At the Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management, our leadership team is committed to understanding and addressing these global challenges. Through community engagement, research, education, and training, we seek solutions to combat human trafficking and modern slavery. We support future leaders of hospitality and tourism management industries, aiming not just to study but to actively implement change.
Dr. Jessica Wickey Byrd
Executive Director, UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking; Program Director, Rosen Professional Internships at University of Central Florida; Associate Lecturer, Tourism, Events, Entertainment & Attractions
We are dedicated to creating meaningful change through education, research, and collaboration. Our mission focuses on empowering students, supporting survivors, and engaging industries to build a united response to human trafficking. By connecting academic insight with real-world impact, we work to inspire action across communities. Through innovative partnerships and informed leadership, we strive to advance a future rooted in justice, dignity, and lasting freedom for all.
Mayara Martines Ramalho de Oliveira, M.S.
Project Manager, UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery;
Our initiatives transform knowledge into action through hands-on programs that educate, empower, and engage. From student training and survivor scholarships to international exchanges and community workshops, every effort is designed to create sustainable impact. We collaborate with diverse partners to amplify survivor voices and enhance prevention. By fostering awareness and building capacity across sectors, we help communities recognize, respond to, and disrupt human trafficking in meaningful ways.