STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Within HTMS is the student organization, Knights of the RELM. The Knights of the RELM works in association with the United Abolitionists, and It’s a Penalty. As members of Knights of the RELM, we fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery along with other social issues within the industry.
Our mission at Knights of the RELM is to be service leaders of change through impact, legacy, development, and sustainability in events, specifically mega-events on a local, national, and global scale. We aim to accomplish our mission through the creation of 360-degree value of events through student development; effectively teaching about the duality of events, particularly mega-events, with a focus on residential community impact; and increasing student involvement in mega-events and the knowledge to aid in the prevention of human trafficking.
THEY ARE THE BEST IN THE NATION
Congratulations to our Student Organization, Knights of the RELM, for winning the Student Group of the Year at the 12th Annual Liberator Awards! This award celebrates advocates in the fight against human trafficking for their impact and contributions, created by The SOAP Project with Theresa Flores as their CEO & Founder in Columbus, Ohio.
Thank you, Dr. Marianne Thomas, for nominating them, and thank you, Dr. Jessica Wickey Byrd, for introducing our students to this fight and for your guidance over the past two years. Because of all the past and current members of Knights of the RELM and their tireless effort, they were nationally recognized: Sydney Weisman, Madelyn Hutchinson, Liv Wastier, Gabriela Bonilla, Francis Pepe, Aili Wu, Ashley Zarwanitzer, Natalie Weiss, William Zambelli, Mia Rossi, Erin Bridgan, James Costa, Daniel Neddo, and Annastazia Allgire. We cannot be prouder of our students.
Also, congratulations to Sydney Weisman ’23, ’25MS, our Knights of the RELM founder and president, for winner the Order of Pegasus Award!
Order of Pegasus is the highest honor a student can obtain throughout their time at the University of Central Florida. Having been awarded to only 438 individuals since 2001, this designation represents a student’s exemplary academic achievement, leadership, community service, university involvement, and research contributions. We are extremely proud of Sydney for her outstanding dedication and impactful initiatives in advancing student involvement in the fight against human trafficking. Her exceptional leadership, commitment to raising awareness, and drive to foster meaningful change have significantly strengthened our shared mission. She is truly a force to be reckoned with, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work in the years to come. You can read more about her at our 2024-25 Annual Report here.
Leaders of Knights of the RELM
William Zambelli (Co-Advisor): I joined KOTR as a Student first, due to the growing importance of this largely based issue in our industry and world today. Now being able to co-advice this student organization, and being an advisory board member, I’m proud to stand alongside these amazing people, as we fight for justice for all who are affected by human trafficking.
Madelyn Hutchinson (President): My name is Madelyn Hutchinson and I am the current president of Knights of the RELM as of Fall 2025. As president my job is to carry the torch that our founding students strived for us to accomplish. Along with the students of Knights of the RELM I get to work with our amazing board at the UCF Center of Study for Human Trafficking. A goal of mine this semester is to help the center to acquire items that they need through a drive. I wanted to become president of Knights of the RELM to assist in any way possible to help stop trafficking and use resources to spread the word about our cause.
Frankie Pepe (Vice-President): My name is Frankie Pepe and I am the sitting Vice President for Knights of the RELM as of Fall 2025! I work with our organization’s president, Madelyn Hutchinson, on all things relevant to Knights of the RELM as a student organization. This includes acting as a bridge and contact point between KOTR and the UCF Center for Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. This semester, a primary project I have the chance to contribute to is the creation and execution of a Human Trafficking Simulation and Workshop
Ashley Zarwanitzer (Volunteer Coordinator): My name is Ashley Zarwanitzer, and I am the Volunteer Coordinator for Knights of the RELM , a role I have served in since August 2025. I love working with KoTR and the UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery to mobilize our volunteers for outreach and events. Trafficking is a significant issue in hospitality, and future leaders must have the tools and knowledge to recognize red flags, respond safely, and support survivor-centered practices. A goal of mine this semester is to increase student awareness and engagement regarding anti-trafficking efforts across campus. I am in the position of Volunteer Coordinator because I want to dedicate my efforts to eradicating and preventing human trafficking. If, through our work, we can help even one person, I will feel fulfilled, as every life impact makes our mission meaningful. At Knights of the RELM, our mission is rooted in the belief that no one should ever endure the realities of human trafficking. We work with determination to raise awareness, prevent exploitation, and provide hope. Every action we take, no matter how small, contributes to a greater impact, and if, through our efforts, we can change even a single life, then our purpose is fulfilled.
Liv Wastier (Secretary): My name is Liv Wastier and I am the secretary of Knights of the RELM! I have been serving in this role since January of this year. I greatly enjoy my time with KoTR and getting to work so closely with the UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. Trafficking is a huge issue in our industry and it is important that all hospitality leaders have the tools and knowledge to help fight it. I am the secretary for Knights of the RELM because I want to help bring anti-human trafficking efforts to Rosen College. It is important that the future leaders of the hospitality industry have the skills and knowledge to help those in need. By partnering with the HTMS Center, Knights of the RELM can help educate our students to be the change.
Natalie Weiss (Social Media Director): My name is Natalie Weiss and I am the current Social Media Director for Knights of the RELM as of Fall 2025. In this role, I carry the responsibility of ensuring our organization has a voice on platforms like Instagram. I collaborate with my fellow board to promote the organization as well as the events put on by RELM and the UCF Center of Study for Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. This semester a goal of mine is to not only execute successful projects with RELM, but to ensure they are well advertised so that we can effectively spread awareness for our cause.
LET’S GET SOCIAL
Follow Knights of the RELM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kotr.ucf/