This information is strictly confidential and will be used only as reference when matching volunteers with youth who come from similar backgrounds. (Check all that apply)

We aim to provide a team of mentors of the girls in our program. With this model, there are two kinds of mentors:

1. Mentor Team Member- This mentor is a part of a team and will provide specific support to the mentee based on her area of need. This role can be virtual and the commitment can be 1 or 2 years with the expectation of a monthly check-in with the mentee. This mentor's experience aligns with the mentee's career interests and will help her in specific phases of her career path. For example, they may walk her through the college application process, help her look for a job or internship, or assist her in gaining access to resources like scholarships, fellowship programs, or government assistance. This mentor might also help her gain specific skills such as networking, public speaking, interviewing, financial acumen, entrepreneurship, self-motivation, etc.

2. Mentor Team Lead- This mentor will be based in Dallas and commit to 1-2 years with their mentee leading her team of mentors. This high-level commitment includes coordinating with Nomi Network staff and the multi-disciplinary team prior to the girl's discharge from the Dallas County Juvenile System. They will be a part of her re-entry plan and treatment, and build face-to-face rapport. The mentor team lead will set up monthly or bi-monthly meeting with the mentor team to assign roles and projects to the other mentors based on the mentee's needs. Nomi Network's Mentor Coordinator will support each mentor team lead throughout the 2 year process.

Let us know which areas of involvement you would like to pursue.
Thank you for recording your interest in volunteering with Nomi Network to provide crucial ways for adolescent survivors to break down barriers to economic empowerment. We will get back to you with more specific expectations and lay out clear ways to implement these opportunities for youth in our program. Our partnerships team will work with you to set up a timeline and coordinate efforts. Depending on the area of involvement, training may be required.