Conference Awards

 

Each year, the conference awards individuals and organizations who are making an important and influential impact in combatting human trafficking and promoting social justice.

Stay tuned for more information about the nomination process for the 2026 conference awards.

Champion for Human Rights and Social Justice Award

This award honors individuals or organizations whose work represents the highest level of leadership and influence in advancing human rights and social justice. They are visionary changemakers, whose efforts have led to systemic transformation or large-scale impact, especially on behalf of marginalized or oppressed populations. Through bold activism, innovative advocacy, or groundbreaking policy reform—often in the face of adversity—they have reshaped conversations, institutions, or movements. This award honors those whose legacy of courage and leadership inspires a broader movement for justice, empowering others at every level to act against injustice.

Past Awardees:

  • 2025:

    • Rochelle Dalla

    • Donna Sabella

  • 2024:

    • James & Patricia Appold

    • Gorski Family Foundation

    • Zonta Club of Toledo 1

  • 2023:

    • Judge Denise Navarre Cubbon

    • James & Nancy Smith

    • Old News Boys

    • Wrigley Foundation

  • 2022:

    • Kai Zen Bickle

  • 2021:

    • Michelle Hannan

    • Cindy McCain

  • 2020:

    • Tony Talbott

    • Sheriff John Tharp

  • 2019:

    • Bobby Cummerow

    • Barbara Miner

  • 2018:

    • Jan Ruma

    • Judge Connie Zemmelman

  • 2017:

    • Sandy Sieben

  • 2016:

    • Liz Ranade-Janis

    • Veronica Sherbauer

  • 2015:

    • Senator Sherrod Brown (OH)

    • Thomas Gutteridge

    • Senator Rob Portman (OH)

    • Kizzy Williams

  • 2014:

    • Attorney General Mike DeWine (OH)

    • Representative Teresa Fedor (OH)

Community Cares Award

This award honors organizations, grassroots initiatives, or community groups that have made a significant, sustained impact in the fight against human trafficking. Recipients demonstrate a collective commitment to prevention, protection, prosecution, or partnership within their community or beyond. Whether through direct services, outreach and education, survivor leadership, or community mobilization, these groups embody what it means to care in action. They fill critical gaps, build trust with those affected, and create lasting change through collaboration and compassion. This award uplifts those who show that true progress is possible when communities unite with purpose.

Past Awardees:

Influential Scholar Award

This award honors individuals who have made an influential impact with their research and scholarly work in the anti-human trafficking field. Typically awarded to Research Scholar Members of the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars (GAHTS), this award recognizes individuals whose research and scholarly contributions have significantly advanced knowledge, understanding, and practice in the anti-human trafficking field. Recipients of this award are recognized for producing impactful scholarship that informs policy, enhances professional practice, inspires ongoing research efforts, while also ensuring that survivor voices and lived experiences are meaningfully included in the academic and professional dialogue.

Past Awardees:

Social Justice Leader Award

This award honors individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and leadership in promoting social justice, particularly in addressing the rights and needs of vulnerable communities affected by human trafficking. Through persistent advocacy, education, service, or community engagement, these individuals drive tangible, community-level change and exemplify compassion, integrity, and resilience. Their leadership uplifts others, strengthens collective efforts, and contributes meaningfully to the ongoing fight for equity and human dignity.

Past Awardees: