The American Association of University Women local branch of service leaders are organizing and hosting an event Saturday to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of the potential threat of human trafficking.
The effort to organize such an event echoes a prominent, ongoing conversation held by local law enforcement and officials as the Bay Area prepares for an influx of tourists — and money — during major sporting events this year.
“I’ve worked hard to organize this event and I’m already learning a lot and I’m going to learn more Saturday,” Karen Large, vice president of programs for the service organization, said.
The event looks to inform the public and increase awareness among the average resident, and not leave the concern solely to law enforcement, Large said.
Local law enforcement agencies and government officials have recently teamed up with businesses to combat human trafficking ahead of February’s NBA All-Star Game, the Super Bowl and the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Speakers at the event will include Elizabeth Quiroz, a survivor of human trafficking and former incarcerated person who was pardoned by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018.
Quiroz was lured into human trafficking at 15 years old, and suffered from subsequent traumas including addiction and a 10-year stint in San Mateo County Jail. Every January in recent years, she has spoken to incarcerated women at the Maple Street Correctional Facility to share her story.
The public will now have the opportunity to hear Quiroz’s story, and insight from Assistant Sheriff Ryan Monaghan who has a particular expertise in human trafficking. Monaghan was previously the director of Interjurisdictional Operations for the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office where he led countywide agency efforts to combat human trafficking.
Representatives from Grateful Garment, a nonprofit helping survivors by offering them clothing and other resources to restore their dignity, particularly after testing must be done, will also speak.
“They’re really almost like a first responder to these survivors when they’re at their most vulnerable,” Large said.
Increasing awareness through this event will hopefully dispel misconceptions about human trafficking, and remind people that labor trafficking is just as serious and common as sex trafficking, Large said.
“These things happen not just in hotels, but in Airbnbs or in any old neighborhood,” Large said.
The event will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 10, at 655 Skyway Road in San Carlos. Large hopes anyone interested in learning more will attend and share their findings with others.
“I think it will be a good program, even though it’s a dark topic,” Large said.
Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/human-trafficking-awareness-tickets-1979022019133?aff=oddtdtcreator to register to attend the event for free.
(65) 344-5200 ext. 106
Daily Journal staff
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