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Andrea Sparks

Director, Governor Abbott's Child Sex Trafficking Team

Andrea Galliano Sparks is a dedicated advocate for children's rights and the former Director of the Child Sex Trafficking Team at the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. In this role, which she held from April 2016 to January 2022, Sparks was instrumental in developing strategies to combat child sex trafficking in Texas, leading efforts to identify and support victims while working with various stakeholders to enhance prevention measures and legal accountability for traffickers.13

Professional Background::

  • Child Sex Trafficking Team Director: Sparks was the founding director of the Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team, where she implemented multi-disciplinary care coordination teams and regional services for young survivors. Under her leadership, Texas became a national leader in identifying at-risk youth and providing trauma-informed care.34
  • National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Prior to her role with the Governor's office, she served as the Executive Director of the Texas Regional Office of this organization, focusing on preventing child victimization and training law enforcement.34
  • Texas CASA: Sparks also held positions at Texas CASA, where she directed public affairs and policy advocacy aimed at protecting children within the judicial system.4

Education:: Sparks holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/International Relations from Tulane University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law, graduating with honors from both institutions.34

Current Role:: As of February 2022, Andrea Sparks has transitioned to serve as the Director of Government Relations at Buckner International, where she continues her advocacy work focused on improving policies that protect children and strengthen families.23

Personal Insights:: Sparks describes herself as a passionate children's advocate with a commitment to building systems that support survivors of abuse and exploitation. She has received various accolades for her work in child advocacy throughout her career.4

Highlights

Sep 25 · gov.texas.gov
Archived Webinars - Child Sex Trafficking - Greg Abbott - Texas.gov
Office of the Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team October Newsletter
Mar 29 · facebook.com
Andrea Sparks has worked in child advocacy for years. Now, as the ...
Andrea Sparks has worked in child advocacy for years. Now, as the ...
Jan 23 · gov.texas.gov
Need to Know: The Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team

Related Questions

What inspired Andrea Sparks to pursue a career in child advocacy?
How has Andrea Sparks' work impacted the lives of child trafficking victims in Texas?
What are some of the key strategies Andrea Sparks has implemented to combat child sex trafficking?
How does Andrea Sparks' role at Buckner International differ from her previous position with the Texas Governor's office?
What challenges has Andrea Sparks faced in her efforts to protect children from trafficking?
Andrea Sparks
Andrea Sparks, photo 1
Andrea Sparks, photo 2
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Location

Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area