Speakers from New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking Have Profound Impact
Photo Caption: Student Ayanna Guzman asks a question during a seminar with the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking on January 17, 2024, at Berkeley College.
Ayanna Guzman is a first-year student in the Justice Studies – Criminal Justice program at Berkeley College. She aspires to serve her country and community in law enforcement.
I have always known human trafficking was real, however, on January 17, 2024, it came to life for me when Berkeley College hosted a seminar with the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking.
Gina Cavallo, a Survivor Consultant for the Coalition who shared her personal story, is a voice for survivors and current victims of human/sex trafficking. She is so brave and is a walking warrior in my eyes. Cavallo shed light on child and sexual abuse. As she was speaking, my surroundings disappeared. All I saw and heard was Cavallo, to the extent that I had goosebumps. I genuinely appreciate and admire her vigor. I respect how she relived her suffering and her past again as she was speaking to us. That is called strength. I felt her emotions as she told her story.
Human trafficking is a subject that does not get as much recognition as it should. I am thankful that Cavallo, alongside Patti Pfeifer, Co-Chair of the Coalition’s Outreach Committee, gave the audience so many tips and resources about how to recognize human trafficking.
These women made a mark on my studies at Berkeley College. It is vital for Justice Studies students to learn about human trafficking, because far too often trafficking goes unnoticed and unpunished. We are fortunate enough to have spoken to a survivor, who serves as a reminder and an eye opener. This interaction will remind us to become the best law enforcement agents possible and serve with a greater purpose. The speakers showed us that human trafficking does not only exist in the movies. It is imperative that we take this lesson with us on our career and life journeys and spread awareness.
The views and/or opinions in this article are those of the individuals interviewed. The academic achievements and/or employment outcomes described in this article are specific to each individual and are not a guarantee of similar results for past or current students. For up-to-date and detailed information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu and view our catalogs at BerkeleyCollege.edu/publications.
