FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Illuminating Justice Symposium Highlights AEHT’s Commitment to Research and Human Trafficking Prevention
ORLANDO, FL — The Alliance to End Human Trafficking, in partnership with the University of Central Florida’s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery and Villanova University’s Center for Peace and Justice Education, hosted Illuminating Justice: Student Research Symposium on Human Trafficking on October 13, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
The symposium provided an opportunity for students and emerging researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and contribute to a greater understanding of human trafficking. With 14 research submissions, the event highlighted growing academic engagement with the issue and the importance of encouraging students to examine trafficking through different disciplines and perspectives. Research topics included legal issues, survivor care, technology and artificial intelligence, and the transnational dimensions of human trafficking.
The top three student research presenters will be invited to join us at the Alliance’s 2027 conference, Changing the Story: Prevention Through Intervention, taking place April 21–23 in Washington, D.C. This will provide an opportunity to network with advocates, professionals, and others working to end human trafficking, while gaining a deeper understanding of prevention and intervention through the conference’s educational programming.
The Alliance extends its sincere appreciation to our partners at the University of Central Florida and Villanova University for their collaboration in organizing this event. We also thank Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for his welcome letter recognizing the symposium and its participants.
Supporting student research and creating opportunities for academic engagement are central to the Alliance’s commitment to education and prevention. We are grateful to the students, researchers, presenters, and attendees who contributed to this event and helped advance conversations that can inform our understanding of human trafficking and approaches to prevention.
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About the Alliance to End Human Trafficking
Alliance to End Human Trafficking was founded in 2013 by a group of Catholic Sisters committed to ending human trafficking and supporting survivors. They created a national network of resources and support that includes many different congregations of women religious and mission-aligned partners. Today, this member-based organization has grown to include more than 115 congregations and 100+ individuals and organizations across the United States. AEHT is also the U.S. member of Talitha Kum, the international network of consecrated life working to end human trafficking.
CONTACT: Sofia Waed Nimri, AEHT Communications Director
waed@alliancetoendhumantrafficking.org
