Board of Directors | Know Human Trafficing

Shelley Walker – President

Is the Founder & President of Know Human Trafficking. After meeting many survivors and engaging with government officials, I realized I could do more to spread awareness about human trafficking. This sparked my dedication to researching, learning from survivors’ experiences, and understanding this heinous crime.
Recognizing the power of the trucking industry, I launched the #KnowHumanTrafficking Campaign under the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada. In 2020, we debuted our first #KnowHumanTrafficking trailer. Since then, our fleet has grown to include 30 additional trailers and 5 tanker trailers, all spreading awareness about human trafficking.
I deeply value our allies and the crucial partnerships we are forming in this fight against human trafficking. As I often say, “If this truck creates one phone call to a police service, to a victim services line, if it’s parked in one rest stop … and a victim of human trafficking is at a truck stop and sees this opportunity and sees the number, it creates the opportunity of hope. It creates the opportunity of an escape.”

Ken Adams – Chairperson

Born and raised in Toronto, Ken spent 30 years in the insurance industry while also serving 13 years as a member of the Toronto Police Service. In 2015, he transitioned to the trucking industry and is now the Owner and President of Crossroads Truck & Career Academy. He has served as Chairman of the Board for the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario since 2019 and sits on the advisory board for the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada.

Through his work in transportation and law enforcement, Ken became deeply aware of the hidden crisis of human trafficking. His passion for advocacy led him to Know Human Trafficking, where he works to educate communities and equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize and respond to trafficking.

Ken believes change starts with awareness and that everyone has a role to play in ending human trafficking. By fostering education and open conversations, he is committed to making a lasting impact in the fight against this global crime.

Jeff McKay – Vice Chairperson

With a career spanning over three decades in the transportation industry, Jeff McKay brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Vice Chairperson. As the owner of Transport Driver Training Inc. for the past three years, Jeff has demonstrated unwavering commitment to safety and education. His 27 years as a professional driver have instilled in him a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies.

Jeff is passionate about imparting his knowledge to others, and he teaches personal safety and human trafficking awareness to all his students. His strong morals and values underpin his leadership approach, and he is determined to use his expertise to tackle significant challenges within the industry.

Jeff is committed to leveraging his experience and determination to spread awareness and drive meaningful change. Outside of his professional life, Jeff is a devoted father to three daughters.

Kirsty Soares – Treasurer

As Treasurer of Know Human Trafficking, Kirsty Soares brings a strong background in operations and management to her role. Currently serving as the Director of Operations at Transport Driver Training Inc., Kirsty has over 25 years of experience in retail management, allowing her to interact with and understand individuals from various backgrounds.

Kirsty believes that human trafficking affects people from all walks of life, without regard for gender, race, or class. As a mother, she feels a profound responsibility to combat human trafficking and protect the vulnerable. Kirsty is dedicated to educating others about this global crisis and firmly believes that every voice matters in this fight.

Kirsty’s mission is to stand against human trafficking and work towards a future where everyone is free from fear and exploitation. With her expertise and dedication, she strives to make a difference by raising awareness and promoting education.

Shea Merriman – Director

Shea serves as a dedicated board member for Know Human Trafficking, a not for profit committed to raising public awareness and educating communities about the realities of human trafficking. With a background in administration in food manufacturing, Shea’s journey into advocacy began while working as the Director of Operations at Crossroads Truck & Career Academy. Through exposure to the trucking industry, Shea became deeply aware of the widespread and often hidden nature of human trafficking.

Driven by a passion to inform and protect, Shea is committed to educating others on recognizing the signs of trafficking and taking action to combat this billion-dollar industry. Believing that awareness is the first step toward change, Shea works to empower individuals and communities to be part of the solution in the fight to #EndHumanTrafficking.

Isabelle Fournier – Director

Isabelle is a dynamic Recruitment, Retention and Marketing Specialist with a passion for motivating, attracting, and retaining women in the transport and heavy-duty mechanic industry. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, Isabelle has spearheaded numerous initiatives that challenge industry norms and pave the way for a more balanced workforce.

A key highlight of Isabelle’s career has been the development and execution of a groundbreaking 100% all-women trucking class in collaboration with the CFTR in Québec. This innovative project not only provided comprehensive training for female truckers but also created a supportive community that encourages growth and camaraderie among women in the industry.

In an effort to raise awareness and inspire more women to join the transport sector, Isabelle launched the Pink Tanker campaign which was also supported by CFTR’s Pink Truck. These eye-catching vehicles were designed to make a bold statement and highlight the significant role women play in trucking. The campaigns garnered widespread attention and sparked important conversations about gender diversity within the industry.

Fiona Stone – Secretary

Fiona moved to Ontario, Canada from England in the summer of 2009 after a career working in the field of child welfare.
Helping children, youth and their families to maintain regular school attendance by understanding the causes of disengagement and the dangers posed to young people that fall through the cracks. This included multi agency interaction, being fully CEOP training and a compassionate child advocate. Leaving England was a huge leap and she decided to pursue a different career. With a desire to continue to help people to help themselves and their families she entered the world of finance.

“I believe that we all have a role to play in making our global village safer. Knowledge is power and between us we can make our village a safer and happier place to be”

“Do the best you can until you know better.
Then when you know better, do better.”
Maya Angelou