On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) hosted its *25 Years of Impact* Gala, celebrating a quarter-century of efforts to combat human trafficking and provide critical support to survivors. It was held at Cooper Design Space, Downtown Los Angeles, California The event honored resilience, advocacy, and community collaboration, recognizing individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the fight against modern-day slavery. 

The gala highlighted CAST’s key milestones since its founding in 1998. Over the years, CAST has become a national leader in the movement to end human trafficking, offering survivors shelter, legal services, and advocacy support. This year’s event honored several distinguished figures, including Jessica P. Sarowitz, Managing Partner of 4S Bay Partners. CAST also paid tribute to Sister Maria Rosa Leggol, the subject of a film executive produced by Sarowitz. Fondly known as “SOR,” Sr. Maria Rosa Leggol was a beacon of hope for vulnerable children in Honduras, providing them with safety, education, and protection from exploitation. Sarowitz’s film, *With This Light,* highlights Sr. Leggol’s impactful leadership and CAST’s ongoing mission to prevent threats like human trafficking.

Other honorees included trafficking survivor and activist Romeo Mendoza, Stasia Washington (Managing Director of Lido Advisors), California Attorney General Rob Monta, and District 18 Assemblymember Mia Bonta. These honorees reflect CAST’s diverse partnerships across legal, governmental, and grassroots organizations, demonstrating the collective power needed to address this complex issue.

The evening concluded with moving testimonies from survivors whose lives have been transformed by CAST’s services, followed by a powerful call to action for continued support in the fight against human trafficking.