The Katy Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated recognized January as “Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month” by sponsoring a community education event at Powerhouse Church, 1818 Katyland Drive in Katy on January 20th. The panel of experts from law enforcement, healthcare and advocacy groups who work tirelessly in this area shared the increasing risks of trafficking and its impact in the Houston and Katy areas.

The program moderator, Kimberly Rensel, who chaired the Katy 20 anti-trafficking group from 2020 to 2022, has years of experience in the subject matter, as did the panelists who shared statistics, cases and available resources. The program opened with a personal impact story from Jade Luengas, who lost her daughter who was recruited into working at a strip club by her boyfriend and who subsequently died after being overserved alcohol at that club.

Program panelists included:

· Sergeant Antonio Gracia, Houston Police Dept

· Kimberly Williams, Program Director Anti-Human Trafficking Healthcare Consortium

· Rhonda Kuykendall, Social Worker and Consultant

· Tracey Dudley, Advocate - Eyes on Me Ministry

· Jessica Wesley, Survivor and Advocate

· Cara Parker, CEO and Founder of The Landing

· Dr. Nissi Hamilton, Survivor and Founder/CEO Nissi’s Network Inc.

Panelists were unanimous in stating that prevention begins in the home and that parents should monitor their children’s phone and internet use, stating that recruitment of girls – as well as boys and young men – often begins with new phone apps. Asked to describe the typical trafficker, all panelist agreed that traffickers are often a family member, family friend, teacher, pastor or other trusted figure – and not the kidnappers portrayed in the movie “Taken.” Panelist Cara Parker stated, “Anyone can be trafficked and anyone can be a target.” Parker and survivors Tracey Dudley and Jessica Wesley drew on their own experiences to describe how feelings of insecurity and alienation can make a person vulnerable to the overtures of a trafficker. Those recruits end up in the drug trade as well as in sexually oriented businesses, including strip clubs and prostitution.

Sgt. Gracia described how law enforcement works closely with nonprofits and other organizations who seek to help victims of human trafficking escape life on the streets. He also stated that HPD works with other law enforcement organizations, including Katy Police Department, if requested.

Dr. Kimberly Williams, who coaches health care workers on how to identify and help human trafficking victims, listed warning signs such as neglect or extreme neglect, undiagnosed or untreated illnesses, STDs, eye infections, cuts, bruises and burns. She encouraged school nurses and teachers to be on the lookout for these indicators, as well as behaviors demonstrating isolation from family and friends. Parker noted that it is rare for victims to self-identify as being trafficked.

Rhonda Kuykendall gave an update on state legislation designed to focus on human trafficking.

The event was attended by approximately 100 people. “We are pleased to serve and support the Katy community,” said program chair Jean D’Aguilar.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 as an organization rooted in sisterhood, scholarship, service and social action. Today, the sorority has over 350,000 members and 1,000 chapters located worldwide. The Katy Area Alumnae Chapter was chartered in 2020 and is continuing the charge to bring quality service programs to the community such as the Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention program. Programs like this align with the Sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrusts which include: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.