Stuck at the Crossroads of Life

After serving the U.S. government for more than a decade, first in the CIA and then as a U.S. Special Agent and undercover operator with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Tim Ballard left his career to create Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.); a non-profit that fights against the kidnapping and exploitation of children throughout the world. Using stories and raw footage from his undercover operations conducted in multiple countries across the globe, Ballard will tell the story of modern-day slavery. While distinctly different from the singular transatlantic slave trade, the fight against global slavery today can draw many parallels from the Underground Railroad of the 19th century. Ballard will share the principles of selfless service that can heal a nation divided along racial lines.



Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Tim Ballard

Tim Ballard

Operation Underground Railroad

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