Survive and Thrive

Leading Change: Preventing Trafficking of Boys & Men
2025-08-12 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Boys and young men are often invisible in anti-trafficking efforts — even though the data show they’re at significant risk. It’s time to change that narrative.
This event kicks off the Leading Change Scholarship Fund — a new, community-backed effort to support the development of lived experience leadership. As the first-ever recipient, Nathan Earl, Yale MPH Candidate, will receive whatever we raise during this launch. Every dollar goes directly toward his scholarship — and toward changing the narrative.
Register Now

Event Details
Date: August 12, 2025
Cost: Free RSVP | Suggested donation levels with additional value
Location: Zoom
Host: The Genesis Project
Moderator: Kathy Bryan, Founding CEO
Scholarship Recipient and Trainer: Nathan Earl, Yale School of Public Health
Part One: Training
Preventing and Responding to Trafficking of Boys and Men
3:00–4:00 PM ET
Covered: risks + indicators, trauma response, substance misuse, identification and engagement, systemic barriers, and policy recommendations
Facilitator: Nathan Earl

Part Two: Fireside Chat
Leading from the Messy Middle
4:00–5:00 PM ET
A raw conversation on burnout, hard lessons won, and resilience from survivor leaders navigating the “messy middle”
Speakers: Kathy Bryan (CEO, The Genesis Project & Survivor Leader) and Nathan Earl (Lived Experience Leader)

What You’ll Learn:

What the data actually tell us about who is being exploited
Unique risk factors, trajectories, and outcomes for boys and young men
How sexual exploitation intersects with labor trafficking, forced criminality, substance use, and the biology of trauma response
Why implementation (not awareness) remains our biggest failure — and how we fix that
Gritty, lived-experience reflections on healing, burnout, and what it really looks like to lead change after trauma

BBCAHT Quarterly Meeting
2025-08-07 14:00 - 15:00
BIG BEND COALITION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING (BBCAHT) MEETING
Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Leon County Sheriff’s Office, 2825 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL

Leveraging Collaborative Data-Driven Solutions in Human Trafficking Webinar
2025-07-18 13:00 - 14:30
Accurate and complete data collection has long been a challenge in our state, particularly for those working in human trafficking services, policy, advocacy, justice, and social services systems. Recently, Florida has made significant strides to address this issue through initiatives at the University of South Florida’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Research Lab. Presenters from the TIP Lab will discuss updates from its two main projects: the Statewide Repository for Anonymous Human Trafficking Data (TIPSTR) and the BRIGHT Network.

Webinar Resources:

Report on Human Trafficking in Florida

TIPSTR, established through the passage of SB 7064, is now operational and offers Florida a comprehensive and accurate picture of human trafficking incidents, hotspots, and trends. Highlights and data insights from the annual state report will be shared.
The BRIGHT Project, now launched as a mobile application, is a vetted resource referral network for human trafficking service providers. BRIGHT is actively connecting providers across the entire state, while simultaneously gathering and disseminating information on resource availability and needs. Preliminary findings on resource gaps and survivor needs will be shared.
Together, these initiatives are enhancing our understanding of the true scope of human trafficking in Florida, thereby informing and improving anti-trafficking efforts statewide.

About the Presenters:
Joan A. Reid, Ph.D., LMHC
Joan A. Reid, Ph.D., LMHC – Lab Director, TIPSTR Director
Dr. Joan A. Reid is an Associate Professor of Criminology and Director of the USF Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Research Lab. Dr. Reid received her MA in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and PHD in Criminology from the University of South Florida. Dr. Reid is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. While primarily focused on advancing research to inform anti-human trafficking policies and practices, Dr. Reid also provides counseling services and forensic mental health assessments in sex trafficking court cases in her private practice.
Dr. Reid has authored over 60 publications primarily focused on child sex trafficking in Florida including groundbreaking research documenting the disproportionate risk of exploitation in sex trafficking among children with disabilities. The real-world impact of her research is extensive, appearing as a citing authority in human trafficking cases in various State Supreme Courts and an amicus brief related to the U.S. Supreme Court case Jane Doe vs. Backpage. Dr. Reid’s research has been cited in state and federal government agency policy reports on child trafficking in Florida, California, and in National Reports to the U.S. Congress.

Shelly M. Wagers, Ph.D.
Shelly M. Wagers, Ph.D. – BRIGHT Project Director
Dr. Shelly M. Wagers is an Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus and the Director of the BRIGHT Project, (Bridging Resources and Information Gaps in Human Trafficking) an interactive digital platform that brings Human Trafficking service providers together into an integrated and coordinated network of care to connect victims and survivors to individualized need-based resources. The BRIGHT project was born through an enterprise needs assessment conducted for the USF Trafficking In Persons Lab: Risk to Resilience Lab to improve survivor services. Dr. Wagers designed and directed the needs assessment which consisted of hundreds of field interviews with community partners engaged in antitrafficking work throughout Florida. Through the efforts of Dr. Wagers, her team and the BRIGHT community partners, the BRIGHT project has received aggregate multi-million-dollar funding from the State of Florida and United States Federal Government to expand BRIGHT statewide and develop a replicable evidence-based model.
As the Project Director, Shelly Wagers is responsible for the planning, directing, organizing and coordination of the expansion of the project statewide, and for the ongoing research related to user experience and data collection.

Kailey Pate Carter, M.A.
Kailey Pate Carter, M.A. – BRIGHT Project Manager
Kailey Pate Carter is the Project Manager for BRIGHT at the University of South Florida, a project of the Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Research Lab. Kailey obtained both her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Criminology from the University of South Florida and has a passion for serving others. Kailey’s research interests include human trafficking, complex posttraumatic stress disorder, ACES, and domestic violence. She has been intricately involved on the BRIGHT project with the USF Trafficking in Persons Lab since the initial needs assessment conducted in the Fall of 2020, working with community partners to tailor the platform to their specific needs.
As the Project Manager, Kailey Carter is the main point of contact for all community partners and works to onboard new organizations into the network. Kailey works with the Project Director to execute the larger goals for the project in addition to the management of the users of the system.

Webinar registration coming soon.
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Unmasking Traffickers: Exposing Their Tactics, Disrupting Their Strategies, Empowering Our Solutions
2025-06-20 13:00 - 14:30
Human traffickers use calculated manipulation, psychological control, and coercion to exploit their victims. To effectively combat trafficking, we must first understand the traffickers’ mindset, methods, and strategies. This workshop, “Unmasking Traffickers: Exposing Their Tactics, Disrupting Their Strategies, Empowering Our Solutions,” takes a deep dive into the deceptive tactics used to groom, recruit, and control victims. Participants will learn how traffickers identify vulnerabilities, exploit trust, and maintain power over their victims.

Webinar Resources:

2025 Statewide HT Unmasking Traffickers Powerpoint

Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and expert analysis, attendees will gain the critical knowledge needed to recognize warning signs, intervene effectively, and implement survivor-centered solutions. This course is designed for child welfare professionals, law enforcement, educators, social workers, and community advocates and anyone who is dedicated to dismantling human trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable individuals.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
✅ Identify key trafficker tactics and psychological control methods
✅ Analyze case scenarios to understand recruitment and grooming strategies
✅ Apply effective intervention techniques to disrupt trafficking operations
✅ Strengthen prevention efforts through education and advocacy
Speakers:
Marina Anderson
Statewide Human Trafficking Training Specialist
Florida Department of Children and Families
Marina has had an extensive and impactful career in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Florida. She began her journey in 2002 and spent fourteen years as a Child Protective Investigator (CPI) and Field Support Supervisor in Duval County, specializing in child sexual abuse and human trafficking. In 2015, she transitioned to the Office of Community Services, where she focused on combating human trafficking at the state level.
Marina’s expertise and her dedication to protecting vulnerable children earned her recognition as a STAR Child Protective Investigator by Governor Rick Scott. She is a certified investigator and trainer in human trafficking, as well as a subject matter expert in critical injury, domestic violence, physical/sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
Her work not only showcases her commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children but also highlights her leadership and expertise in addressing complex issues such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Detective Ryan Ellis
Detective R. Ellis ID#6773
Homeland Security Investigations INTERCEPT Taskforce
Human Exploitation / VICE /North FL ICAC
Detective Ryan Ellis is a Senior Investigator with Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Florida and a Task Force Officer with Homeland Security Investigations. Ryan has been an investigator for 18 years and spent the last 14 years conducting human exploitation investigations including hands-on offenses and an array of technology-based crimes and human trafficking. While fighting the battle against human exploitation, Ryan has testified before legislative committees and co-authored substantial legislative changes to combat child exploitation. Ryan is a two-time recipient of the Department of Justices’ Investigator of the year for victim crimes and Investigator of the year from his agency for case work involving the rescue/identification of victims.
Ryan has presented case studies at the National and state ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) levels and trained hundreds of law enforcement officers in the fight against human exploitation. During his time, he has been the lead investigator on hundreds of major investigations.
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Know Your Rights: Understanding The U.S. Tax System
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:30
We invite you to join us for our third Know Your Rights webinar, “Understanding The U.S. Tax System.” This is the third webinar in the Know Your Rights Series organized by the Human Trafficking Legal Center Survivor Leadership Program. Our featured speaker will be Sara Benowitz, director of the low-income tax clinic at Bet Tzedek Legal Services in Los Angeles.
Register Now
Trafficking survivors in our community have expressed a need for more information on the United States’ complex tax system. In this webinar, we will explore questions including:

What is gross income?
Who needs to file taxes?
What is the difference between a deduction and a credit?
Who is responsible for withholding taxes?
What are tax brackets?
What is a 1099?
And More!

Responding to & Recognizing Human Trafficking in the Workplace
2025-05-12 16:00 - 17:00
Join the IEC Foundation and Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) for this powerful and practical training designed specifically for businesses and industry professionals. This certificate-based webinar will teach you how to recognize and respond to both sex and labor trafficking, helping to protect your workplace, enhance safety, and reduce legal and reputational risks.
Register Now

What You’ll Learn:

Types of human trafficking and how it manifests in different workplace settings
Relevant state and federal laws
Legal liability and risks for employers
Practical response protocols and safety considerations
Resources to support survivors and build community awareness

Certification:

All participants will receive a certificate of completion, which can be used for professional development credits.
This program has been approved by The Florida Bar for 2.0 hours of Continuing Legal Education.

BBCAHT Quarterly Meeting
2025-05-01 14:00 - 15:00
BIG BEND COALITION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING (BBCAHT) MEETING
Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Disc Village, 3333 W. Pensacola St, #200, Tallahassee, FL 32304 in the Banquet Room

How Education Empowers Survivors of Labor Trafficking
2025-04-18 13:00 - 14:30
The Harriet Tubman Fellowship at the Human Trafficking Legal Center is a vital initiative that empowers survivor leaders through professional development, education, and financial support. Named after one of history’s most courageous freedom fighters, the fellowship equips individuals with lived experience to influence policy, drive legal advocacy, and affect systemic change in the fight against human trafficking.
In this webinar, we will discuss the importance of education as a powerful tool in this effort that offers survivors of labor trafficking a pathway to healing, resilience, and opportunity. It fosters mental health recovery by instilling purpose and confidence while providing the skills needed to rebuild their lives. Additionally, our experts will highlight their expertise in this space to discuss how educating medical providers enhances trauma-informed care and improves the identification of trafficking victims. They will highlight how survivors who enter the medical, legal or development fields bring invaluable lived experience to shape and design systemic change. By investing in education, we can transform lives, strengthen communities, and create a more compassionate and effective response to labor trafficking.
Webinar Resources:

https://htlegalcenter.org/our-work/harriet-tubman-fellowship/
https://humanityunited.org/perspectives/the-harriet-tubman-fellowship/#allow–
The Freedom video that was shown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFNZeCcD3M

Speaker Bios
Anthony Paco Bernaola
Anthony Paco Bernaola
Anthony Paco Bernaola is a survivor of labor trafficking and a dedicated advocate for victims. After immigrating to the U.S. from Peru, his pursuit of education and work experience led to a harrowing experience of forced labor. Currently, as the Program Coordinator for Human Trafficking Support Services at the Asian Association of Utah, Anthony oversees case managers, contributes to grant writing, and provides trauma-informed support to survivors. Additionally, Anthony consults with other agencies, offering his insights as a survivor to enhance their services. In 2024, Anthony was selected for the inaugural Harriet Tubman Fellowship, where he engaged with federal agencies on labor trafficking issues. Currently pursuing an MBA at Southern New Hampshire University, Anthony’s ultimate goal is to create a dedicated program providing housing and comprehensive services for male trafficking survivors.
Rucha Nimbalkar
Rucha Nimbalkar
Rucha Nimbalkar is a survivor of labor trafficking who was forced into the United States under the pretext of marriage, where she endured physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Isolated and without support, she struggled with self-blame and depression until a nonprofit organization, API Chaya, helped her escape and rebuild her life. Despite her traumatic past, Rucha pursued education, earning an associate’s degree and working as a lab coordinator in a nursing school. In 2024, she was selected for the inaugural Harriet Tubman Fellowship, where she collaborated with federal agencies to address labor trafficking issues. Now enrolled in a paralegal certification course, Rucha is dedicated to becoming a human rights lawyer to support others facing similar hardships.
Theresa ONYA
Theresa ONYA is a survivor of forced labor who came to the United States in 2001 with dreams of becoming a nurse. She obtained employment at a cleaning company, but unfortunately, the owner of the company used her vulnerabilities against her and she found herself working tirelessly for free. Theresa has faced considerable challenges and hardships during and post-exploitation, yet, she has not allowed these obstacles to deter her from pursuing her dreams.
Theresa ONYA
Her resilience never wavered. In 2024, she was selected for the inaugural Harriet Tubman Fellowship, where she engaged with federal agencies to address labor trafficking and migrant issues.
Now pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Theresa is dedicated to supporting trafficking survivor patients by providing education and resources to help them rebuild their lives. A devoted mother and compassionate advocate, Theresa remains committed to helping others in her community
Evelyn Chumbow
Evelyn Chumbow is the advocacy and survivor leadership director at the Human Trafficking Legal Center. She is a survivor of child labor trafficking turned anti-trafficking activist and public speaker. Chumbow focuses her life’s work on ending modern-day slavery. Chumbow was brought to the United States from Cameroon at age 9 and forced to cook, clean, and care for her trafficker’s children. She was never paid for her work, and any hope that she might escape was undermined by the constant beatings she received from her trafficker.
Evelyn Chumbow
Chumbow serves as an advisor to human trafficking NGOs. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Free the Slaves. From 2015 to 2022, she worked at the law firm of Baker & McKenzie LLP in Washington, DC, where she had the opportunity to support human trafficking and human rights related pro bono initiatives. She received her bachelor’s degree in homeland security from the University of Maryland University College. Chumbow hopes to leverage her unique position as a former child slave to end human trafficking in West Africa, in her hometown, and in the rest of the world. Read full bio
Hollie Nadel
Hollie Nadel is a Pembrook Fellow, serving as the survivor leadership program coordinator at the Human Trafficking Legal Center. She is a leader and business owner with expertise in business operations, human resources, recruiting, training, public speaking, and anti-money laundering. Hollie’s most important work is in the anti-trafficking movement, working alongside other anti-trafficking leaders, raising awareness around the evolving realities of human trafficking, and seeking protections and justice for victims.
Hollie Nadel
As a survivor herself, the mission is deeply personal for Hollie. Hollie has served as a featured speaker for ACAMS AML Symposiums, HHS, Congressional briefings, The Virginia Attorney General’s Annual Human Trafficking Summit, NGA’s Criminal Justice Policy Advisor’s briefing on Human Trafficking, and workshops for mental health professionals to discuss trauma related to human trafficking. Read full bio
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Order to Combat Trafficking
2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:30
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Student Union 2213
Attire: Black Nalia + Blue Jeans
Expectancy: 40
Programmatic Thrust: International Awareness & Involvement
Overview: This event will provide expert-led training to help participants recognize and respond to trafficking situations. Attendees will learn to identify red flags, understand traffickers’ tactics, and legal policy. This event will also include the “Red Alert” Courtroom Challenge, an interactive activity where teams analyze real-life scenarios to develop practical intervention skills. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what human trafficking is, how to protect themselves, and ways that they can help survivors.
Wow Factor: A huge legal case file that says “The People vs. Human Trafficking”. The Case number will be the event date so “03252025”. The verdict will say Guilty; Sentenced to Awareness & Action.
Tangible: The tangible for this event will be a mini manilla folder that reads “case closed” on the front in red. In the inside there will be a laminated card with information about how to know the signs of human trafficking specifically for college students
Meeting agenda and materials

Trauma and Human Trafficking: What You Need to Know (Part 2)
2025-03-21 13:00 - 14:30
Understanding the elements of trauma-informed care is helpful and supportive in creating a collective understanding of the negative impacts of trauma. It is essential in helping human trafficking survivors heal and recover. Specialized training and treatments in trauma are important for the survivor. The purpose of this training is to increase understanding of ‘trauma-informed care’ versus ‘approach’ versus ‘trauma treatment’ and how to determine if an organization has integrated each component. A trauma-informed care organization assessment tool will be explored, as well as identifying best practices in trauma treatment for survivors of human trafficking. This program is a must for a wide range of people and professionals in the community including non-profit agencies, justice system and law enforcement, health care and specifically mental health professionals, advocates, faith communities, and anyone who wishes to understand more about trauma and its impacts, particularly as this issue intersects with human trafficking.
Download the presentation slides
Katie Papke
Presenter: Katie Papke LMSW, CAADC, CCHTVSP
Katie Papke is a human trafficking survivor. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Clinically Certified Human Trafficking Victims Services Provider. Katie has her own private therapy practice and has a passion for providing trauma treatment to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumas.
Katie has years of experience in community education and consultation. She is a School of Social Work Program Associate Professor at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan teaching classes on human trafficking. She has provided over 120 national and international trainings on human trafficking. She is a HEAL Trafficking trainer and subject matter expert. Katie graduated from Florida State University with her Bachelors and Masters of Social Work in 2006.
Katie serves on the Denver Anti-Trafficking Alliance (DATA) Advisory Survivor Board, the Colorado Human Trafficking Council Survivor Leader Advisory Board, 3Strands Global Foundation Survivor Advisory Board. She is active in her local West Michigan human trafficking task force and serves on the Board of Sacred Beginnings, providing services to those who have experienced human trafficking. Katie has provided expert consultation with the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, Polaris Project, HEAL Trafficking, Freedom Network Training Institute, and the Michigan Abolitionist Project.
In 2024, Katie was appointed by the governor to the state of Michigan’s Human Trafficking Commission as the vice-chair. Katie was recently awarded “40 under 40 Boston Congress of Public Health Catalyst Award” for her achievement at the Department of Veteran Affairs in shaping human trafficking as a public health concern.
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Learn How to Prevent Human Trafficking in Tallahassee
2025-02-27 11:30 - 13:30
How Do I Recognize Human Trafficking?
The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) has created an anti-human trafficking training program called STACPRO. This program is a free, online, on-demand training, funded by Leon County and the City of Tallahassee, designed specifically to empower businesses, workplaces, and employees with greater knowledge about how to recognize and respond if they suspect sex and labor trafficking in our area.
Be Part of the Solution
With the community’s support, STAC is building a network of people and organizations who stand with survivors and work together to prevent human trafficking. Please join us on January 22, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for a
customized in-person training session!
Event location:
Leon County School Board District Office
2757 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee, Florida 32304
REGISTER TODAY:
RSVP by February 22. Registration after that date will not guarantee a lunch.

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Human Trafficking Community Conversation: Gadsden County
2025-02-22 10:00 - 12:00
Join us on Saturday, February 22, from 10 am to noon, for the Gadsden County “Human Trafficking Community Conversation” – a lively, informative, and interactive program about human trafficking in Gadsden County at the Salem Methodist Church.
Salem Methodist Church
202 9th Ave E, Havana, FL
We will:

Engage and share information and ideas using compelling artwork.
Understand how to spot human trafficking in Gadsden County.
Learn from human trafficking survivors.
Discover new ways of thinking about this issue and how it can impact you and your family.
Create our own mural and artwork.

Special guests include:

Jamie Rosseland, Human Trafficking Subject Matter Expert
Graciela Marquina, MSW, STAC Community Services Advocate
And more!

Casual snack dinner to be provided.

Please join us and be part of the important conversation! This event is for EVERYONE in the WHOLE community: social services, healthcare professionals, businesses, teachers, students, elected leaders and government, professionals, the justice system, nonprofits, faith communities, parents, grandparents and many more.
Registration Deadline: Friday, Feb. 21, 5pm

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Trauma and Human Trafficking: What You Need to Know (Part 1)
2025-02-21 13:00 - 14:30

BBCAHT Quarterly Meeting
2025-02-06 14:00 - 15:00
BIG BEND COALITION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING (BBCAHT) MEETING
Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Florida Sheriffs Association, Blackburn-Hunt Building (the building in the back), 2617 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308

Human Trafficking Community Conversation: Leon County
2025-01-30 17:30 - 19:00
Join us on Thursday, January 30, for the Leon County “Human Trafficking Community Conversation” – a lively, informative, and interactive program about human trafficking in Leon County at the TNL Performing Arts Center.
TNL Performing Arts Center
1533 S. Monroe St., Unit C, Tallahassee, Florida 32301
We will:

Engage and share information and ideas using compelling artwork.
Understand how to spot human trafficking in Leon County.
Learn from human trafficking survivors.
Discover new ways of thinking about this issue and how it can impact you and your family.
Create our own mural and artwork.

Special guests include:

Jamie Rosseland, Human Trafficking Subject Matter Expert
Graciela Marquina, MSW, STAC Community Services Advocate
And more!

Casual snack dinner to be provided.

Please join us and be part of the important conversation! This event is for EVERYONE in the WHOLE community: social services, healthcare professionals, businesses, teachers, students, elected leaders and government, professionals, the justice system, nonprofits, faith communities, parents, grandparents and many more.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, Jan. 30, Noon

Community Conversation – Leon County Registrations (Jan 30, 2025)

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Imagine Freedom 2025
2025-01-28 17:30 - 19:00
This year’s theme for Imagine Freedom 2025, is “Planting Seeds and Deep Roots.”
Guests can look forward to a gratitude-filled reception where we will honor the changemakers and those who have helped fortify our community against sex and labor trafficking through community awards and recognition. We will also have labor-trafficking-free treats and drinks to share.
Learn more about Imagine Freedom 2025
Event Location:
TNL Performing Arts Center
1533 S. Monroe St., Unit C, Tallahassee, Florida 32301
(corner of South Monroe and Jennings St.)

Learn How to Prevent Human Trafficking in Tallahassee (Rescheduled to Feb 27, 2025)
2025-01-22 11:30 - 13:30
Due to winter storm alerts and school closures, the January 22 human trafficking training program Learn How to Prevent Human Trafficking in Tallahassee, is canceled and rescheduled to take place on February 27, 11:30 -1:30. If you registered for the January 22 training event, STAC will transfer your registration to February 27.
If you have not registered and would like to attend the event on February 27, click here to register.

From Awareness to Action: Recognizing and Reporting Human Trafficking
2025-01-21 13:00 - 14:00
Experts from Blue Campaign will be hosting two free webinars – one in English and one in Spanish – that will cover how to best recognize and report potential human trafficking cases. The webinars, titled From Awareness to Action: Recognizing and Reporting Human Trafficking, will also give you tips on how to get involved in raising awareness within your communities.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become equipped as an advocate for change.  Visit the Blue Campaign Upcoming Events page to register – the English version will be held on January 21, 2025, 1:00–2:00 p.m. (EST), o este seminario web se llevará a cabo en español el 23 de enero de 2025, de 1:00 a 2:00 p.m. (EST).
During these webinars, you will gain essential insights into:

What human trafficking is and why it matters

Myths and misconceptions about human trafficking

Who trafficking affects and how traffickers operate

Indicators of potential human trafficking situations

Resources available to help supercharge awareness efforts in your communities

Discover The Thrive Space: A Website for Survivors, by Survivors
2025-01-17 13:00 - 14:30
Join us for an engaging webinar to unveil The Thrive Space—a groundbreaking online platform created by survivors of trafficking, for survivors. This innovative website is designed to educate, empower, and connect survivors with resources, community, and hope.
Download Webinar Presentation
Visit https://thethrivespace.org/
Robin Hassler Thompson and Jamie Rosseland will share the story behind The Thrive Space, discussing the vision that inspired its creation and the critical importance of survivor-led initiatives. Together, we’ll explore how this unique digital space provides a safe, accessible, and supportive environment tailored to the needs of survivors.
We’ll also dive into how The Thrive Space is intended to be used as a resource hub and community connector, offering tools for healing, empowerment, and advocacy. Whether you’re a survivor, advocate, or ally, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the power of survivor-driven solutions.
Presenter:
Jamie Rosseland Headshot web
Jamie Rosseland, Human Trafficking Subject Matter Expert
Jamie Rosseland is a consultant in the field of anti-trafficking work with expertise in the program development and implementation for victims and survivors of sexual exploitation, trauma-competent and survivor-centered digital marketing and outreach strategies, and most recently, working on policy guides and research projects. She has been active in local government and statewide level policy advocacy.
Through sharing her lived experiences and unique perspective, Jamie is committed to change the cultural view of the sex trade, addressing systems that drive demand, and confronting gender inequality. Jamie has experience providing mentorship, court advocacy, and care coordination to youth impacted by sexual exploitation as part of the Open Doors Outreach Network with the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center. She has presented at countless community events, statewide summits, and national conferences. Currently, Jamie serves on the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s State Advisory Group. She is a Social Science Scholar at Florida State University, where she is working on earning her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary social science. In 2018, Jamie won the Survivor Advocate of the Year award presented by the Florida Attorney General for her outstanding work with exploited youth. In 2021, the United Nations published the Delta 8.7 Justice Policy Guide, which Jamie contributed to as a working group member. Additionally, Jamie recently guest appeared on the New York Times podcast, The Argument, addressing the intersection of anti-trafficking work and pro-sex work technologies.
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Human Trafficking Prevention Month Symposium: Collaborating to Combat
2025-01-15 00:00 - 2025-01-16 23:59
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT)
Human Trafficking Prevention Month Symposium:
Collaborating to Combat
January 15 – 16, 2025
Arlington, VA
SAVE THE DATE!!!
We are excited to announce the 2025 DHS CCHT Human Trafficking Prevention Month Symposium hosted by the Blue Campaign. This two-day symposium brings together federal, tribal, state, local officials, and community organizations; law enforcement; business professionals and lived experience experts under one roof.
Join us to engage with the latest research, best practices, and essential resources vital for combating human trafficking. Information regarding the venue, preliminary agenda, hotel, and registration link will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Event registration is free but required. Please email BlueCampaign@hsi.dhs.gov to add a colleague to our outreach list.
To learn more about the CCHT, visit https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-center-countering-human-trafficking.

Freedom in Action: Elevating Voices and Preventing Human Trafficking
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:30
Join the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Florida for a compelling virtual event in observance of Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As the launch of our Freedom in Action awareness campaign, this event will highlight survivor voices and drive collective action to combat human trafficking. This impactful program will include:

Powerful survivor stories highlighting resilience and lived experiences.
Expert insights from the IRC, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, and Human Trafficking Unit officer on local anti-trafficking efforts.
An interactive Q&A session with survivor advocates and law enforcement experts.

REGISTER TODAY

Race for Prevention: Human Trafficking Awareness Virtual Race (Jan 1-31)
2025-01-01 - 2025-01-31
The International Rescue Committee in Florida is hosting its 3rd Annual Race for Prevention!
What is Human Trafficking? Human trafficking is a crime where individuals are exploited for forced labor, services, or commercial sex. It involves using force, fraud, or coercion to control victims, either for sex or labor. Victims may be subjected to conditions like involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or slavery, and it can affect both adults and minors.
How does the IRC in Florida help? Since 2003, the IRC in Florida has provided comprehensive services to survivors of labor and sex trafficking in South Florida and Big Bend regions. A team of caseworkers provide high quality services to address the individualized needs provided to all trafficking survivors; collaborate with local partners, including law enforcement, to ensure a coordinated community response to survivors of human trafficking, including through training and community awareness building; and assist with or refer human trafficking survivors to other essential services. To date, we have served approximately 950+ survivors.
What is the Race? The Race for Prevention is a virtual race where your physical activity contributes to raising awareness and support for the IRC in Florida’s mission to combat human trafficking. Track your miles or time through RunSignUp as you exercise in any way you prefer—walk, run, bike, swim, roll (skates, wheelchair, handcycle, etc.), or more! Every step you take is a step toward prevention. Unlike traditional races, a virtual race allows you to track your activity from anywhere, at your own pace, throughout the month. You’re not limited by location or time, and you can move in a way that works for you. Plus, as you log your miles, you’ll see your progress in real-time!
LEARN MORE

Human Trafficking and Immigration: Updates and Trends
2024-11-15 13:00 - 14:30
This training will attempt to demystify the barriers and clarify misunderstandings surrounding serving foreign-born survivors of human trafficking, specifically around immigration relief options. We will dissect case examples agencies may run into and offer solutions to better equip our leaders to serve their community.
Download presentation slides
CLE credit application is pending
Speakers:
Daniela Donoso
Daniela Donoso works as a Staff Attorney with the Family and Immigration Rights Center, helping unaccompanied youth navigate the complex immigration process. Previously, Donoso served as the Program Wide Immigration Attorney at Legal Services of North Florida, LSNF where, in her capacity as the Equal Justice Works Fellow, she designed her fellowship to be a comprehensive immigration advocacy program in North Florida to serve immigrants who are low income and/or crime victims and establish immigration protocols, procedures, and resources for LSNF staff and community partners. Daniela, a past DACA recipient, knows what it is like to have your life shifted by fear and uncertainty because of the broken immigration system. Daniela received her law degree from Florida State University College of Law and became a Florida barred attorney in April of 2021. She received ger bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Florida State University and spent her undergraduate and graduate time working for the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, gaining mentors and experience in immigration and anti-trafficking advocacy.
Vania Aguilar, M.S. is a program manager at CAHR. She has been working with the Center since 2001, conducing training, and overseeing the Center’s case management and service provision for human trafficking victims and victims of other crimes.
Vania Aguilar
She has developed curriculum for the Florida Department of Education and Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Education on human trafficking. She was granted BIA Accreditation in 2013 and is assisting clients with their VAWA, DACA, Adjustment of Status, asylum, SIJS, TPS, U and T visa application submissions. She has assisted over 500 refugees adjust their status to lawful permanent residence and helps them apply for their citizenship. She has established direct connections with prosecutors, victim advocates and law enforcement officials throughout the state. She works very closely with them to secure the necessary documentation to apply for immigration relief for clients who are victims of crimes and to apply for any other forms of relief under the Victim’s Compensation Program.
She serves as a co-chair for the Big Bend Coalition Against Human Trafficking Survivor Support Committee. On behalf of the coalition, she has written op-eds, has participated on radio show interviews to discuss how Florida is affected by human trafficking, conducted presentations and outreach initiatives. In addition, she serves on the Social Justice Committee of the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center, a non-profit that assists victims and survivors of human trafficking in the second judicial circuit.
She received a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Multilingual/Multicultural Education from Florida State University. In addition to working for the CAHR, Ms. Aguilar taught for Adult and Community Education (ACE) in Tallahassee from 2005 to 2022 where she taught evening classes to English learners from around the world. She was the lead teacher for the on-line English classes at ACE. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate degree in Instructional Systems and Learning Technology.
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Big Bend Coalition Against Human Trafficking (BBCAHT) Meeting
2024-11-14 14:00 - 15:00
BIG BEND COALITION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING (BBCAHT) MEETING
Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM
Florida Sheriffs Association, 2617 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308
We will have a presentation by the Forgotten Coast Chapter of the Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) organization.

Walk For Freedom in Thomasville, Geogia
2024-10-19 10:00 - 13:00
Join us as we Walk For Freedom in Thomasville, Georgia
We believe that every step we take locally leaves footprints globally. Every dollar fundraised, every poster seen, every person made aware of the issue of human trafficking, add up to one Global impact – a world where everyone is free.
If you have any questions about this walk please contact us at info@pricelessjewels.org.
Should you have any general questions about A21 or the global Walk For Freedom email info@a21.org.
Additional Information

Join us at the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce Parking lot. Registration will begin at 10am and the walk will start at 11am. Please make sure to purchase your Walk For Freedom shirt on the A21 website well in advance of the event, as we walk in uniformity. ********If you cannot make this purchase please just wear all black. **********

Register Now

Updates and Going Deeper: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, the Center for Countering Human Trafficking, and the Continued Presence Program
2024-10-18 13:00 - 14:30
Join members of the Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) as they share updates on the Center, share new Blue Campaign resources, and do a presentation on the Continued Presence program. Continued Presence (CP) is a temporary immigration designation provided to individuals identified by law enforcement as trafficking victims who may be potential witnesses. CP allows trafficking victims to lawfully remain in the U.S. temporarily and work during the investigation into the human trafficking-related crimes committed against them and during any civil action under 18 U.S.C. § 1595 filed by the victims against their traffickers. This discussion will focus on who is eligible to receive and request Continued Presence, how to contact to support a Continued Presence application, the victim-centered approach, and Continued Presence in support of a civil action.
Download the Webinar Presentation
Speakers:

Special Agent Clancy Dunnigan, U. S. Department of Homeland Security: Clancy Dunnigan started his career in 2008 with ICE OI (now HSI) in Miami. One of the first cases on which he worked was a large trans-national human trafficking organization operating from Texas to Florida, the Carolinas and into New York. That case resulted in multiple victims rescued and multiple traffickers in prisons. While working for HSI in South Florida he also spent time investigating the transnational proliferation of military technologies and transnational narcotics smuggling organizations as both investigating case agent and certified primary undercover. In 2019, he transferred to HSI Indianapolis where he served at HSI’s human trafficking subject matter expert for the state of Indiana and conducted investigations involving human trafficking schemes from underage prostitution to a transnational religious cult who’s leadership kept sex slaves. In August 2024, Clancy was detailed to the Victim Assistance section of CCHT where he now serves.
Diego Luque
Campaign Specialist Diego Luque, Blue Campaign, Center for Countering Human Trafficking, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security: Diego A. Luque serves as a Partnership and Engagement Specialist at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign, the Department’s national public awareness campaign to combat human trafficking. In this role, he supports the Prevention portfolio of the Blue Campaign, assisting on decreasing victimization within vulnerable communities and deterring criminal activity. Going on three years in this role, Diego has engaged in over 100 human trafficking trainings and solidified multiple public-private sector partnerships for the Department of Homeland Security. Diego has previous experience for the Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs and carries extensive non-profit and private sector experience. He is originally from Lima, Peru and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Florida International University and a master’s degree in Public Policy with a concentration in Social Policy from George Mason University.
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

NYC Children’s Services: 2024 Child Trafficking Prevention Fall Training Series
2024-10-15 - 2024-10-29
NYC Administration for Children’s Services’ Office of Child Trafficking Prevention and Policy’s 2024 Child Trafficking Prevention Fall Training Series.
The 2024 Child Trafficking Prevention Fall Training Series (virtual) will occur between October 15 to 29th in recognition of Fall as a “Back to School” learning milieu.

The conference will provide six (6) professional level workshops on a variety of trafficking related topics presented by regional and national experts, including:

three of our signature trainings
three completely new workshops
All workshops are FREE and will be provided virtually through Microsoft Teams.
After you register, you will receive an email with the workshop entry link. Save the email with the workshop entry link to enter the workshop on its scheduled day.
The workshops are open to everyone! All child welfare providers; private, faith-based and community-based agencies; States and Federal agencies; community members, survivors, social services and medical professionals; legal and criminal justice professionals, parents, foster parents and youth over 18. We welcome attendees from other states, Canada and anywhere in the world! We have found that the more diverse the attendees, the more informative is the Chat conversation and the Questions/Responses.
All workshops are scheduled for Eastern Standard Time (EST), so if you are in another time zone, please adjust for EST.
Please note that there are no CEUs or CLEs available for any of the workshops.

How to Register:
Registration instructions are located on page 1 of the program and the Microsoft Teams registration links for the workshops are on page 3.
The program is accessible through this link https://www.nyc.gov/assets/acs/pdf/youth/childtrafficking/2024/ct-prevention-training-fall.pdf

Human Trafficking Summit
2024-10-01 - 2025-03-31
The Human Trafficking Summit will launch tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, and will remain available through March 2025. Please check your email early in the morning for directions on how to access the summit.

We look forward to the learning opportunities created at the Human Trafficking Summit allowing Florida to continue working to protect victims, prevent trafficking, and prosecute traffickers.

For more information and to find answers to
Frequently Asked Questions, visit our website.

Economic Empowerment and Financial Management for Human Trafficking Survivors
2024-09-20 13:00 - 14:30
The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) Third Friday Training Webinar Series is dedicated to educating everyone about the critical issue of human trafficking. This interactive series aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the various facets of human trafficking, from its root causes and methods of operation to the profound impact it has on survivors, their families, workplaces, and society both in our home towns and worldwide.
Many human trafficking survivors face significant financial exploitation, leading to damaged credit, mistrust in financial institutions, and re-traumatization. Traffickers force them to open credit cards and other bank accounts in their names, steal their identities, force them to commit crimes, and destroy their credit. This can make it hard for a survivor to find a good job, a safe place to live, and move forward in their life. This program will provide survivors and those who are working with them the knowledge and tools to regain financial stability and independence.
Presenters will discuss:

Rebuilding Credit: Utilize the Debt Bondage Repair Act to effectively block negative items that resulted from trafficking on the survivors’ credit reports to improve credit scores.
Access Vital Resources: Identify key resources and initiatives, such as the Survivor Inclusion Initiative, that support financial inclusion.
Further Discussion on Rebuilding and Maintaining credit: Understand the steps to build and maintain good credit and savings.
Budget Effectively: Creating a budget and managing monthly expenses.
Utilize Benefits: Take advantage of available benefits from employers or other programs.

Download the presentation file here
Presenters:
Hollie Nadel
Hollie Nadel: Hollie Nadel is a positive, creative, compassionate individual with robust management and problem-solving skills. Early in her youth, Hollie had a clear passion for art, production, and design, leading her to a successful career in Costume Design and Wardrobe after graduating Cum Laude from Ithaca College with a BFA in Theatre Production Design. Hollie has since transitioned into a successful career in Human Resources, Operations, and Recruiting, launching her own small business last year. Hollie’s most impactful work is displayed through her efforts and dedication to the anti-trafficking movement. As a survivor of human trafficking, the mission of the movement is a deeply personal one for her. Hollie has worked alongside other anti-trafficking leaders, seeking protections and justice for fellow victims of human trafficking. Over the past five years, Hollie has prioritized enlightening others and raising awareness around the evolving realities of human trafficking. She has been a featured speaker for ACAMS AML Symposiums, Congressional briefings, NGA’s Criminal Justice Policy Advisor’s briefing on Human Trafficking, and workshops for mental health professionals to discuss trauma related to human trafficking. Additionally, Hollie has been a consultant for anti-trafficking organizations, including the Human Trafficking Legal Center, where she currently serves on the Advisory Board. She received her certification from the ACAMS/ Liechtenstein Initiative for Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking, provided survivor support for the Survivor Inclusion Initiative, and is currently working to pass additional anti-trafficking legislation.
Sarah Byrne
Sarah Byrne: Sarah Byrne is a partner with Moore & Van Allen PLLC in Charlotte, N.C. where she leads the firm’s Human Trafficking Prevention and Compliance Practice. This work includes leading a pro bono program that provides free legal representation to survivors of sex trafficking, forced labor and child sex abuse, and assisting organizations with related legal, regulatory and social obligations. At the national level, Sarah is a frequent conference speaker and advocate for legislative change in support of trafficking victims. She is a founding member of the National Survivor Law Collective, a national network of trauma-informed lawyers providing legal aid to survivors. Focusing on the intersection of human trafficking and the financial sector, Sarah works with national banks, the United Nation’s Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (“FAST”) Initiative, and other agencies to increase survivor access to financial services, restored credit status and financial wellness.
Stanley Nadel
Stanley R. Nadel: Stanley R. Nadel was President and a Principal of Standard Pension Services, LLC. until July 2020. He began his career in 1975 and brings deep knowledge, expertise, and insight to his clients and colleagues alike. After graduating from Hofstra University with his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Stan launched his financial services career at a major New York City bank in the employee and benefit trust department. During this time, he realized his passion for retirement plan design and began working at Standard Pension Services. Today, Stan specialized in retirement planning and administration, business planning, and personal estate planning. He constructs customized strategies that coordinate business and personal benefits for planning. His extensive knowledge and professional demeanor combined with his helpful, caring, and personal approach, deliver an exceptional client experience. This approach has produced long term client and professional relationships.
Stan and his wife live on the North Shore of Long Island and currently he is the President of Nadel Consulting, Inc.
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

21st Annual International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference (Virtual)
2024-09-18 08:00 - 2024-09-20 17:00
Join us for our 21st Annual International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference hosted VIRTUALLY on September 18-20, 2024.
After a highly successful and special 20th annual conference, we are already gearing up for next year’s conference where we will continue to learn, connect, and collaborate with thousands from around the world!
Stay tuned on this email list and our website for more details and information.
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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20
