CONTENT CALLOUT
The Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery “HTMS” at the University of Central Florida was established in 2018. The Center was previously supported by UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII). As of the Fall 2023 semester, the Center has been transitioned to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and is led by the Executive Director, Jessica Wickey Byrd. Leading the research arm of the HTMS Center is Dr. Tingting Zhang.
HTMS MISSION
The Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery seeks to expand the understanding of this growing global challenge and seeks solutions through community engagement, research, education, training, student fellowships, and survivor scholarships.
HTMS VISION
The vision of the UCF Center is to be the universal platform for gathering and disseminating education, research, and community partnerships to counter human trafficking and modern slavery.
HTMS AIMS AND VALUES
To capture all existing, current, and future UCF work related to anti-trafficking efforts and be locally, nationally, and internationally recognized as the leading center for the study of human trafficking and modern slavery.
- Cutting edge research and data insights
- Delivering practical value for our stakeholders
- Building strong relationships and sustainable engagements
- Identifying ways UCF faculty and staff can generate personal and professional value
- Generate value for our students – through innovative and research informed teaching and access to our global network
- Active collaboration with community partners for outreach and engagement
For more information, please email Jessica Wickey Byrd, Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery at JWB@ucf.edu
Center for Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
KEY GOALS OF THE CENTER
- Education
- Research
- Community engagement
For more information, please email Jessica Wickey Byrd at JWB@ucf.edu or call 407-903-8018.
Human Trafficking – A Systemwide Public Safety Approach Textbook, click HERE
ABOUT US
In 2019 the Rosen Professional Internships Team hosted a Human Trafficking workshop at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, facilitated by United Abolitionists, Inc. 200 students attended. After the workshop ended, 30 students stated that they had witnessed human trafficking in their workplace. Following this the Rosen College established human trafficking training to educate the future leaders within the hospitality and tourism industry.
Since then, we have continued to expand our impact and the fight against human trafficking through establishing strong partnerships with organizations such as United Abolitionists, Inc. and It’s a Penalty as well as hosting multiple workshops such as our student lead Human Trafficking Leadership Workshop hosted in October 2023.
HTMS EFFORTS WITHIN THE ROSEN COLLEGE
- Submitted $8 million worth of grants
- Educated over 2,700 students to be able to identify and report Human Trafficking in their workplaces
- Published 2 book chapters, 3 academic journal articles, and facilitated 25 presentations
Knights of the RELM, a new student organization that supports The Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery work together to counter human trafficking through Research, Education, and Community Engagement to leave a lasting impact.
- 01/24 – Knights of the RELM’s Red Sand Event
- 01/26 – Polaris Star Awards Gala
- 02/13 – Super LVIII
- 06/17 – Event Management Journal Conference
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Within HTMS is the student organization, Knights of the RELM.
The Knights of the RELM works in association with the United Abolitionists, and It’s a Penalty. As members of Knights of the RELM, we fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery along with other social issues within the industry.
Our mission at Knights of the RELM is to be service leaders of change through impact, legacy, development, and sustainability in events, specifically mega-events on a local, national, and global scale. We aim to accomplish our mission through the creation of 360-degree value of events through student development; effectively teaching about the duality of events, particularly mega-events, with a focus on residential community impact; and increasing student involvement in mega-events and the knowledge to aid in the prevention of human trafficking.
MISSION STATEMENT
We aim to be service leaders of change through impact, legacy, development, and sustainability in events, specifically mega-events on a local, national, and global scale.
OBJECTIVES
- Impact and Legacy: Create 360-degree value of events through student development
- Events and Development: Effectively teach about the duality of events, particularly mega events with a focus on residential community impact
- Sustainability: Increase student involvement in mega-events and the knowledge to aid in the prevention of human trafficking
Pillars/Tenants – CPR
- Culture
- Passion
- Respect
Our Faculty Advisors
| Knights of the RELM Faculty Advisors | |||
 |
Jessica Wickey Byrd
Executive Director, Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Program Director, Internships Associate Instructor, Tourism, Events, and Attractions (407) 903-8018 |
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Jamie Davis
Academic Advisor II (407) 903-8089 |
Learn more about our Partners!
United Abolitionists – Official Partner
First Responders to the Human Trafficking Crisis in the United States, United Abolitionists exists to stop all forms of human trafficking in the United States. Many organizations tirelessly fight human trafficking on an international scale but there is so much work to be done right here in the U.S. Despite the increased media attention and legislative efforts, human trafficking remains pervasive in our country. We are dedicated to addressing the crime in “our own backyard”.
United Abolitionists Website Link
It’s A Penalty – Unofficial Partner
Since 2014, It’s a Penalty has been working to disrupt the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world: human trafficking and exploitation. We believe that prevention is even better than cure. As well as providing people with the tools to protect those who have been abused, exploited or trafficked, It’s a Penalty strives to prevent people from becoming victims of abuse, exploitation and human trafficking in the first place.