Marianna Kosharovsky

Marianna Kosharovsky is the Founder and Executive Director of ALIGHT (Alliance to Lead Impact in Global Human Trafficking), a nonprofit organization she established in 2014.15 As a lawyer based in the Denver area, Kosharovsky has dedicated her career to combating human trafficking and providing legal support to survivors.12

Background and Expertise

Kosharovsky's journey in anti-trafficking work began with her experience as a Ukrainian refugee from the Soviet Union. She initially worked on "Russian mail order bride" cases as a pro bono attorney.3 In 2008, through a law firm fellowship, she was placed with Sanctuary for Families in New York, where she gained firsthand experience in comprehensive services for trafficking survivors.3

Her expertise in engaging lawyers in impactful pro bono work was further developed during her time with PILnet: The Global Network for Public Interest Law in Russia from 2011 to 2013.3 This experience informed her approach to creating more flexible and impactful solutions for connecting survivors with legal services.

ALIGHT's Mission and Impact

Under Kosharovsky's leadership, ALIGHT works to connect human trafficking survivors with specialized, trauma-informed attorneys.24 The organization uses a mobile application called 4Bells, which functions similarly to ride-sharing apps, creating a marketplace where survivors' legal needs are matched with pro bono attorneys.3

Since 2017, ALIGHT has helped more than 200 survivors in 33 states and Washington, D.C.4 The organization provides access to attorneys in over 20 legal specializations, offering an average of $7,500 in legal value per survivor.3

Advocacy and Leadership

Kosharovsky is recognized as a national leader in anti-trafficking legal services.3 In 2020, she co-founded the National Survivor Law Collective and has presented nationally on the topic of legal services for trafficking survivors.3 She emphasizes the importance of survivor voices in shaping ALIGHT's programs, incorporating a Survivor Advisory Council and including survivor leadership on the Board of Directors.3

Professional Background

Prior to founding ALIGHT, Kosharovsky worked with the Global Network for Public Interest Law (PILnet) to promote pro bono practices in Russia.1 She also served as a Professor at Pericles Center for Legal Education, teaching US law and the common law system to practicing Russian attorneys.1

Kosharovsky is fluent in Russian and French, and proficient in Spanish.1 Her work reflects her view of law and the legal profession as powerful vehicles for promoting peace and social justice.