The Liberation Award honorees are those volunteers, agencies, and community advocates who have made a significant impact in the effort against human trafficking in Kentucky; who have made great strides in raising awareness about the problem of human trafficking, providing assistance to victims of human trafficking, or advocating on behalf of those affected by human trafficking. “LIBERATION” Award honorees are selected based on the impact they have made in the state of Kentucky to affect positive change regarding the problem of human trafficking.
The Liberation Awards are awarded annually, and generally include the following categories:
**Occasionally, additional awards may be made of “Kentucky State Advocates” who have provided tremendous support to anti-human trafficking efforts statewide.
2014 Liberation Award Winners:
1. Commissioner Theresa James, KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
2. Lucie Estill, KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
3. Kalon Bagby, KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services
4. Jennifer Cole, professor, University of Kentucky
5. Tate Webb (Community Advocate Award)
2013 Liberation Award Winners:
1. Det. Aundria Burkhart, Lexington Police Department
2. Colin Lindsay (Community Advocate Award)
3. Sgt. Andre Bottoms, Louisville Metro Police Department
2012 Liberation Award Winners:
1. Emily Pellowe (Volunteer Award)
2. David Marye, Assistant US Attorney, Eastern District of Kentucky
3. Hydee Hawkins, Assistant US Attorney, Eastern District of Kentucky
4. Vicki Dierig (Volunteer Award)
5. Regan Lookadoo, professor, Georgetown College (Community Advocate Award)
2011 Liberation Award Winners:
1. Forest Park Community Church (Agency Award)
2. Gabrielle Maxedon, student, University of Louisville (Student Award)
3. Neil Fairweather (Volunteer Award)
4. Theresa Hayden, professor, University of Louisville (Community Advocate Award)
2010 Liberation Award Winners:
1. Menswork (Agency Award)
2. Gateway Community and Technical College Criminal Justice Program (Student Award): Dr. Amy Carrino, Criminal Justice Program Coordinator, and Criminal Justice Program students Zachary Motz and Christy Booth.
3. Brittney Thomas (Volunteer Award)
4. FBI Agent Michael Brown (Community Advocate Award)
2009 Liberation Award Winners:
1. Robin Valenzuela, student, University of Louisville (Student Award)
2. Marilyn Jones (Volunteer Award)
3. Maxwell Street Legal Clinic (Agency Award)
4. Officer Monica Woods, Bowling Green Police Department
5. Gretchen Hunt (KY State Advocate Award)
6. Dr. T.K. Logan (KY State Advocate Award)
7. Senator David Boswell (KY State Advocate Award)