The Life Story
The Life Story is an educational website created to help educators build awareness and empathy around the experiences of women who have survived sex trafficking. The site shares first-person stories that illuminate how systemic factors such as inequality, foster care, and immigration can lead women into exploitation. The project required a thoughtful, trauma-informed approach that honored survivors’ voices while making complex realities accessible to a broader audience.
Designer: Website Design, Illustration, Photo Editing
My Role
CDs: Tess Donohoe, Peter Dean
Copywriter: Peter Dean
Content Strategy: Brew Advisors
Video Production: Vermilion Films
Website Developer: Steven Wise
Credits
The work began with video interviews of survivors. Before any wireframing or visual exploration, our team spent time listening to and understanding their stories to ensure the site reflected their experiences with accuracy and respect. From there, I helped develop the site’s structure and flow, focusing on clarity, pacing, and emotional sensitivity.
Rather than leaning into the darker visual tropes often associated with this subject matter, we intentionally explored themes of light, openness, and hope. The design balances seriousness with optimism, creating space for reflection while emphasizing resilience and humanity. Every design decision was made with care to avoid sensationalism and prioritize dignity.
The final website offers an uncommon approach to a difficult subject, presenting survivor stories in a way that is educational, empathetic, and hopeful. Following launch, the project received widespread recognition, including a public endorsement from Gloria Steinem and an Anthem Award. The response reinforced the power of thoughtful design to foster understanding and compassion around complex social issues.
