Unmasking the Dark Underbelly: Human Trafficking 101 for Hospitality Professionals

Please make plans to join the PCMA Heartland Chapter for our upcoming educational event on November 2, 2023.

Session Description: In the intricate realm of hospitality, where impeccable service and guest satisfaction reign supreme, a threat lies hidden in plain sight. Join us as we delve into the depths of human trafficking and equip hoteliers and planners with the knowledge and tools to combat this modern-day atrocity. “What is human trafficking?” Through a comprehensive exploration, we will uncover the various forms of trafficking and the tactics employed by criminals to exploit vulnerable individuals. Understanding that no one is immune to victimhood, our discussion will shed light on who can become a victim of human trafficking. By examining the diverse profiles we will empower attendees to identify red flags and protect potential victims. Equipped with knowledge, it is imperative to understand the crucial role we play as reporters. Discover the appropriate channels to report suspected cases of human trafficking and the key stakeholders involved in combating this crime.

Join us for a thought-provoking and empowering session that will arm you with the necessary skills to combat human trafficking within the hospitality industry. Take a stand against this violation of human rights and be part of the solution. Together, we can protect the vulnerable and create a safer world for all.

Join us at the Marriott Overland Park.

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Registration
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Program
6:00 pm -7:00 pm – Reception

$45 for Members
$55 for Non-Members
Students attend for Free

Our presenter Ms. Tereasa Brown is the Victim Assistance Specialist for the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She works with victims of human trafficking, human smuggling, and child exploitation. Before working for HSI, she served as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base Japan from Dec 2013 – Dec 2016. Ms. Brown is a 2008 graduate of Methodist University with a bachelor’s in social work. She has served as a victim advocate at FT. Bragg, NC, FT. Sill, OK, and FT. Campbell, KY where she later was promoted as the Victim Advocate Program Manager. Ms. Brown entered active duty in 1993 as an enlisted Army member and served for 10 years as an Avionics Mechanic and served one tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL, she’s a Pastor and has 5 children and two grandchildren.

Ms. Brown is nationally certified in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault through the National Office of Victims Assistance (NOVA), Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Specialist Level II through the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT), Child Physical/Sexual Abuse Specialist through (IVAT), and as a Trauma-Informed Specialist

Victim Advocate through (IVAT). Ms. Brown has developed and taught numerous curricula such as “Work After Prison” for the Lansing Kansas Correctional Facility. “How to Deal with Your Defiant Child” for the Army Family Advocacy Program, Fort Bragg, NC, “Effects of Domestic Violence on Children” for the Audubon Area Community Service in Hopkinsville, KY. She recently developed and taught “How to Get Buy-In: One Step at A Time” for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Workforce Management Division and “Political Savvy in the Workplace” for USCIS. Ms. Brown has been a chosen presenter for the following organizations: The Washington State Coalition; to present Sexual Assault within the military in May 2013, Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Conference in February 2011 Teen Dating Violence, NASW-IL Chapter Statewide Conference to present on Domestic Violence within the Military in November 2011, the 13th Annual Domestic and Sexual Violence Conference, Lexington, KY to present on Domestic Violence within the Military, December 2011. Ms. Brown is a published author of five books: “On Your Best Day You’re Well Enough to Die”, “Don’t Love Me to Death: When Teenage Dating Becomes Deadly”, “The Lord Is Speaking, But You Might Not Like What He’s Saying”, “Woman2Woman: A Conversation Between Friends”, and “Keeping It Real: The Different Masks We Wear in The Church”.