LOS ANGELES (June 3, 2026) —The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Cast), the largest direct service provider supporting survivors of human trafficking in the U.S., is proud to announce the appointment of Vera Campbell, Peggy Lee Cao, and Amy Elaine Wakeland to its Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome these three remarkable women to our Board,” said Kay Buck, Cast CEO. “Their appointments reflect the bold leadership that is needed to end human trafficking with clarity and vision. Each brings deep expertise across philanthropy, education, business, and public policy, along with a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and opportunity. At a time when survivors’ safety, rights, and critical services are under increasing threat, their leadership will help strengthen our ability to innovate, advocate, and expand support for survivors where and when they need it most.”
Amy Elaine Wakeland is a Los Angeles–based civic leader, public policy expert, and social justice advocate whose career has centered on combating sexual and domestic violence, strengthening opportunities for women and girls, and serving the city’s most vulnerable residents. As First Lady of Los Angeles, she helped lead the campaign to raise the city’s minimum wage, doubled the size of LA’s Domestic Abuse Response Team, and dramatically expanded girls’ participation in sports across the city’s parks and recreation centers. A longtime member of Cast’s Ambassador Board and an early major supporter, Wakeland also helped secure foundational seed funding for Cast through the Pobladores Fund and the X Fund at the Liberty Hill Foundation. Wakeland currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Red Leaf Family Foundation, another Cast supporter.
“I have watched Cast grow into a national model for survivor-centered care,” said Wakeland. “This work demands bold, systemic thinking and the willingness to reimagine what justice actually looks like. Joining the board is my commitment to that work, to building a future where trafficking is not just addressed but prevented.”
PeggyLee Cao is a self-made entrepreneur, educator, and business leader. She serves as President of Paul Mitchell The School Pasadena and NYC, where she has spent more than two decades developing future professionals and redefining beauty education through innovation and mentorship. Her story began when she immigrated to the U.S. from Thailand at age 25 to build a new life from the ground up; since then, she has expanded her influence into wellness, lifestyle, and leadership development. A tireless philanthropist, Peggy has supported hundreds of nonprofit organizations focused on causes including foster youth, human trafficking survivors, domestic violence, homelessness, and disaster relief. She has also mobilized the Paul Mitchell Schools community in steadfast support of Cast’s mission. Her addition to the board brings an entrepreneurial spirit and business mindset to Cast.
“I know firsthand what it means to start over with nothing but determination,” said Cao. “Supporting survivors means believing that where someone begins does not define where they can go, and that is exactly what Cast makes possible. I am honored to help champion this organization into its next era of impact.”
Vera Campbell is a Los Angeles–based philanthropist and former apparel industry executive. As president of the Vera R. Campbell Foundation, she champions access to high-quality academic, artistic, and experiential learning opportunities for low-income students in Boyle Heights, where she has been a longtime business owner and community leader. The Foundation partners with institutions, including the Getty, the California Science Center, and College Match LA, to connect students with scholarships, internships, and meaningful pathways to college and careers. Campbell also serves on the boards of ICA LA and Youth Champions and is a member of the J. Paul Getty Museum Director’s Council, reflecting a civic commitment that spans arts, education, and youth development. A major Cast donor for more than a decade, she has helped sustain programs that advance freedom and justice for survivors.
“I am proud to join Cast’s esteemed Board of Directors. For several years, I have seen firsthand the transformative work this organization does not just for survivors, but for the community,” said Campbell. “I look forward to bringing my experience to bear in support of the organization’s future.”
About Cast
The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Cast) is the country’s leading provider of comprehensive, survivor-centered services for people affected by human trafficking. Using its integrated, trauma-informed approach, Cast offers vital resources, coordinated care, and clear pathways that help survivors find safety, stability, and long-term independence.
As a national leader at the forefront of direct service, policy innovation, and systems change, Cast promotes scalable, evidence-based solutions to prevent trafficking and enhance protections for survivors nationwide. Guided by a human rights and public health framework, Cast and its coalition of partners work toward a future where trafficking is not only addressed but also eliminated through education, advocacy, and survivor leadership. Visit www.castla.org to learn more.
