CEO Lighthouse for Life
Lighthouse for Life is dedicated to educating and serving the community in the fight against human trafficking through awareness, support, and advocacy. The philosophy behind Lighthouse for Life is founded on a simple yet profound belief: light overcomes darkness, and hope can be restored. The organization works to eradicate human trafficking by educating the community and empowering survivors. Today, the organization is led by Chief Executive Officer Lisa Kejr, who has served on staff for more than a decade.
Around the time Kejr was first introduced to Lighthouse for Life, the organization was preparing to open a safe house that included a school. With more than ten years of experience in education, a double major in Bible and Elementary Education from Columbia International University, and certification to work with students with emotional disabilities, Kejr offered to help in any way she could. She was soon hired as the organization’s first paid employee, focusing primarily on getting their safe house, Karis Home, up and running.
“It wasn’t long after joining Lighthouse for Life that I learned that human trafficking had been taking place in the school where I had previously taught, and I had no idea while I was there,” said Kejr. “The vastness of this darkness, as well as how easily it was going unnoticed while it ravaged the lives of those around us, gripped my heart.” As the organization grew, Kejr’s role expanded to include broader administrative and operational responsibilities. Her leadership over the years has helped shape Lighthouse for Life into the organization it is today.
The work of Lighthouse for Life varies from day to day. Some days involve walking alongside survivors through difficult parts of their story, while other days celebrate milestones, such as a mom being reunited with her child. Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry and affects thousands of people across the state each year, often in ways that are not readily apparent. Trafficking can impact individuals from all backgrounds and sometimes occurs closer to home than many people realize. Because of this, Lighthouse for Life encourages community members to become educated about the warning signs of trafficking and to take steps to protect those around them. Increased awareness can have a significant impact. Many families have shared that attending one of the organization’s trainings helped them recognize potential dangers and avoid harmful situations.
While the work of Lighthouse for Life is practical and community-focused, it is also deeply guided by faith. “There is confidence in the power of God’s light to bring healing where there has been harm and hope where there has been despair,” said Kejr. “We strive to reflect that light through how we serve, how we speak, and how we walk alongside those rebuilding their lives. Ultimately, we believe every person is created with inherent worth and deserves the opportunity to thrive.”
Kejr’s passion for the work is anchored in her personal relationship with the Lord and the beliefs she learned growing up. Her father was raised on a farm in Kansas, and the time spent with extended family helped shape her strong dedication and appreciation for faith and family. She also spent part of her adolescent years living in Liberia, West Africa, and attended a boarding school in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. These experiences broadened her perspective and left a lasting impact on her life.