Oct. 15, 2025
Welcome back to When Not Yet Becomes Right Now, the podcast dedicated to exploring the pivotal moments of transformation and the stories of resilience that spark real change in our lives.
This week, host Jen Ginty sits down for an incredibly powerful and necessary conversation with Jennisue Jessen, a survivor and fierce advocate against human trafficking. This episode is deeply aligned with Jen’s mission to create a safe space where shared experiences can help others feel less alone in their struggles.
🚨 Trigger Warning
Please note: This episode contains discussion of child trafficking, sexual violence, and suicide. These topics may be distressing for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being as you decide to listen. If you are struggling, please reach out to someone you trust, your doctor, or utilize resources like the 988 suicide line.
Finding Purpose After Betrayal and Pain
Jennisue Jessen shares her harrowing origin story, detailing experiences of trauma and betrayal by trusted figures that profoundly impacted her journey. The podcast frequently explores difficult life journeys, whether they involve healing from childhood trauma (like Jen’s own experience) or navigating profound personal betrayals. Jennisue details her early years of trauma [02:09] and her fight for survival and freedom [07:13]. The conversation dedicates significant time to discussing the role of betrayal in healing [13:06], emphasizing how deeply such experiences can impact recovery.
Jen Ginty’s podcast is all about exploring moments where hesitation fades and growth and healing begin. For Jennisue, this shift meant redefining her identity beyond the trauma [45:38] and turning her pain into an undeniable mission.
Faith, Resilience, and a Mission of Light
Despite the immense darkness Jennisue faced, this episode is a testament to resilience and the power of hope. Jennisue discusses how faith can be a source of strength during trauma, exploring themes of redemption [19:14] and recognizing the Divine as a source of light [31:28].
Ultimately, Jennisue found her "right now" moment in advocacy, channeling her experiences into tangible help for others. She discusses her work with Compass 31, the organization she founded [33:45], which is dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. This organization stands as powerful proof that survivors can find purpose in their pain.
Jen and Jennisue discuss the profound impact of raising the next generation [25:13] and the vital importance of advocacy work in combating human trafficking.
The Power of Shared Stories and Community
A central theme of When Not Yet Becomes Right Now is the transformative power of vulnerability. Jennisue highlights how sharing one's story can facilitate healing for both the speaker and the listener, a concept Jen strongly believes in as she encourages guests to share their journeys of resilience and transformation.
The conversation emphasizes that community and companionship are vital for healing, detailing the process of healing through vulnerability. Like Jen Ginty, who found security in her own healing journey through the support of her therapist and groups at McLean Hospital, Jennisue affirms that finding support and helping others through shared experiences leads to empowerment.
Every survivor has a unique story that deserves to be heard, and this powerful episode ensures Jennisue Jessen’s vital voice is amplified.
Resources Mentioned:
Compass 31 website: https://compass31.org/ (An organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors).
Connect with Jennisue Jessen and Compass 31:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compass_31/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenni.jessen
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennisue-jessen-b59316156/
