
Beyond Awareness: The Invictus Project's Mission Against Exploitation
From What’s Up, Wake by The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
May 28, 2026 · 44 min · Episode 62
About this episode
Melissa interviews Whitney Miller about The Invictus Project's efforts to combat child exploitation in North Carolina and discusses an upcoming fundraising event.
Melissa talks with Whitney Miller, vice president of The Invictus Project, about combating the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in North Carolina through partnerships with law enforcement, including four sheriff’s offices, the State Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. Whitney explains how technology and covid-era shifts drove cyber tips from about 4,000 in 2019 to 52,000 last year, shares warning signs for parents, and emphasizes proactive conversations at home. Michael Phillips of Phillips Farm returns to discuss hosting a fundraising event for Invictus: the C10s Tailgate Party on June 6, featuring classic Chevy trucks (1998 and older), vendors, food trucks, live music, kid activities, and Invictus resources, with truck registration at c10stailgateparty.com and more information at invictusproject.org. 00:00 Crisis and Guests 02:30 Invictus Mission 03:58 Tech Shift Since Covid 07:40 Task Force Partnership 08:33 Funding and Tools Gap 13:16 Parent Conversations 15:37 Warning Signs and Access 19:34 Michael’s Dad Tactics 21:27 Kids Online Fame Risks 21:50 Handling Online Attention 22:31 Farm Life Boundaries 23:05 Safety Talks and Code Words…
People in this episode
Host: Melissa
Guest: Whitney Miller
Topics covered
- child exploitation
- human trafficking
- law enforcement partnerships
- technology impact
- parenting advice
- fundraising events
Keywords
- Invictus Project
- child trafficking
- law enforcement
- cyber tips
- fundraising
- C10s Tailgate Party
- parenting
- warning signs
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Invictus Project, State Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Phillips Farm
Places: North Carolina
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