About Us
Welcome to the Exploitation Education Institute
Dedicated to creating a safe future for children and youth through education, resources, and advocacy.
We aim to tackle not just the symptoms but the very roots of human trafficking and exploitation.
As a social enterprise, we are dedicated to creating a safe future for children and youth by addressing sexual exploitation and human trafficking through education and advocacy. Our unique blend of accessibility and light-heartedness ensures that we reach hearts and minds, opening up genuine conversations and heightened public engagement.
What we do
Engaging Education
We provide engaging presentations through our Sexual Exploitation Education (SEE) programs that reach grades 4-12 on topics surrounding consent, healthy relationships, human trafficking, and online safety.
Community Awareness
We engage parents, offer Professional Development (Pro-D) for educators on sexual exploitation, and develop Online Human Trafficking Training for School Districts.
Front Line Training
We equip front line workers and law enforcement with in-depth training on human trafficking, laws, victim support, and grooming trends.
Partnerships & Consulting
Trust our innovative training and consulting services that focus on prevention and intervention, guided by an understanding of the "why."
Our history
By adopting an accessible and light-hearted approach, SEE significantly increased public engagement with the subject matter, earning endorsements from the BC Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
As demand for SEE presentations and programs grew, it became clear that the field required more resources, innovative ideas, and research. This realization drove us to create The Exploitation Education Institute. SEE continues to operate as an integral part of our organization, dedicated to providing educational prevention programs for students, parents, and schools."
Our history began as Sexual Exploitation Education (SEE), offering innovative and engaging school-based programs led by Tiana Sharifi, a Canadian expert in child and youth sexual exploitation and human trafficking prevention.
More about our founder
Tiana Sharifi is internationally recognized as a Canadian expert in the field of anti-sexual exploitation and human trafficking, with over a decade of direct experience. She began her career providing educational workshops on human trafficking, working with youth victims of sexual exploitation and adult women survivors of gender violence and human trafficking. With a strong foundation in Psychology and Counseling, Tiana approaches all forms of sexual exploitation through a deep understanding of human behavior, addressing root causes such as consent, vulnerability, and the need for connection.
CEO
Tiana Sharifi
In 2018, Tiana founded Sexual Exploitation Education (SEE), which aimed to bridge gaps in exploitation prevention by tackling its root causes with a gentle and engaging touch. Her mission has always been to create accessible and impactful resources that resonate with the broader public, especially youth. By combining a light-hearted perspective with critical education, Tiana has successfully sparked conversations on difficult subjects, making these topics more approachable for students, parents, and educators alike.
In 2023, SEE evolved into the Exploitation Education Institute (ExEd), expanding its reach and impact across Canada and the USA. The organization has become a leading voice in tackling child and youth sexual exploitation, online exploitation, and gender-based violence. Tiana's leadership has made ExEd a trusted partner for schools, parents, and government agencies. Her work has been supported by key stakeholders including the B.C. Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Amanda Todd Legacy, and Safer Schools Together.
As both a seasoned professional and a mother, Tiana is dedicated to creating a safer world for children and youth.
Tiana’s expertise is sought after on national and international stages. She has served as a keynote speaker at major conferences such as the Canadian Sexual Exploitation Summit, the Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking Conference, and the International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference. Her consulting and advocacy work have led her to collaborate with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, the International Cybercrime Research Centre, and various members of the Canadian Parliament.
In addition to her work in education and advocacy, Tiana provides training for a wide range of professionals, from school district personnel to law enforcement, frontline workers, and NGO’s with a focus on the latest trends in human trafficking and sexual exploitation, equipping professionals with the tools to identify and prevent exploitation in their communities.
Tiana continued to raise awareness through projects, prevention initiatives, and social discourse.
Our values
Accessible
The topics of Human trafficking and sexual exploitation do not typically appeal to the general public. So how do we make prevention on this issue accessible to all? By focusing on the root causes which include consent, healthy boundaries, and digital wellness. Our hope is that if you are not a service provider directly working in this field, that you won't even be aware the information you are engaging with revolves around human trafficking prevention!
Honest
We could be formal and conventional, or we could just tell you as it is. As experts who are familiar with the nuances of exploitation, our objective is to be as authentic as possible in sharing our knowledge and perspectives. We won't shy away from the tough topics and questions.
Innovative
We are always asking ourselves, "what is not being done and how can we address any gaps in prevention?". We aim to find creative solutions and provide creative prevention programs to get our message out there and make a difference in this world.
Light Hearted
Child exploitation is overwhelming and heavy enough as it is. We like to deliver the tough information in a way that is easily digestible, interactive, and engaging. We use games, activities and humor in our child, teen, and parent presentations.
