The Exodus Road is an international organization fighting human trafficking with offices in Thailand, India, the Philippines, Brazil, and an undisclosed country in Latin America. Our United States office is in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and our organization is led by a team of international leaders.
A Global Team Working for Freedom
The Exodus Road's International Advisory Board
As an international organization, our programs around the world are led by an International Advisory Board — experts and national leaders in the anti-human trafficking field.
“While I've had a heartbreaking front-line look at the darkest things that human beings can do to one another, I also have had a front-row seat to the bravery and perseverance of the people we get to work alongside and empower. It's been one of the greatest honors of my life to work with the courageous community that is The Exodus Road all around the world.”
Laura is Co-Founder and CEO of The Exodus Road. She has extensive international experience, having lived and worked in Thailand when she co-founded The Exodus Road. Laura has served as the key leader in our Marketing and Communications Department from the early days when we were a nonprofit startup. She served as our CCO for two years and as our President for more than a year, becoming our CEO in 2021. Laura lives in Colorado with her three children and her husband Matt Parker. Matt and Laura have been married for over 22 years and are high school sweethearts.
"Life is too short not to be part of something bigger than myself. It's an honor to lend my talents in supporting the counter-human trafficking effort."
Sergio's extensive military experience gives him a unique strategic edge in the fight against human trafficking. A graduate of West Point, Sergio served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years. 11 of those years were spent working as the U.S. Army Latin American Foreign Area Officer, with a specialty in Mexico. He completed deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and served at the US Embassy in Mexico City.
Following his retirement from the military in 2016, Sergio joined The Exodus Road to lead the expansion into Latin America. Building Latin American operations from the ground up, Sergio has assembled and led a powerful team of operatives while developing and strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement. In addition to the hundreds of human trafficking survivors rescued during his tenure, Sergio has been part of equipping investigators and police partners with training and knowledge that have a continued ripple effect in the Latin American communities where Charlie team serves.
*pseudonym used for privacy and safety of staff
"Good fights require good warriors. The fight against human trafficking requires a warrior, a bow, and many arrows. The warrior is everyone who courageously makes the decision to support the fight. The bow is the strategy. The arrows are all of the men and women sent to the darkest places to break chains of slavery and bring freedom."
Arturo has worked with The Exodus Road in Latin America since 2016. For Arturo, counter-trafficking work is an extension of the values that led him through his prior military career: a desire to serve, protect, and fight for freedom. During his military tenure, Arturo had a double career in International Business and Modern Language. Later, he focused on Intercultural Communication. He identifies the unifying themes of all his work as relationships, human rights, discipline, leadership, mentorship, and service.
During his years with The Exodus Road, Arturo has been a key part of developing the Latin American Charlie team. In addition to the many rescues and arrests that Charlie has accomplished, Arturo has also partnered with national investigators to develop their field excellence and leadership skills.
*pseudonym used for privacy and safety of staff
“Human trafficking is a deplorable crime that feeds on inequalities, be they racial, socio-economic, religious, gender-based, or others. What we know is that to fight for life and for human dignity is to fight human trafficking.”
Cintia is a Specialist in Humanitarian Affairs for The Exodus Road and currently is the program lead as The Exodus Road’s Brazilian Liaison for our expansion efforts into Brazil. Her academic background ranges from a business degree from a prestigious school in Brazil to a Master’s in Intercultural Studies and in Women’s and Gender Studies. She is a wife and mother, and she’s been actively engaged in her pursuit for equality and social justice for several causes. Her experience includes working with World Relief and helping to establish refugee families in the U.S. Her reach has gone as far as the Vatican, where she met with Pope Francis to amend and sign a document of cooperation with the Catholic Church. Cintia was also responsible for a ground-breaking case study in Venezuela that influenced multiple organizations to focus on the refugee crisis there.
"My heart breaks anew for this issue every single day. As long as that remains true, I will continue dedicating my life to the pursuit of freedom for victims of human trafficking."
Daniel’s role in combating human trafficking is fueled by personal passion and a law degree. He began his career as a child abuse attorney, but he couldn’t shake his heartbreak for those trapped in modern-day slavery. Daniel spent five years leading investigators in counter-trafficking work at another organization before joining The Exodus Road staff.
Since joining The Exodus Road in 2020, Daniel has been a key champion of the expansion of the organization’s work into the Philippines. He excels at unifying the efforts of investigators, local law enforcement, government leaders, and the survivors at the center of his commitment to the cause.
*pseudonym used for privacy and safety of staff
“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 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 create restoration.
“There is so much value in silence, in learning to listen. This will generate ideas to help unlock people from the cycle of human trafficking.”
Karn has extensive professional experience as a supply chain controller, serving in healthcare, food, vehicle, and packaging industries. His high-level leadership experience equipped him with excellent skills in developing processes for efficient and effective teams.
Karn began working with The Exodus Road in Thailand in early 2020. During his tenure, he has implemented professional development processes for Alpha Team staff and operatives. He has also developed better systems of reporting and accountability to ensure records stay accurate and effective. His efforts have brought an increased level of excellence to The Exodus Road’s team, resulting in consistent successful rescue operations and arrests of traffickers.
“I dream of the day that no child or woman is forced into sexual exploitation. I will do everything in my power to make it happen.”
Shyam has invested 26 years of his life in combating human trafficking in India. Through extensive work as an undercover investigator and serving with The Exodus Road since 2014, Shyam has worked at both grassroots and governmental levels to bring justice and freedom to a combined 2,300 human trafficking survivors.
In recognition of his relentless work for freedom, Shyam has received three different awards from the Indian government. He has also been appointed as an advisory board member to special police officers in his state. Under his leadership, The Exodus Road India Foundation has seen hundreds of rescues as well as expansion of the investigative team and crucial advances of their techniques.
"They are trapped, ashamed, and broken. In our hands lie the ability to help them rebuild hope, regain honor, and restore their dignity."
Edward is a leadership expert with an extensive background in humanitarian work and organizational development. After a successful corporate career in IT, a passion for serving marginalized and vulnerable communities led Buddy to shift his focus to humanitarian work. He has been working in philanthropic roles in Southeast Asia since 2005, work that he sees as a gift.
Edward joined The Exodus Road team in 2021 to spearhead their expansion into the Philippines. He has been an essential part of building community and governmental partnerships, as well as establishing operations in the Philippines!
*Pseudonym used for privacy and safety of staff.
"We can't help free those affected by human trafficking if we aren't actively looking for them."
Matt and Laura Parker founded The Exodus Road together in 2012, and Matt served as CEO for nearly 10 years. He has a communications degree and spent a decade working in a local faith community before he began undercover work in SE Asia with police. Matt has lived overseas several times and traveled extensively doing humanitarian work over the last 15 years. As Co-Founder, today he serves the organization as a strategist and consultant. Matt is married to his high school sweetheart, Laura. They have three kids and love being outdoors in the mountains of Colorado.
“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 Neema Development, Sarah is focused on training NGOs to incorporate entrepreneurship training in order to alleviate poverty and prevent human trafficking.
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.
Jake has served as a nonprofit leader in the counter-human trafficking space for more than 10 years. He began volunteering with The Exodus Road in 2012 as an advisor regarding law enforcement partnership and victim identification.
As an expert in Asia operations, Jake has supported the establishment of TER’s work in Asia and serves as a regular consultant. Jake has a passion for holistic community development as a means to combat human trafficking and works regularly to empower vulnerable families to prevent human trafficking.
“If it was my daughter, I would be desperate to do anything to help. Sex trafficking is the worst of all evils of mankind.”
As a retired Officer of the U.S. Army, Scott brings a depth of understanding of strategy to advise the operations of The Exodus Road. With six years’ experience fighting human trafficking in Latin America, he is an invaluable member of our International Advisory Board.
“My desire is to make ordinary people aware of their ability to bring freedom to those in modern-day slavery. We all have a part to play.”
Drew began volunteering his time with The Exodus Road’s Delta team in 2015 after he retired from a successful 20-year tenure in the military. The expertise from his prior career has made Drew an asset in investigative work in the field. During his time with The Exodus Road, he has worked in 4 different countries, including a 15-month undercover deployment. In 2020, Drew took on the role of Director of Delta Team, coordinating effective operations between The Exodus Road headquarters, volunteers investigators, and International Programs. He also vets and trains new Delta volunteers.
Drew considers it an honor and a privilege to go into the dark places of this world with national operatives, who he sees as the greatest heroes of our time. In his role as Director of Delta Team, Drew loves inviting ordinary people to recognize their ability to make an extraordinary impact in the fight for justice. He believes there is no greater accomplishment than being a part of bringing freedom to those caught in modern-day slavery.
*Pseudonyms used for security purposes.
RESCUE IS COMING
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Based in Asia and Latin America
National Staff
We employ national social workers, support staff, and investigators. We believe training and employing nationals in their own communities is critical to impacting sustainable change. However, because of the nature of their work and its danger, we can’t publicize their names or photos.
While you can't see their profiles, you can see the effects of their work in every single rescue.
United States Board of Directors
“We live in a world where people are treating kids like commodities. We have the resources and the knowledge to impact it in our lifetime, and I’m proud of the work of this organization to that end.”
Living in Seattle, Washington, Steve has partnered with The Exodus Road for 10 years — since it first began. After 30 years in the financial services industry developing ways to increase business value using technology, he is currently a Sales Manager at Microsoft. He leads a team that helps financial services companies deliver more value to their customers while helping them reduce costs. Steve is a seasoned business strategist with a keen eye on trends and technologies to help companies achieve success.
Steve understands the power of innovation, data, and collaboration to impact social change, and he believes that greater diversity leads to greater effectiveness. He is married, has four grown sons, and loves to spend time outside in the Pacific Coast mountains.
“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 Neema Development, Sarah is focused on training NGOs to incorporate entrepreneurship training in order to alleviate poverty and prevent human trafficking.
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.
"Human trafficking represents one of the greatest fractures in humanity — I can’t imagine a more devastating injustice. But, for nearly a decade now, I’ve been proud to be a part of an organization working to heal that fracture, combat that darkness.”
Nate Griffin is a world-renowned humanitarian photographer, film and television producer, and founder of Grateful Inconvenience Inc., a boutique creative and logistics agency. Throughout his career he has worked with a variety of nonprofits creating and directing meaningful film and photography in China, Indonesia, Uganda, Cambodia, throughout most of South America, and even North Korea. He has also worked with artists and celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Lionel Richie, and Keith Urban.
Most recently, Nate served as the Executive Producer of a film series on unity with Monty Moran, CEO of Chipotle. Nate has volunteered overseas with The Exodus Road for a decade and has seen the work firsthand in every country of operation. He lives in Nashville with his wife and three sons.
“While I've had a heartbreaking front-line look at the darkest things that human beings can do to one another, I also have had a front-row seat to the bravery and perseverance of the people we get to work alongside and empower. It's been one of the greatest honors of my life to work with the courageous community that is The Exodus Road all around the world.”
Laura is Co-Founder and CEO of The Exodus Road. She has extensive international experience, having lived and worked in Thailand when she co-founded The Exodus Road. Laura has served as the key leader in our Marketing and Communications Department from the early days when we were a nonprofit startup. She served as our CCO for two years and as our President for more than a year, becoming our CEO in 2021. Laura lives in Colorado with her three children and her husband Matt Parker. Matt and Laura have been married for over 22 years and are high school sweethearts.
“When I was presented with the horrors of human trafficking, I had to do something. Many of the individuals sold into sex trafficking are minors, children the same age as the students I work with and the kids I mentor. There’s no way I could stay out of this fight.”
Born and raised in north Philadelphia, Desamour grew up facing the challenges that so many young people experience living in the city, such as drugs, gangs, and violence. Today, he works in the heart of the city as a positive force. He is the Director of the Lighthouse Sports Complex in northern Philadelphia, where he runs programs such as boxing, basketball, and other after-school activities to encourage health and bonding within the community.
Edwin has worked with organizations that focus on eradicating violence, including the Philadelphia Anti-Drug Anti-Violence Network (PAAN), Latino Juvenile Justice Network, and the Make the World Better Foundation (MTWB), to name a few. He also founded and directed MIMIC: Men in Motion in the Community. Edwin is a father and grandfather, as well as a personal mentor to many incredible youth who face enormous obstacles daily.
“My goal is to use music, truth, and beauty to bring awareness to this flagrant violation of basic human liberty.”
Soula Parassidis has a habit of using her voice to shine light into the world — whether it’s through a breathtaking opera performance or through dedicated advocacy for the vulnerable. The acclaimed opera singer has performed with leading companies in the UK, Taiwan, China, USA, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Ireland. A multi-talented performer, Soula trained as a flutist and actor before studying voice at the University of British Columbia. She is the founder of Living Opera, a platform that equips and empowers other classical performers.
Throughout her thriving career, Soula has used her voice to partner with marginalized and at-risk communities through multiple non-profit organizations. She joined The Exodus Road’s board in 2021, moved by her own passion for ending human trafficking. Soula also serves as an advisor for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. Her passion for the cause was born as she learned about the overwhelming issue and felt moved to play whatever part she could in eradicating human trafficking.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Soula currently lives in Washington D.C. When she’s not singing or advocating for survivors, Soula loves traveling, making friends with pug dogs, and honoring her Greek heritage through cooking.
“The fact that children are sold daily for sex is devastating. We have to introduce more people to the tragic reality of human trafficking and get them involved; that’s how we’ll see change.”
Craig is a country music icon, TV personality, celebrated outdoorsman, and patriotic Army veteran. He spent 17 years in the Army and Army Reserves, and in 2018 he was the recipient of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal because of his dedication to military men and women around the world. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 and continues as one of America's best-loved artists.
In the fall of 2017, Craig traveled to Thailand with two of the board members of The Exodus Road to see the organization’s work firsthand. He’s been connected to the mission ever since. When he’s not on the road performing or at events, Craig lives outside of Nashville, TN, with his family.