“My goal is to help lead survivors to a place where they can inspire and encourage each other to keep breaking glass ceilings, always knowing that they are not alone.”

Sola brings more than 15 years of experience in advocacy in the anti-human trafficking field to The Exodus Road. With degrees in Psychology, Education, and International Relations, Sola’s work experience has spanned the fields of education, social work, therapy, and social justice advocacy. She has developed and managed multiple residential aftercare programs and community-based support services. She also partnered in the development of a government-accredited school that provided education and vocation-track options for survivors of human trafficking in Cambodia.

Today, Sola oversees the development and operations of Freedom Home, The Exodus Road’s first safe house for female survivors of human trafficking in Thailand. Her extensive experience and trauma-informed approach uniquely equip her to partner with survivors and with local social services to collaboratively facilitate restoration.

“There can be no true healing from the ravages of trafficking outside of restorative, survivor-centered relationships. We have shaped the International Survivor-Centered Advisory Committee to center those relationships, guided by principles of empathy, humility, solidarity, and empowerment.”

Mary Nikkel has been on staff with The Exodus Road for over three years, currently serving as their Senior Content Manager. Through over a decade of experience in journalism, marketing, and public relations writing, Mary has developed a passion for telling purpose-driven stories — especially those uplifting survivors of trauma and celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.

“Human trafficking is the most grievous crime in the world today. No one should have the ability to buy and sell another human being as though they were nothing but a commodity.”

Sarah Ray is a longtime advocate for survivors of human trafficking and at-risk populations. When she encountered human trafficking for the first time in a red-light district in Thailand, she was grieved, outraged, and moved toward action. Since then, her life has been dedicated to seeing people set free.

As an ally and advocate for the work of The Exodus Road since its inception, Sarah has been a valuable voice on the Board of Directors since 2019. Her insight has also been key in establishing Freedom Home in Thailand. Sarah’s diverse range of nonprofit experience includes founding and spending 11 years leading the Colorado Springs-based fair trade boutique Yobel, consulting work through Neema Development since 2018, and terms serving on the boards of other nonprofits such as Unbridled ACTS, the Human Trafficking Task Force of S. Colorado, and Shining Light International. In her current work with The Exodus Road, Sarah leads the organization's education and aftercare-related programming worldwide.

Sarah lives in Woodland Park, Colorado with her husband and son. In her spare time, she loves exploring the Colorado mountains with her family, experimenting in the kitchen, and losing herself in fantasy novels.

“What I've found meaningful is the respect for diversity that this committee brings: people belonging to different demographics coming together for the greater good of the communities that we represent.”

Bella Hounakey is a Human Trafficking Survivor Advocate dedicated to supporting victims as they navigate life after victimization. As a member of the President’s U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, Ms. Hounakey contributed to the landmark Executive Order on Combating Human Trafficking and Online Child Exploitation and leads trafficking education and victim advocacy initiatives. She is currently employed at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), serving children at risk of exploitation. Bella provides consulting services and technical assistance to NGOs and domestic and foreign governments to achieve the goals of the TVPA. Ms. Hounakey received her Bachelor’s and Masters's degrees from Western Michigan University.

“I believe all organizations should have the courage to stop and assess what they are doing from survivors who can offer a much-needed lived-experience perspective.”
Dina is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of EVENforONE. She is also the heart and soul behind its acute advocacy-based referral database and networking system, which are designed to help survivors/overcomers of trafficking reclaim their autonomy and power of choice as they navigate the intense journey from escape or rescue to supported stability in safe and vetted programs.

As an overcomer of trafficking herself and a credentialed advocate, she brings a depth of personal experience and compassion to her process of championing the needs of overcomers and helping them find and understand the resources available to their pursuit of healing.
Dina's fierce mama-bear heart motivates her to fight every day to ensure trafficking survivors discover hope and are given a chance at a new life.

“Having survivors from diverse backgrounds and professionals in the field will provide valuable perspectives in our fight against human trafficking worldwide.”

Brandi is a mother of a five-year-old, wife to a USAF Veteran, and an investigator with 13 years of experience. Eight of those years were served as a Special Agent with the Federal Government and five as a Special Investigator as an Independent Contractor. Brandi conducts National Security Investigations with a focus on counterintelligence cases.

Brandi realized she wanted to refocus her skillsets, using her own trauma to form a nonprofit. Shadows of Strength combats Human Trafficking through operations and intelligence. Brandi also shares her own story of survival, believing that it’s worth it if it can help another youth to see that they can come out on the other side.

“The committee provides an essential platform for collaborating with a diverse group of professionals from different sectors of anti-trafficking efforts. We not only share our perspectives, but we put our knowledge into action by continually improving efforts worldwide.”

Using 23 years experience as a Registered Nurse in a variety of fields, Lelia Davis provides Health and Wellness training for mindfulness and resilience in the workplace and at home. Lelia empowers healthcare employees, individuals, and community groups in Colorado Springs to incorporate wellness practices into daily living. By building self-awareness and resilience, this allows for a more mindful, proactive approach to their roles and a better understanding of themselves. Lelia provides part-time nutritional counseling through OmniHouse in Colorado.

“Being part of a team where mutual respect among professionals is palpable is incredibly meaningful.”

Ronny Marty is a Certified Public Accountant, hospitality manager, independent anti-human trafficking consultant, and anti-trafficking advocate. In December 2020, Mr. Marty was appointed by ODIHR/OSCE as member of ISTAC International Survivor of Trafficking Advisory Council.

In December 2015 Mr. Marty was appointed by President Obama to become a member of the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, and he was later re-appointed by President Donald Trump. Ronny brings his knowledge and experience to advise and provide policy recommendations to the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF).

Mr. Marty has leveraged over 29 years of experience working with diverse ethnic groups and cultures to advance in the hospitality industry. His work in the anti-trafficking movement centers on labor trafficking and forced labor.