5th Annual Regional Human Trafficking Summit
ELEVATING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION IN ANTI-TRAFFICKING WORK
For Advocates Against Human Trafficking
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025 • 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025 • 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
SHERATON BALTIMORE NORTH HOTEL
903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025
MC – Shamere McKenzie, CEO, Sun Gate Foundation
| 7:30 am | Registration & Continental Breakfast |
| 8:30 am | Welcome – Neil Mallon, Chair of The RIC |
| 8:45 am | Remarks from Heather Amador, Director of Victim Services Policy and Programs, Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy |
| 9:00 am | Keynote Address Tanya Gould, Director, Virginia Office of Attorney General |
| 10:00 am | Break/Networking Opportunity |
| 10:30 am | “Practicing Authentic Allyship” – Lived Experience Panel Discussion Discover the power of authentic allyship as our panelists share unique challenges and experiences faced by male survivors of human trafficking. Learn how to support and advocate alongside male survivors by navigating the nuances of creating inclusive, equitable spaces. Gain practical insights to become an effective ally and foster a supportive community for all survivors.
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| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:15 pm | “The Complexities of Vacatur Relief and Pioneering Paths Forward” – Plenary Session This panel discussion features experts within our region, examining both state-level and federal-level vacatur legislation efforts. This session will delve into the challenges and opportunities in vacating criminal records for survivors of human trafficking. Gain valuable insights into ongoing strategies and legislative advancements to support survivors through effective legal remedies.
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| 2:30 pm | Break/Networking Opportunity |
| 3:00 pm | Breakout Sessions |
| Option 1: | Meaningful Survivor Engagement Workgroup Join an engaging discussion on meaningful survivor engagement to learn best practices for incorporating trauma-informed and survivor-informed approaches in any setting. This session invites participants to develop their own short-term and long-term goals towards empowering survivors and fostering inclusive engagement. Dawn Schiller, Training Director, Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (LA County Project) |
| Option 2: | Child Exploitation Workgroup Explore together the particular vulnerabilities of youth and the grooming process traffickers use to exploit them. In this informative breakout session, participants will discuss collaborative ways and actionable strategies to address child exploitation in our region. Caren Schiffman, Esq., Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, and Brittany Butler, Resource Specialist I, Child Sex Trafficking Recovery Services Team, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children |
| Option 3: | Legislation and Policy Workgroup Facilitate cooperation among the states/jurisdictions of the RIC through discussion about advocating for policies and legislation to address human trafficking and driving meaningful policy changes to support survivors. Participants will specifically explore how to work together to overcome barriers in implementing criminal record relief legislation for survivors of trafficking. Patrick McKenna, Co-Founder, and Kristina Lauren, President, Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking |
| 4:15 pm | Closing Remarks for Day One |
| 4:30 pm | Adjourn |
| 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Welcome Networking Reception (hotel lobby) – Beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres served |
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025
MC – Dawn Schiller, Training Director, Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking
| 8:00 am | Continental Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Opening Remarks Katherine Klausmeier, Baltimore County Executive |
| 9:15 am | Plenary Address Amanda Rodriguez, CEO, TurnAround |
| 9:45 am | Breakout Sessions |
| Option 1: | “Intersections of Substance Abuse, Trafficking, and Sex Work” Learn about the intersection of those struggling with substance use and victimized by trafficking. This session will explore the push and pull factors of substance use and how it is both a vulnerability to and sometimes an affect of trafficking. Participants will discuss ways to effectively support individuals at this intersection. Heather LaRocca, Director of New Day to Stop Trafficking, The Salvation Army |
| Option 2: | “Harmful Traditional Practices (HTP) in the Modern Era” This session dives deeply into honor violence and its links to human trafficking. Honor crimes covered include child marriage, forced marriage, dowry abuse, FGM, and visa-based exploitation — including transnational bride abandonment (TBA). Sasha Taylor, Founder and Principal Consultant, SK Sultana LLC |
| Option 3: | “Survivor-Leader Capacity Building Round Table” This session will be an open discussion regarding how the RIC can facilitate survivor-leader capacity in the region. Come with ideas on how we can help to provide educational, training, and certification opportunities for survivors who want to move into leadership roles or develop consulting options. This will be an informal, brainstorming session, and survivors with interest and/or existing experience navigating this process are highly encouraged to attend. Glenn Sterner, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Research Center, Pennsylvania State University |
| 11:00 am | Break/Networking Opportunity |
| 11:15 am | Special Film Viewing – Hope: Stories of Survival (Created by the Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory) |
| 12:15 pm | Closing Remarks, Heather LaRocca, Vice Chair of The RIC |
| 12:30 pm | Adjourn |