AG to keynote panel on human trafficking

Attorney General Bill Schuette will keynote and Paul W. Smith of WJR 760am will moderate an expert panel “Not in My Backyard: Conquering Human Trafficking in Michigan” sponsored by the Metro Detroit Chapter of the U.S. National Committee for U.N. Women at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28 in the Walsh College Conference Center. The event is being organized to alert the community of the dangers and realities of human trafficking in the State of Michigan and will take an in-depth look at how our law makers and enforcement agencies are addressing the issue.

The distinguished list of panelists includes: Jane White, executive director of the State of Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, Dan Tewilliager, special agent in charge, Homeland Security, Theresa Flores, survivor and founder of S.O.A.P. and author of “The Slave Across the Street” and Edee Franklin, founder and executive director of Sanctum House, a shelter for victims.

“We are extremely pleased to have secured such great participants for this event. We hope to create awareness of this important issue in hopes that it prevents members of our community from becoming victims,” states Lori Blaker, President of the Metro Detroit Chapter and President/CEO of TTi Global. “Attorney General Schuette has initiated some landmark programs in the areas of prosecution and victim’s rights. Each of our expert panelists brings a unique insight into this difficult but real topic. We are thrilled to have Paul W. Smith as our moderator. His participation will help deliver our message to a larger audience.”

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for college students and free to students 18 and under.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 248-417-6725 or on-line at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1376005  Space is limited. Please reserve in advance. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. This event is being sponsored in part by Baker Tilley, TTi Global, The Detroit Press Club, Plus One Meetings and Prain Development.