Maria Busch brings nearly a decade of invaluable expertise to the forefront of combating human trafficking, with a proven track record of capacity-building within governmental systems. As the former Anti-Trafficking Coordinator for the State of Ohio, Maria spearheaded the Governor’s Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, shaping its strategic direction and orchestrating the state’s response to this pervasive issue.
In her role, Maria provided crucial leadership, offering strategic guidance to Ohio’s cabinet agencies, while extending technical support to both professionals and grassroots initiatives. Her efforts resulted in the development and execution of impactful state-level anti-trafficking policies. Through collaborative partnerships with federal and state entities, law enforcement, service providers, public officials, researchers, and advocates, Maria enhanced Ohio’s coordinated approach to tackling human trafficking.
Maria’s impactful stewardship included the efficient management of $9 million in state budget allocations, channeling funds into priority areas identified by the Governor’s Task Force. Furthermore, her adeptness in securing millions of dollars in federal grants from esteemed institutions such as the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services facilitated innovative initiatives spanning juvenile justice, child welfare, direct services, and outreach programs targeting foreign national trafficking victims.
Beyond her state-level contributions, Maria’s dedication extends to national, state, and local working groups, where she actively engages in shaping anti-trafficking strategies. Her involvement covers a spectrum of critical areas, including state-run initiatives, protocols for serving child victims, labor trafficking, and data collection methodologies.
Maria earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs from The Ohio State University, and earned her Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
