09/11/2022
Michigan Abolitionist Project in partnership with Vista Maria announced in May of the upcoming retirement of its Executive Director, Kathy Maitland. Dawn Ames is uniquely positioned to transition to the Executive Director position due to her experience as a MAP Community Leader in North Oakland County, and her leadership experiences in non- and for-profit organizations. Dawn has a passion for ending human trafficking through advocacy, awareness, and training. Dawn noted that she believes, “the nonprofit world must play an essential role to improve awareness, advocacy, and services to combat human trafficking. I am delighted to join MAP and Vista Maria so we can eradicate these heinous crimes right here in Michigan.” Dawn will work closely with Kathy Maitland, MAP’s current Executive Director through the end of September.
The strategic alliance between MAP and Vista Maria has improved our missional impact, and Kathy Maitland has been instrumental in the successful transition as well as building a strategic plan that will help us to achieve our goals and objectives. We look forward to the future, and we are excited that we can create a smooth leadership transition. We have welcomed Dawn Ames to the team and have full confidence that she will continue to strengthen our community impact through awareness, improved training and broadening our advocacy within the anti-trafficking movement.
Dawn’s prior experience as Director of Family Ministry for Lake Orion Unity Methodist Church where she led several teen and family ministries, her experiences with General Motors and OnStar, and her prior board leadership and trainer roles provide a good foundation of skills and experiences to assume the position of Executive Director. Dawn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University.
Let's all give Dawn a huge welcome to the team!
