This month's featured local Human Trafficking Abolitionist is Samantha Searls. Samantha is a program manager at the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center (IJPC) and is the Chair of End Slavery Cincinnati Public Education & Awareness Committee. At IJPC, she helps to educate everyone from students to elected officials about the realities of human trafficking and other social justice issues. She does this by developing educational material, pioneering programs and events, giving presentations and panel discussions, and providing practical tools that equip everyday people to become advocates for change. Samantha also works to highlight legislation that involves human trafficking, such as the current Ohio Senate Bill 13, which would help protect survivors of child sex trafficking.  

 With a background in community education and grassroots organization, including a master's degree in social work, Samantha really knows what it takes to make a positive change in one's community and isn't afraid to jump in and get things done!  "We all have a part in fixing the issue,"  she says, "One way or another, we're all part of it."