One of the most important components of the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation’s anti-human trafficking campaign is increased education and awareness among airport employees. The Department, along with stakeholders and partners, is working to ensure preparedness for different situations, including the risk of human trafficking that comes with major sporting events.  

During Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Guest Experience Stakeholder Council meeting on March 3, the airport hosted a special panel discussion at the Airport Marriott Hotel to educate partners on prevention efforts and raise awareness about human trafficking. 

Department of Aviation Chief Strategy Officer Cassie Schmid said, “At our campaign launch, we heard a youth survivor share her powerful story which included travel through airports. Today’s panel brings together those on the front lines of assisting victims along with survivors to share real experiences of how trafficking may be happening right in front of us. We hope that by sharing these stories, everyone gains a better understanding of how to spot it and how we can all help.” 

The panel was moderated by Gracie George, prevention education specialist with the Salvation Army's New Day to Stop Trafficking Program, and Marcía Hopkins, program manager with Project PROTECT (Philadelphia's Response and Outreach to End Child Trafficking).  The panelists included:  

• Dr. Nina Ahmad, Philadelphia City Councilmember-At-Large 

• An agent from the Office of the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking section 

• Evie, a youth survivor advocate and Support Center for Child Advocates Advisory Board member

• A survivor advocate and New Day to Stop Trafficking Advisory Council member

“We all have a role to play,” said the New Day to Stop Trafficking survivor advocate, who shared the need for public spaces to have safe areas where victims can pause and reach out for help. “Environment matters. It’s very hard to calm a dysregulated nervous system, especially for someone living in constant fight-or-flight mode. If you see something concerning, don’t just turn away. It's important to pause and recognize that someone might be in a limited space or moment to seek help. Even if you can’t change their situation in that moment, offering hope, kindness, and attention matters. That small action could change someone’s life.” 

Evie, a youth survivor advocate and Advisory Board member for the Support Center for Child Advocates, shared, “If you don’t know what to do, call someone. Ask for help. Not turning away is critical.” 

Evie also advised that airports can help by making support visible. “Clear signage sends a message: We see you. We care. You can ask for help here. That visibility can give a survivor the courage to speak up.” She believes that increased signage and awareness send a signal to traffickers. "This is not a place where they can operate unnoticed. The goal is simple: survivors should feel supported and safe. Traffickers should feel watched and unwelcome.” 

Ahmad is the first South Asian American, first Muslim woman, and first immigrant in recent history to serve on citywide on Philadelphia's City Council. She secured $500,000 for a 2026 anti–human trafficking awareness campaign focused on prevention, education, and survivor-centered outreach. “What I learned from the subject matter experts at this panel meeting is the importance of actionable responses, training, and being aware of what human trafficking looks like in all its forms. Training makes sure that we are all reacting similarly, with a unified approach to trafficking,” she said. “About 20 percent of trafficking victims pass through airports. This makes our airport a critical place for resource deployment. We need to ensure we are prepared to identify and assist those in need. The message is: Not in our city. Not in our state. Not in our country.”

At the conclusion of the panel George said, “This event served as an important next step. Bringing together representatives from all sides of the work — survivor advocates, victim services, legislators, and law enforcement — to share their perspectives shows the airport's commitment to making a difference. Centering survivor voices and committing to trauma-informed approaches is crucial to effective anti-trafficking efforts.” 

In January, PHL officially kicked off a new local public awareness campaign: “Freedom Starts Here. Fight Human Trafficking” to educate passengers, employees and airport partners how to recognize the signs of trafficking and how to report activity to the appropriate authorities. For more information, click here.