Note: Please be advised that this episode contains sensitive content.
Our latest episode features John Tanagho and Amanda Vohs from International Justice Mission (IJM). IJM is a nonprofit working with government and international law enforcement to combat the online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). In a powerful conversation with ATN host Paul Taylor, John and Amanda discuss their work at IJM and technology. Specifically, they delve into ways technology is used for good and evil; the benefits and challenges of creating more ethical technology; and the intricate connection between technology and human relationships. Listen in to hear more about IJM’s work to set children free from OSEC, and how technology can promote a more just world for all.
JOHN TANAGHO
John Tanagho serves as the Field Office Director for International Justice Mission in Cebu, the Philippines where he leads the team to combat online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) by partnering with government and international law enforcement to strengthen the justice system. Through partnerships with law enforcement, prosecution and aftercare agencies, IJM supported the Philippine government in rescuing 560 victims, arresting 235 suspects and securing 73 convictions in OSEC cases (as of 2019). John is developing the next phase of IJM’s OSEC program through a global center to scale justice system solutions that protect children from OSEC globally, including through technology industry partnerships. John speaks internationally and is interviewed by international media on OSEC.
Before joining IJM, John worked as a lawyer in Chicago for six years at a large law firm, specializing in complex civil litigation and white-collar internal investigations. He received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Psychology from Roger Williams University.
AMANDA VOHS
Amanda Vohs serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships, and is responsible for building the network of partners that fuel the work of IJM. Before joining IJM in 2016, Amanda worked in sales and project management in the tech field throughout the US and globally. With a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution, she wrote her thesis in Uganda, focusing on the use of children in armed conflict. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children.
Biologist by training, storyteller at heart.
Joy is a former biology researcher who decided she preferred writing to pipetting. She graduated with a B.A. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University and holds graduate degrees in the biological sciences from the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University. She has written on numerous STEM topics, ranging from molecular biology to AI and clinical trials. In her free time, she enjoys reading, learning about food science, and spending time with her husband.