Opening Speakers
Understanding Exploitation
Andy Soper is a dynamic speaker who will discuss the breadth and depth of human trafficking around the world including our communities. Participants will be made aware that there are vulnerable people all around them.
The State of Human Trafficking in Michigan
Kelly Carter will inform us about current and impactful legislation, prosecutions, and advancements in the fight against human trafficking in Michigan.
A link will be provided to attend this breakout series.
Meet the Speakers
Andy Soper works to carve out safe spaces for our most vulnerable neighbors. He founded the advocacy program, the Manasseh Project in 2010 and opened Michigan’s first shelter for minor Human Trafficking victims. He also co-founded Grand Rapids HQ - a drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness. He is currently the Director of Education at Measurable Change, a nonprofit committed to seeing world with no slaves or masters. Andy lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Marcy, and their nation of four children.
Kelly Carter is assistant attorney general in the criminal division of the Michigan Department of the Attorney General. She served on the Attorney General Bill Schutte’s Human Trafficking Unit where her work included prosecuting human trafficking cases for the State of Michigan. The Human Trafficking unit works closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to uncover and prosecute cases of modern-day slavery involving both children and adults. Kelly was instrumental in the prosecution of Michigan’s first human trafficking case in 2012.