Rachell Ekroos (Nursing) and Alexis Kennedy (Criminal Justice) hosted meetings with Ukrainian leaders representing government sectors, law enforcement agencies, social service providers, and non-government organizations as part of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Program alumni include 19 current chiefs of state or heads of government and 330 former chiefs of state or heads of government.

Ekroos’ expertise includes the health care response to persons identified as victims of human trafficking, their unique biopsychosocial and clinical forensic needs, and collaborative multidisciplinary responses to human trafficking. Kennedy shares her expertise and data related to trafficking of minors and how local systems have responded to the needs of victims during the past decade. Both provide expertise related to the differences between local, national, and international systems coupled with discussions about due process and justice.