Erie Women’s Fund Hosts Impactful Conversation on Modern-Day Slavery and Human Trafficking
January 16, 2025
ERIE, P.A., January 15, 2025 – The Erie Women’s Fund hosted an eye-opening discussion today at noon, focused on the urgent and often unseen crisis of human trafficking. This conversation aimed to educate and empower the community to better understand the devastating impact of human trafficking, which affects countless women and girls, in Erie and across the nation.
Jordan Pine, Founder and CEO of Greenlight Operation, led the discussion. With over a decade of experience in the anti-human trafficking movement and nonprofit leadership, Jordan has become a leading voice in Pennsylvania, advocating for the protection of individuals from this modern-day slavery. Throughout the session, Jordan provided valuable insights into what human trafficking is, how to identify it, and the profound and often overlooked toll it takes on victims and their families.
Since 2007, over 197,000 victims of human trafficking have been identified in the United States. Today’s conversation opened the floor to hearing about the harsh realities individuals in our community face and how each of us can make a difference.
Pictured above (from left to right): Allison Hodas (EWF Chair), Jennie Hagerty (Mercy Center for Women), Paul Lukach (Crime Victim Center), Jordan Pine (Greenlight Operation) District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz, & Sheila Sterrett (EWF Education Committee Chair).
“Human trafficking is a complex and often hidden issue that affects the most vulnerable among us. By raising awareness, understanding the signs, and supporting survivors, we can create a stronger, more informed community,” said Olivia Burgess, director of collective giving at The Erie Community Foundation.
About Greenlight Operation: Greenlight Operation, led by Jordan Pine, is committed to ending human trafficking by providing education, advocacy, and survivor support. Their mission is to combat human trafficking at the local and national levels, working to prevent exploitation and restore dignity to those affected by this crisis.
The Erie Women's Fund is dedicated to Empowering Women and Families. EWF provides financial grants, hosts enriching educational forums, and engages members through informational meetings and social gatherings. For more information about upcoming events, please visit Erie Women's Fund | Erie Community Foundation or contact Olivia Burgess at OBurgess@ErieCommunityFoundation.org.
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