This event — organized by Free the Slaves was attended by our AAI Director of Human Trafficking –
Bishop Donna Hubbard. Here is her story in her own words:
“This event was this was nothing short of exceptional! One of the highlights was Ambassador John Cotton Richmond; his message was moving, it was transparent, it was motivating. The message simply was timely. He went there and, in so many words, showed up for us.
Speaking as a Survivor Leader, those in positions of influence and power must be transparent, to earn credibility within and without the ranks of the anti-trafficking movement. They must show accountability, and encourage accountability, and he did that.
Several third-world agencies provided valuable feedback, featuring survivor voices who echoed the success of these agencies and repeated the challenges of limited resources, funding, and community support.
We noted issues affecting all of us no matter where we come from. First, we need an international network that connects us. Second, we are concerned that survivors’ voices in meetings should be required when determining who receives funding. We expect oversight in how funds are used, and if the needs are met in relation to what survivors have said they need. When we have survivors that need to be relocated, need direct services, or some form of immediate or long term treatment, an international network will better enable us to assist. And elected survivor leaders who can provide oversight for that network, to make sure the agencies that say they’re doing certain work, are authenticated. It must be understood, survivors whose lived experience is needed, requested, and invaluable in providing credibility MUST BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR TIME AND MEASURABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. We will no longer be rescued from traffickers only to have our testimonies be exploited.
I saw survivors I had met during the Dominican Republic FTS event and met new people. So the 2026 Freedom From Slavery event was really survivor-led and survivor-centered. That was encouraging and really mesmerizing in so many ways. I came away with a renewed dedication to direct efforts that move us forward, and connect with other agencies, to not just enlarge or enhance each agency, but so that we can build one another up.
We can stop competing for resources and really start sharing the opportunities that come so that we can all build, because we have agencies that focus on children, agencies that focus on women agencies that focus on LGBTQ individuals. And so there’s so much diversity now that if we do not keep a firm hand on making sure that each one is credible, then we’re going to lose the value of the assistance, integrity, and credibility within the governments. The other thing I stressed to survivor leaders I connected with during conversations is that we are building a legacy and legacy comes only when we are adding integrity to history. We cannot simply make history; if we don’t include integrity, that’s not a legacy we want to leave. When this movement is described years from now, we want to be part of a legacy not just history.”
God’s Anointed Change Agent”
Bishop Donna L. Hubbard, D. Min., (H), BA, MS, BCCC
Exec. Director
Woman At The Well Transition Center
Jurisdictional Bishop, Celebration of Praise Ministries Intl.
Human Trafficking Awareness Educator, Survivor Leader, Subject Matter Expert, Master Facilitator, Certified Trainer, Global Human Trafficking Aviation Specialist
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