The Fight Against Human Trafficking News Conference

News Conference: Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 10 a.m.

The Fight to End Human Trafficking Comes to UCF Rosen College Classrooms

UCF partners with United Abolitionist to train hospitality students to combat crime

WHO?

Youcheng Wang, Ph.D., Dean of Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Robertico Croes Ph.D., Associate Dean, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Jessica Wickey, Program Director Internships at Rosen College
David Wixted, Internship Instructor at Rosen College
Gisele Canova, Internship Instructor at Rosen College
Tomas J. Lares, Founder and President, United Abolitionist
Rich Maladecki, President/CEO Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association

WHAT?

Announcing a partnership to train the future leaders of the hospitality industry to combat human trafficking in hospitality, tourism, events, attractions, hotels and on campus

WHEN? Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 10 a.m.

WHERE? UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management; Campus building entrance gates

9907 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819

Definition of Human Trafficking:

Under Florida Statute 787.06, Human trafficking” means transporting, soliciting, recruiting, harboring, providing, enticing, maintaining, or obtaining another person for the purpose of exploitation of that person. The Legislature finds that human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. Victims of human trafficking are young children, teenagers, and adults. The Legislature finds that victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor.

About UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

The UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management located in Orlando, Florida, offers students an unrivaled opportunity to learn and work in the heart of hospitality. Ranked among the top five hospitality management programs worldwide, Rosen College has been an educational leader for more than 30 years. Uniquely positioned in America’s top tourism destination, we educate the next generation of industry leaders through internationally-recognized faculty, innovative academic programs, cutting-edge research and strong industry and community partnerships. To learn more, visit hospitality.ucf.edu.

About United Abolitionists

United Abolitionists (UA) is the leading agency in the U.S. connecting all organizations and resources necessary to educate, prevent, rescue and rehabilitate in the fight against modern-day slavery and exploitation. United Abolitionist 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. To learn more visit https://floridaabolitionist.org/

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Media Contact:

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

9907 Universal Blvd. | Orlando, FL 32819

Media Contact: Susan Vernon-Devlin

Susan.Vernon-Devlin@ucf.edu| 407-903-8151

hospitality.ucf.edu