Alexandra Ford, Changing Lives Award

Founder, The Laughing Survivor
Community and Justice Services, Class of 2013

Alexandra Ford’s story is a compelling narrative of resilience and activism. Raised in Oakville, Ontario, her early life was characterized by a supportive family and a multicultural upbringing. “My parents are both European, with extended family who are Dutch-Indonesian, so I’m first-generation Canadian,” she recalls, highlighting the cultural diversity that shaped her values.

Despite a seemingly idyllic childhood, Ford’s life took a traumatic turn at the age of 13 when she became a victim of sexual assault by her best friend’s uncle. This abuse continued throughout her teenage years, unbeknownst to those around her. “At no point during that time did I recognize it as assault,” she admits, reflecting on the deep-seated manipulation and the impact it had on her sense of self-worth.

The criminal justice system, which should have been a refuge, only compounded her trauma. “The injection of the criminal justice system broke me,” she confesses. “It forced me to acknowledge that I was a victim.” The drawn-out legal battles and the constant court delays only deepened her despair, leading her to seek solace in substance abuse.

Ford found fleeting moments of empowerment. Prior to the assault, she was inspired by Craig Kielburger’s story and started the first Oakville chapter of Free the Children, striving to make a difference. Yet, the weight of her unresolved trauma led her down a path of self-destruction.

Her turning point came after surviving multiple attempts on her life by an abusive partner. “I survived him. I survived the attempts on my life, and I survived his trafficking of me,” she states, a resolve forming to reclaim her future. Ford channeled her resilience into education, earning multiple degrees in criminology and victimology and eventually psychology, driven by a desire to understand and change the systems that had failed her.

Ford found a new direction at Algonquin College, where she enrolled in the Community and Justice Services program. “This program marked a significant shift from my hardships,” she reflects. “It allowed me to step right back into a new environment where I could thrive as a learner.” Algonquin College provided Ford with the skills and confidence needed to excel in her field, fostering an environment where her potential could truly flourish.

In 2019, Ford co-founded Uprising, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit, and began speaking out about her experiences. “The more I talked about it, every single talk I did, people came up and disclosed afterwards,” she shares, underscoring the power of her advocacy. Her story resonated deeply, especially with law enforcement and social workers who often overlooked the nuanced realities of trafficking.

Today, Ford is a beacon of hope and a force for change. She works tirelessly to illuminate the hidden corners where abuse thrives. “Human trafficking happens in the darkness. It happens in a lack of connection,” she emphasizes. Her unique approach, combining humour and candidness, breaks down barriers and fosters genuine connections, creating a safer, more empathetic society.

Ford will be honoured with the Changing Lives Award at the 2024 Alumni of Distinction Awards. Her journey, marked by unimaginable pain and profound resilience, is a powerful reminder that even in the face of systemic failures, one can find the strength to transform trauma into advocacy. Ford’s story is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving and using her voice to bring light to the darkest of places.