2026 Human Trafficking Conference Recap: Collaboration in Action
2026 Human Trafficking Conference Recap: Collaboration in Action
On January 16, 2026, Womankind hosted our 13th Annual Human Trafficking Conference, bringing together advocates, attorneys, service providers, and community partners for a virtual gathering focused on collaboration and survivor-centered support. The conference responded to growing uncertainty and volatility in social and legal resources by centering one core message: collaboration is essential to strengthening services for survivors of human trafficking.
The conference opened with remarks from Mary Caparas, Manager of Project Free, Womankind’s anti-trafficking program. She reflected on Womankind’s nearly 44 years of addressing gender-based violence and emphasized that human trafficking is a complex, systemic issue. While most survivors in Project Free have experienced labor trafficking, we also serve those who have experienced sex trafficking and/or both and recognize that everyone’s experience is multi-layered and dynamic.
The theme of this year’s conference was “The Power of Collaboration in an Era of Uncertainty.” Mary invited participants to think about the scaffolding that lines New York City’s streets—temporary structures that may seem disruptive, yet provide essential protection while something stronger is being built. In the same way, she encouraged attendees to view cross-sector partnerships as the scaffolding of survivor support: structures that allow communities to build stronger systems together.
The panel discussion, moderated by Alisha Mohammed, Esq., Managing Immigration Attorney at Womankind, explored collaboration through the lens of safety planning at the state and local levels. Panelists examined how language access, legal services, and education for employment intersect in survivors’ journeys toward stability and independence.
Caitlin Miner-Le Grand, Co-Director of the Immigrant Justice Project at the City Bar Justice Center, shared insights from mentoring pro bono attorneys on immigration cases involving trafficking, domestic violence, and other forms of violent persecution. She emphasized the importance of accessible, trauma-informed legal representation and strong referral networks among organizations.
Mary Beth Wilkinson, Senior Program Specialist at Futures Without Violence, discussed national efforts to strengthen cross-sector partnerships. Drawing from her experience leading training and technical assistance initiatives, she highlighted the importance of building organizational capacity and improving coordination across systems to expand meaningful support for survivors.
During the second half of the conference, participants joined virtual breakout rooms focused on language access, legal services, or education for employment. Each group worked through a hypothetical case study involving a community member and their family navigating complex systems such as healthcare, employment, and the legal system. Together, participants brainstormed tools, resources, and practical solutions to address the individual’s needs.
The breakout discussions reflected the conference’s central theme: collaboration requires shared values, thoughtful direction, clear communication, and practical tools. Participants offered resources, asked questions, and built new connections, reinforcing the idea that no single organization can address human trafficking alone. Strong, coordinated partnerships remain essential to supporting survivors and strengthening communities.
Womankind is grateful to all panelists, facilitators, and attendees who contributed their expertise and commitment to advancing anti-trafficking efforts. Stay up-to-date with Womankind’s work with survivors of gender-based violence by subscribing to our mailing list, following us on social media @iamwomankind, or reading our latest articles on human trafficking:
