# Carol Andersen

> Carol Andersen is the founder of Bloom Bangor and CEO of Bloom for Women, a Lehigh Valley nonprofit providing housing, practical support, education and employment pathways for women who have survived sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Her path began as a foster parent, sharpened through a friendship with a woman she calls Hope, and became an organization built around the patient idea that a fresh start requires time, trust and belonging.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Bloom for Women
- **Organizations:** Bloom for Women, Bloom Bangor, Truth for Women, Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Collaborative
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
- **Known for:** Founded Bloom Bangor and opened its first residential home in 2016., Helped unite Bloom Bangor and Truth for Women as Bloom for Women in 2021., Built a service model that includes five homes, a two-year residential program, independent living, community outreach and social enterprises.

## Career timeline

- **2014** — Attended a Thistle Farms conference in Nashville and encountered its survivor-led, trauma-informed, long-term model.
- **2015** — Opened Bloom Creative Studio as a social enterprise.
- **2016** — Launched Bloom Bangor's first residential home, modeled after Thistle Farms.
- **2020** — Moved from executive director of Bloom Bangor to CEO of Truth for Women; also co-chaired Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Week.
- **2021** — Helped bring Bloom Bangor and Truth for Women together as Bloom for Women and continued as CEO.
- **2024** — Bloom launched a community outreach initiative spanning youth prevention, correctional-facility support, advocacy and direct outreach.
- **2025** — Published the personal essay 'Building the Bridge for Hope' and called for more public awareness of trafficking in the Lehigh Valley.
- **2026** — Named a Lehigh Valley Business Woman of Influence.

## Achievements

- Founded Bloom Bangor and opened its first residential home in 2016.
- Helped unite Bloom Bangor and Truth for Women as Bloom for Women in 2021.
- Built a service model that includes five homes, a two-year residential program, independent living, community outreach and social enterprises.
- Co-chaired Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Week in 2020.
- Completed the Leadership Academy of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and serves on local and statewide anti-trafficking task forces.
- Selected as a 2026 Lehigh Valley Business Woman of Influence.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Recognized as a 2026 Lehigh Valley Business Woman of Influence.
- **2026-03** — Appeared on the Taste and Seek podcast to discuss her path from mother and foster mother to nonprofit CEO.
- **2025-08** — Published 'Building the Bridge for Hope,' a personal account of the relationship that helped inspire Bloom.
- **2025-01** — Outlined Bloom's goal of increasing trafficking awareness and local outreach during a Lehigh Valley Public Media interview.

## Links

- Website: https://bloomforwomen.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolmandersen
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bloom9488/featured

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/carol-andersen
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-27