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.
“I am pleased to work alongside The Exodus Road in their work to combat human trafficking around the world and here in the United States. Their programs are effective and strategic. They operate in a spirit of collaboration with other organizations and agencies, and they are passionate about impacting real change. I am currently serving their organization as an advisor in government relations and policy and will continue to work alongside their leadership as we work towards a world where human beings are no longer bought and sold. "
Bill Woolf has dedicated his personal and professional life to combatting human trafficking – most notably being recognized by receiving the Presidential Medal for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons. He started his professional career as a police officer, and later Gang Detective where he encountered the insidious crime of human trafficking. Previously undetected and unaddressed, he became dedicated to combatting the issue, serving as a federal task force officer, with both the FBI and HSI, investigating and prosecuting cases locally and federally.
He was instrumental in receiving funding to start a human trafficking task force in northern Virginia. Bill co-directed the task force with the US Attorney’s Office and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office. He was tasked with coordinating enforcement and interdiction efforts with other regional, state, and federal law enforcement. He was also tasked with forging partnerships with non-governmental agencies that could provide necessary services to those victimized by human trafficking. In the first two years, under Bill’s leadership, the task force was able to identify 217 victims of sex and labor trafficking and recover over 126 of them. The task force also identified and initiated investigations into more than 100 traffickers that had conducted illegal activities in the northern Virginia area.
Bill founded the Just Ask Prevention Project, now Anti-Trafficking International, which continues to be a leader in preventing human trafficking in communities across the globe. He led the effort to develop a systematic approach of education, prevention and intervention developing effective strategies in addressing the threat of human trafficking. Bill was called upon by the U.S. Department of Justice to accept a position as a member of the Senior Executive Service in the role of Human Trafficking Programs Director where he was responsible for overseeing the nearly $100 million budget to support human trafficking programs all across the United States. He was asked to step in as the Acting Director of the Office for Victims of Crime and continued to serve as the Principal Deputy Director overseeing more $6.5 billion in grant programs. Bill also served as Special Advisor to the White House for Human Trafficking overseeing the implementation of the first-ever National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
Today he continues his work supporting global efforts to drive social impact and fight human trafficking. He also seeks to influence the next generation by serving as an adjunct professor at George Mason University. Of all his accomplishments he is most proud of his six incredible children who continue to amaze and surprise him on a daily basis.
“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.
"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
“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.
"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 Chief Investigative Officer. 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 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.
*Pseudonyms used for security purposes.
FREEDOM IS COMING
FREEDOM IS COMING
FREEDOM 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
“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.
“Caring about human trafficking cannot be separated from advocating for social justice. They are intrinsically linked.”
Alece Ronzino is a seasoned nonprofit professional with over 25 years of experience as a leader, communicator, and strategist in the fight against injustice. Her passion for equipping and empowering local leaders to combat systemic poverty is evident through her pioneering work in South Africa, where she founded the nonprofit Thrive Africa. She also served nonprofits in Southern Africa through her nonprofit consulting business Grit and Glory.
Upon returning to the U.S., Alece launched and currently leads Rest Easy Nashville, a boutique short-term rental property management firm. Ronzino’s unwavering passion for justice continues to drive her work and make a positive impact on her community.
Alece lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, Joe. Together they have three incredible children. In her spare time, you’ll find Alece exploring new culinary experiences and planning her next crosscultural adventure.
"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.
“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.
“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. 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.
“I am passionate about combatting child sexual exploitation and human trafficking — both overseas and at home in the U.S.”
Cassie Martin spent her career in finance at various large companies, with the majority of her career spent at Newmont Corporation in Denver, Colorado. During her 11-year tenure at Newmont, she held leadership roles in Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Development, and Business Planning. Cassie holds a Masters degree in Global Finance and Economics from the Korbel School of International Studies at University of Denver and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Creighton University.
Cassie currently lives in Vail, Colorado with her husband. She enjoys spending time outdoors skiing and biking, and she loves hiking and camping with her husband and dog. Cassie is an avid reader and international traveler, and she is a supporter and foster home provider for Western Border Collie Rescue in Colorado.
“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.
“Having witnessed firsthand the exploitation of vulnerable individuals across the globe, I am committed to making a difference and helping to bring an end to modern-day slavery. My desire to contribute to this cause is fueled by my global perspective and personal encounters with the injustices faced by trafficking victims.”
Addie Murdock is a principal at The Burgess Group (TBG), where she has been an integral part of the firm since 2002. With a career spanning over two decades, Addie has gained extensive experience in international markets, where she has worked closely with affluent families and strategic alliances in Latin America and Asia. She is also an active member of STEP and the prestigious Top of the Table at MDRT.
Addie holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband, two children, and their beloved dogs, Muchacho and Churro. Outside of her professional commitments, Addie is an enthusiastic sports lover. She enjoys activities like running, biking, hiking, surfing, and skiing.
“I believe that every person has inherent dignity and worth. Seeing exploitation firsthand is heartbreaking, especially as a mom of two daughters. The Exodus Road is doing beautiful, hard, redemptive work every day and I am so honored to be a small part of it.”
Hollie has a profound passion for helping vulnerable women and children. Her background includes work in international relief and development. In the course of this work, Hollie first encountered human trafficking decades ago when she visited Thailand. She felt compelled to provide a different life for the women being exploited.
Hollie and her husband, Galen, have been faithful and generous supporters of the work of The Exodus Road for years, and Hollie’s passion for the exploited has come full circle as a member of our board. She brings a depth of emotional intelligence, influence, and a voice for every-day philanthropists to our board.
In her free time, Hollie, who lives in the Seattle area with her husband and two daughters, loves traveling and experiencing new cultures, reading a good book, and spending time with friends over a shared meal or coffee.
“Moved by the global crisis of human trafficking, my wife Valerie and I have made it a priority to support organizations providing rescue and aftercare for victims. Our commitment to the cause has deepened through our personal connection to The Exodus Road and its founders Matt and Laura Parker, whom we’ve known since 2016.”
Griffin Stewart is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded 5DayDeal and runs it with his wife, Valerie. 5DayDeal offers discounted photography and video tutorials while donating 10% of sales to charity, giving more than $3 million to date.
Griffin’s impact in the photography and video industry is matched by his dedication to social justice, committing both his personal and business resources to global causes with a focus on leveraging sustainable impact. 5DayDeal is a longtime key partner with The Exodus Road, and the company has donated more than $200,000 toward their anti-trafficking work. Griffin and his wife Valerie currently reside in Colorado Springs with their daughters.
The Exodus Road's International Survivor-Centered Advisory Committee
Our International Survivor-Centered Advisory Committee (ISCAC) is comprised of members from five countries representing lived experience and direct service provision in anti-trafficking work.
2023-2024 ISCAC COMMITTEE MEMBERS
“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.
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 and work as a counselor, 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.
