On January 4, 2024, Professor Roza Pati moderated a panel on Human Trafficking: Hiding in Plain Sight — the coordinated effort to combat online and in-person crimes in South Florida, organized by the Tower Forum, “an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization founded by Broward County business and civic leaders in 1976, that hosts thought-provoking forums featuring national and local experts addressing, debating and discussing current headline issues ranging from government, business and the economy to the arts, education and sports.” Panelists included Thomas McInerney, Co-Founder, South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Commander and Sergeant with the Broward Sheriff’s Office; Danielle Lennox, Assistant State Attorney, Sexual Battery Unit, Head Of Human Trafficking Division, Office of the State Attorney of Broward; Rozeta Mahboubi, Broward Regional Director, Florida Restaurant Lodging & Association, as well as a representative of the FBI, Violent Crimes Against Children & Human Trafficking Squad, and a detective of the Police Department of the Town of Davie. The discussion focused on the nature of online and in-person crimes related to human trafficking, and the overlapping jurisdictions involved in preventing, investigating and prosecuting these crimes. The panel addressed challenges related to prosecutions, issues of victim protections and services for survivors, the intricacies of cybercrimes against children, the role of industry in compliance and self-regulation to prevent human trafficking, as well as awareness of the community at large.
Kwami Adoboe-Herrera is an anti-trafficking advocate, a consultant and a speaker. As a survivor himself, he understands the unfortunate impact of human trafficking around us. His lived experience guided his career and interests to support policies that help support victims as they navigate life after experiencing trafficking. Kwami was featured in a documentary called Break the Chain. The film provides a detailed look at how trafficking goes unnoticed within our backyards. Break the Chain was developed to provide an accurate and educational entertainment resource that can be utilized in training and community awareness events throughout the United States. Kwami is currently a member of Not for Sale: One Step at a Time, an organization that brings awareness and hope to this hardly seen issue in communities across Ohio, America, and around the world. With the help of God we will defeat this heinous crime against human life.
Kwami’s goals are to raise awareness, reduce the risk of victimization, educate members of the government and the general public, and advocate for victim protection and wellness. Kwami received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Walsh University. His ultimate goal is to work for the Department of Justice as an FBI agent to rescue victims from their trafficker.