The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking’s Annual Benefit will take place on Thursday, September 19th, from 5-8 p.m. at Windows on the River. The event raises awareness and funding to support the Collaborative in its mission to lead, empower, and connect our community to eradicate human trafficking. Cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and heavy appetizers will begin at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 6 p.m.
Enjoy live entertainment from The Cleveland Pops while helping support our region’s anti-human trafficking work. Tickets are on sale now at www.collabtoendht.org. $125 per person or $1,000 for a table with eight guests. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Deby Auerbach-Brown, director of development at dauerbackbrown@collabtoendht.org.
The Benefit’s keynote speaker is leading national advocate and expert in the fight against human trafficking Katherine Chon, senior advisor of Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who also directs the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP). Katherine will share key highlights from the nation’s first human trafficking prevention report, published this spring, which she led and compiled.
“Human trafficking remains one of the most pressing issues our community faces, and our annual event is an important opportunity to hear from national advocates, honor outstanding champions and raise needed funding to advance our community-wide prevention, intervention, and survivor empowerment strategies,” said Kirsti Mouncey, president & CEO of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. “Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a safer, more just world for everyone in our region.”
This year the Collaborative will honor two champions working tirelessly to end trafficking in our region: Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Maya Simek, ESQ. LISW-S, MSW.
Katherine Chon co-founded the Polaris Project in 2002 with fellow Brown University graduate Derek Ellerman, inspired by her undergraduate research on the issue. Since then, Chon has dedicated her career to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. Currently serving as the Senior Advisor in Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, she has been instrumental in shaping national policies and programs, focusing on improving victim services, enhancing federal and state responses, and raising public awareness. Her work integrates anti-trafficking efforts across sectors such as health care and social services, emphasizing a victim-centered approach and addressing systemic issues. Chon’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, and she has testified before Congress on the scope of human trafficking. Her leadership continues to make a significant impact in advancing the fight against trafficking and supporting those affected.
Senator Sherrod Brown has been a prominent advocate for combating human trafficking in Ohio and nationwide. His work includes supporting legislation aimed at strengthening protections for trafficking victims and improving law enforcement tools to combat traffickers. Notably, he has endorsed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which enhances resources for victim support and prevention efforts. Brown also focuses on addressing the root causes of trafficking, such as economic vulnerability and lack of access to education. He emphasizes a collaborative approach, working with law enforcement, non-profits, and international partners to tackle the issue from multiple angles. His efforts aim to increase penalties for traffickers, provide comprehensive services for survivors, and bolster national and global anti-trafficking initiatives. Through these actions, Brown seeks to create a more effective and compassionate framework for fighting human trafficking and supporting those affected.
Maya Simek, ESQ, LISW-S, MSW, is a clinical law professor and director of Case Western Reserve School of Law’s Human Trafficking Law Clinic. She has significantly advanced local human trafficking efforts through policy, prevention, and evidence-based practices. Simek assesses anti-trafficking laws, advocating for effective victim support and reduced trafficking rates. Her research explores the intersections of policy, law enforcement, and community initiatives to create holistic solutions. Additionally, as legal director at Equality Ohio, she launched and supervises a statewide legal clinic for the LGBTQ+ community. Her work integrates law and social work, focusing on issues affecting both LGBTQ+ individuals and trafficking survivors. She holds a JD from Cleveland State University, an MSSA from Case Western Reserve’s Mandel School, a BS from John Carroll University, and is an Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision designation.
About the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking leads, connects and empowers the community to eradicate human trafficking. We provide leadership and expertise to foster a systemic, community-wide response. Our efforts include increasing public awareness, delivering tailored training, and facilitating multi-disciplinary collaboration. As the backbone organization of the Greater Cleveland Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking, which includes over 70 members, we offer strategic guidance and resources to combat human trafficking. For more information and to make a donation, please visit www.collabtoendht.org.
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Last modified: September 5, 2024