In memory of her brother, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips of Dallas passionately advocated for passage of Trey’s Law, which took effect in 2025. Now the Dallas nonprofit New Friends New Life will honor that work with one of its 2026 ProtectHER awards.

The state law prohibits using non-disclosure agreements in civil settlements to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. Phillips’ brother, Trey Carlock, was forced to sign an NDA after pursuing legal action over child sexual abuse he suffered at a summer camp.

In the aftermath of the abuse and the NDA, Carlock died by suicide in 2019 at age 28.

Exhibiting ‘courage and tenacity’

Six other states have adopted versions of Trey’s Law, and an additional seven states are considering similar legislation.

Bianca Davis is CEO of the Dallas-based nonprofit New Friends New Life. [Photo: NFNL]

“At New Friends New Life, we recognize the courage and tenacity required to impact legislative change,” NFNL CEO Bianca Davis said in a statement. “Elizabeth has transformed personal tragedy into meaningful action, creating protections that will benefit survivors for generations to come.”

The awards recognize people, companies and agencies that strive to protect women and girls in Texas, in the U.S. and around the world.

NFNL will honor this year’s award recipients Sept. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas during the annual Stand for Her Luncheon. NFNL’s work centers on rescuing and empowering trafficked and sexually exploited teenage girls, women and the women’s children while raising awareness.

Other 2026 ProtectHER honorees

Joining Phillips as 2026 ProtectHER honorees are the Baker Botts/Toyota Motor North America Pro Bono Legal Clinic and The Jensen Project founder Janet Jensen.

“Each year these partnering entities show up with expertise wrapped in empathy, lighting the legal path forward for our members,” Davis said. “Their unwavering commitment helps remove barriers that too often stand between survivors and the fresh start they deserve.”

The Baker Botts/Toyota Motor North America Pro Bono Legal Clinic earned a ProtectHER Award for offering free legal services to members of NFNL’s Women’s Program. Lawyers hosted the legal clinic during the charity’s Fashion Friday event. The clinic handled issues like housing, employment, child custody and divorce.

Jensen’s Irving-based nonprofit helps women and girls affected by gender-based violence. The project’s funding for agencies nationwide supports leadership development and other initiatives.

“The Jensen Project’s advocacy, investment and commitment to collaboration have strengthened the anti-trafficking movement and created meaningful, measurable progress for survivors nationwide,” Davis said. “Janet understands that lasting change happens when organizations are equipped to work together, and her leadership continues to elevate the entire field.”

Stand for Her Luncheon

This year’s Stand for Her Luncheon, NFNL’s biggest annual fundraiser, will feature Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-nominated actress and producer Tracee Ellis Ross. She starred in the ABC comedy “black-ish.” NBC 5 anchor Laura Harris will moderate a talk with Ross.

Toronto-based information and technology company Thomson Reuters, which maintains an office in Frisco, is the presenting sponsor for the 2026 ProtectHER Awards. The awards program launched in 2013.

Heather Panton, senior adviser for social impact and human rights at Thomson Reuters, said this year’s honorees “reflect the values we champion — truth, justice and human dignity.”

Tickets and sponsorships for the Stand for Her Luncheon remain available.

Founded in 1998, NFNL served 320 teen girls, women and their children last year. The nonprofit offers education, counseling, job training and other support to survivors. NFNL also works on legislative reforms, community education and strategic partnerships aimed at ending sex trafficking and exploitation.

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