Attorney Susan Pesch, '88, Recognized for Human Trafficking Survivor Advocacy
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet

Attorney Susan Pesch, '88, has been recognized for her pro bono work to support survivors of human trafficking. 
(Photo credit: Hanna Jerde Photography)

Attorney Susan Pesch, ’88, has been honored with the 2025 ALIGHT Impact Award for dedicating her legal expertise to support survivors of human trafficking.
 

ALIGHT (Alliance to Lead Impact In Global Human Trafficking) connects survivors who have suffered human trafficking to the appropriate attorney who will offer free legal help. Pesch got involved with the nonprofit organization after meeting its founder, Marianna Kosharovsky, at a conference in 2018. She has remained an active advocate since.
 

“I was looking for a way to give back in a way that was meaningful to me,” Pesch said. “Learning about ALIGHT inspired me to offer my services to those who needed it most. It is my practice to always have one ALIGHT matter on my caseload.”
 

Through ALIGHT’s app, Pesch consistently steps forward for volunteer opportunities with generosity. 
 

“If I can help, I will,” she remarked.
 

During a prior volunteer engagement where she counseled women, Pesch learned about the philosophy of practicing trauma-informed care. Using this framework, which recognizes the widespread impact of an individual’s trauma, Pesch is there for survivors to talk through their feelings with a steady presence as both a listener and advocate.
 

“I represent a survivor as zealously as I would any other client,” she said. “However, to truly assist the survivor, I practice trauma-informed care. I do not judge; I cannot walk in their shoes, but I can be their advocate when they are too scared to truly speak for themselves — like when their trafficker is present in the same Courtroom for the hearing.”
 

Dedicated to ALIGHT’s mission, Pesch responded to an urgent matter posted on the app on Christmas Eve. She noted that since then, she has been viewed as the go-to attorney in family law when matters arise that other attorneys have not responded to or cannot take on due to their complexity.
 

Pesch opened her own firm in Colorado, Pesch Law Office PC, and specializes in family law, often taking on high-needs cases. Previously, she practiced in Illinois, where she maintains her license but is inactive. She leads her practice with caring support and relentless advocacy. 

Raised in St. Charles, Illinois, by two caring and supportive parents, Pesch says her thoughtful approach to guiding families through divorce is rooted in the strong example they set for her.
 

“Divorce is a stressful event that is often so overwhelming for the parent,” Pesch said. “If I can support a parent through the process, then that parent is better equipped to be there for their child who is navigating their own complex feelings. Every child deserves caring and supportive parents, as I had.”
 

Her parents may have shaped her interest in family law, but it was a high school class that sparked her desire to pursue the legal profession. During her senior year at St. Charles High School, Pesch took a business law class taught by Ray Rogina.
 

“This was my first encounter with the legal world,” she said. “As part of class, we conducted a mock trial. My role was that of an attorney. Preparing for that role and questioning witnesses was exciting for me. From that point, I decided to become a litigation attorney.” 

Pesch reconnected with Mr. Rogina a few years after she was a practicing attorney. She thanked him and shared how his class led her to law school. 

“Mr. Rogina changed the course of my life,” she said. “Prior to this experience, I was planning to be an elementary school teacher. But after his class, my destiny was sealed.”

Pesch earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from NIU in 1988 and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago in 1991. She said she received a well-rounded education at NIU, studying constitutional law, chemistry, child behavior, public policy, symbolic logic, persuasion and art history, to name a few.

“In 1984, the most common major for those interested in attending law school was political science,” she said. “There wasn’t a universal bar exam at the time, either. I enjoyed learning about many topics in the major, and I minored in philosophy for balance. I was involved in the student senate and was also part of the Honors Program and graduated with honors.”

Pesch believes knowledge is power and that education is something that can never be taken away from an individual. She credits NIU for helping to prepare her for law school.

“The exposure to a variety of subjects at NIU left my mind open to accept the critical thinking of law school,” she said. “I am grateful for my time at NIU.”

Through her education and early career, Pesch developed a powerful blend of tenacity and critical thinking, allowing her to approach cases from multiple perspectives and explore unconventional angles. She is proud of her relentless drive and honored to be recognized with the ALIGHT Impact Award for it.
 

“I am just doing what I can to help those brave enough to change their circumstances,” Pesch said. “The survivor does the hard work. I just walk alongside them.” 

Learn how you can help inspire the next generation of leaders and advocates at niuforward.com.