Human Trafficking Seminar

Sponsored by T-Mobile

Around the world, people are enjoying increasing mobility. The anonymity provided by cyberspace, coupled with the ease with which travelers can now access children in every part of the world, including in the United States, means that youth are now more vulnerable than ever. The hospitality industry is uniquely situated to be the eyes and ears of identifying human trafficking and child exploitation. With an estimated 500 hotels in New York City alone, awareness has the potential to create a meaningful impact and save lives.

Please join us for a conference on Human Trafficking and hear from:

• Katrina Owens, an advocate and survivor of domestic child sex trafficking
• Michelle Guelbart of ECPAT-USA, a non-profit organization that helps companies fight human trafficking on this highly sensitive cause
• A representative from the New York City Police Department, Vice Enforcement Division, on how the NYPD and the hotel industry can work together to address these issues

Speakers:

Katrina Owens

MPower, Founder

Katrina is a victim’s advocate and expert speaker on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST).  Often tapped by government entities, law enforcement, social service agencies, nonprofits, juvenile court systems, mental healthcare providers and families to inform treatment services, facilitate training and create awareness; her insight has proven invaluable.  Her partnerships include Serenity Steps, Salvation Army’s Haven ATL, and Beloved House.

As a Restaurateur and Entrepreneur, Katrina has partnered in numerous ventures employing survivors and managing restaurants grossing over $6 million annually.  She has used her experience and expertise to create opportunities for survivors, giving them a reflection of the possibilities beyond their trauma.

Appearing regularly as a speaker and panelist, Katrina participates in conferences, workshops, training seminars and other awareness events.  Courageously, she has shared her story with the Washington Times, CNN, MTV-U, ECPAT (End Child Prostitution Pornography and Trafficking), Public Broadcasting Atlanta, Peachtree TV and other outlets. More recently, she has appeared in the National MTAS (More Than a Survivor) Campaign which displays the lives of survivors leaders across the country.

After Katrina’s tenure as Executive Director of GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services), she has set her sights on real estate and developing MPower Mentoring as an organization empowering communities despite their circumstance. Compassion without an Agenda.

Michelle Guelbart, MSW

ECPAT-USA, Director of Private Sector Engagement

Michelle leads program development and strategy for ECPAT-USA’s private sector work and has worked with the team since 2010. As Director of Private Sector Engagement, she advises companies on corporate social responsibility efforts to protect children from trafficking. Michelle provides support and recommendations to ECPAT-USA partners including Carlson Companies, Delta Air Lines, Wyndham Worldwide, Sabre, and Hilton Worldwide.

Michelle wrote the content for the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s e-learning module to combat human trafficking. Michelle has contributed to Congressional testimony and multi-stakeholder engagement efforts including through the World Economic Forum, Institute of Medicine, and the White House National Action Plan on Responsible Business. She has been interviewed for her work by CNN, New York Times, Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, among other publications.

Michelle received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Prior to her work with ECPAT-USA, Michelle worked in refugee resettlement in Albany, NY.