We’re following a corporate campaign blueprint that has furthered climate justice and reigned in Big Tobacco, but we focus specifically on companies that have intentionally or negligently allowed child sexual abuse on their platforms.
Sarah Gardner is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Heat Initiative. Prior to launching Heat’s campaign to hold Apple accountable, Sarah spent 10 years at Thorn, an organization that builds technology to combat online child sexual abuse, where she was integral to its growth from a small, start-up effort to a multi-million dollar nonprofit. As Vice President of External Affairs, she helped develop a plan to eliminate child sexual abuse material from the internet which spurred a $63M investment in the organization through the TED Audacious Prize. Sarah also worked at Free the Slaves, an organization empowering local organizations to end modern forms of slavery.
Lily Rhodes cofounded Heat Initiative alongside Sarah Gardner and serves as the effort’s Director of Strategy and Operations. After years of observing the role tech companies play in the proliferation of child sexual abuse online, she is focused on building and sustaining an effort that will hold them accountable to take action. Prior to Heat Initiative, Lily served on the fundraising and external affairs teams of high-impact nonprofit organizations like Thorn and Team Rubicon.
Brooke joined the Heat Initiative to lead the development of Heat’s research, impact evaluation and strategic initiatives. Brooke is a social impact executive, digital safety expert and consultant with over 20 years experience across non-profit, technology and consulting sectors. She has spent over a decade building technology solutions, research and education programs to create a safer internet for children.
Lennon Torres brings her passion for strategic communications, public affairs, and storytelling to the Heat Initiative team as Campaign and Community Manager. As a nationally recognized dancer and LGBTQ+ advocate, Lennon is well positioned to aid in bridging the gap between tech policy and LGBTQ+ advocacy through intentionally inclusive strategies. Her experience collaborating with major brands like Marc Jacobs, Bose, and Nike championing transgender representation, position her well for her work in the online child safety space.
