The human trafficking awareness event features one-mile freedom walk to honor victims
NORTH CANTON, Ohio – Not for Sale: One Step at A Time and Walsh University have partnered to sponsor the 8th Annual Community Freedom Summit, a powerful yearly event to raise awareness for human trafficking prevention through education, reflection and community action.
The summit takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Cecchini Center Arena on the Walsh campus. The event is free and open to the public.
The theme for this year’s summit is: “Think globally, act locally.”
Walsh University alumna Amy Alexy, chief people officer at Signature Aviation and a board member of the nationally recognized crisis support center for youth overcoming homelessness and survivors of human trafficking, Covenant House, will deliver the keynote address, speaking on the topic, “Think globally, act locally in the fight against human trafficking.” Alexy will explore practical ways individuals and organizations can combat trafficking within their own communities.
“We’re delighted to have Amy, a Walsh University alum who truly exemplifies servant leadership as our speaker this year,” said Kathie Gray, president and cofounder of Not for Sale. “Her work in human trafficking advocacy and action continues to create meaningful change within her industry, and we are grateful for her partnership in this effort.”
Ashley Crawford, senior vice president of key partnerships at Covenant House International, also will speak at the event.
Following the presentations, participants will take part in a one-mile, single-file walk of silence to honor victims and survivors of human trafficking and to visibly demonstrate the community’s commitment to ending exploitation one step at a time.
The summit will feature:
· A symbolic Red Sand Project demonstration.
· A community service project sponsored by Covenant House creating 500 self-care bags for victims of abuse or trafficking to be distributed locally.
· A community marketplace featuring local vendors and organizations offering free resources.
· Music by DJ Nikolina from Q92.
· Free food and refreshments and the Forty One Coffee Truck.
“Join us for a morning of community education, awareness, and action,” Gray said, “Together, we can raise awareness, reduce demand and be the change our community needs in the fight against human trafficking.”
For more information contact Kathie Gray at kgray@walsh.edu or 330-490-7123.
About the Keynote Speaker
Amy Alexy, a 1999 graduate of Walsh University, serves as chief people officer at Signature Aviation, the world’s largest private aviation terminal company. She leads the company’s people strategy, supporting growth, strengthening organizational culture and enhancing the team member experience in alignment with Signature’s hospitality-focused service standards.
Alexy also is on the board of Covenant House International the nationally recognized crisis support center for human trafficking.
Previously, Alexy served as chief human resources officer at Royal Caribbean Group, where she helped guide the company through the pandemic and led its people strategy during the return to service. She also led global talent initiatives at Novartis and served as vice president of global talent at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
A certified executive coach, Alexy has leadership experience across manufacturing, financial services, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, aviation and hospitality. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Walsh University.
About Speaker Ashley Crawford
Ashley Crawford leads Covenant House’s strategic partnerships with companies and private foundations to advance its mission to help young people overcome homelessness. Ashley joined Covenant House in 2009 in direct marketing. Inspired by the organization’s culture, she went on to play a critical role in launching Covenant House’s peer-to-peer fundraising movement, Sleep Out. In 2015, Ashley led the development of the organization’s first corporate partnerships department, resulting in more than $50 million in new revenue over 10 years and new opportunities for young people.
Recognizing the strong correlation between youth homelessness and human trafficking, Ashley’s team launched Covenant House’s Anti-Human Trafficking Council, bringing together corporate leaders – including Signature Aviation, Marriott International, and Hard Rock International – from industries where trafficking risk is high. Together, these partners share knowledge and strengthen anti-trafficking practices across their sectors.
Prior to Covenant House, Ashley served two years with City Year New York, where she helped develop and implement a service-learning and leadership program for middle school students in Long Island City.
Ashley holds a bachelor’s in Human Resource Management from Michigan State University and a Master in Public Administration in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy from New York University.
