Standing Together to End Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio.

On Thursday, September 24, we attended the 2026 Annual Luncheon of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking at Windows on the River. The event was both informative and compelling. It also highlighted the important work being done across Northeast Ohio to prevent human trafficking and support survivors.

Supporting the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking

Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC was proud to serve as an Awareness Sponsor of this year’s luncheon.

We have long supported the work of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. The organization brings together more than 75 partner organizations in the fight against human trafficking. These partners represent education, healthcare, housing, public safety, community services, and other sectors.

To learn more about the Collaborative, visit:

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Immigrants and Migrants Can Be Especially Vulnerable

As an immigration law firm, we understand that immigrants and migrants can face unique risks. Language barriers, cultural differences, isolation, and unfamiliarity with available resources can make some individuals more vulnerable to exploitation.

Human trafficking is both a local and global concern. Understanding these risks is an important part of preventing trafficking, identifying victims, and connecting survivors with help.

For additional information about human trafficking and migrant smuggling, visit:
https://www.unodc.org/e4j/en/secondary/human-trafficking-and-migrant-smuggling.html/

Cleveland Leaders Address Human Trafficking

The luncheon opened with remarks from Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.

We also heard from Nicole McKinney Johnson, President & CEO of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. Kirsti Mouncey, LISW-S, President & CEO of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, also spoke. Suzanne Bednarchik, Board Chair of the Collaborative, joined them in addressing those gathered for the event.

Each speaker emphasized the importance of working together to confront human trafficking and better support survivors.

Putting Survivor Leadership at the Center

The program continued with a powerful keynote address from Alia Azariah. She is a National Survivor Leader and Director of Collective Impact at The Safehouse Project for survivors of trafficking.

Hearing directly from a survivor leader was one of the most meaningful parts of the luncheon. As Ms. Mouncey stated:

“Survivor leadership must be at the core of how communities prevent human trafficking and respond to those who have experienced it.”

Learn more about Alia Azariah and the luncheon here:

National expert, trafficking survivor, leader Alia Azariah to keynote event in Cleveland

The 2026 State of Human Trafficking Community Report

A major focus of the luncheon was the newly issued 2026 Community Report, “The State of Human Trafficking.”

The report examines what we currently know about human trafficking, what may remain unseen, and what our community needs to do next.

Importantly, the report is not the end of the conversation. It is a starting point. As new information and data become available, our understanding of human trafficking will continue to evolve. That knowledge can help communities improve prevention efforts and strengthen their response to survivors.

To obtain a copy of “The State of Human Trafficking,” visit https://collabtoendht.org/ and select “Read It Now.”

Everyone Has a Role to Play

Perhaps one of the most important messages from the luncheon was that ending human trafficking requires cooperation across our entire community.

As Ms. Mouncey and Ms. Bednarchik wrote in a letter included in the program guide:

“Today, we will share local data, dispel persistent myths, and identify practical solutions for building a stronger, more coordinated community response. Those solutions will require a tremendous cross-sector lift and every person in this room has a role to play.”

Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC is proud to support the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking and its partners. We are grateful for their continued work to educate our community, protect vulnerable people, and ensure that survivor voices remain central to the fight against human trafficking.