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Dear Colleagues,

The Global Center on Human Trafficking (GCHT) had its humble beginnings in 2018, when then President Cole convened a group of faculty and staff interested in bringing awareness about human trafficking to campus. Human Trafficking touches multiple university disciplines, including but not limited to criminology, sociology, social work, business, community health, nursing, and education because it is a complex issue influenced by many intersecting factors. As such, it should be our duty to prepare our students with knowledge and agency to take the fight against this serious human-rights violation into their future professions.

During the fall of 2018, MIGHT, the Montclair Interest Group on Human Trafficking under the leadership of then Associate Provost Sumner was formed and brought together a small number of faculty, staff, and students who developed awareness campaigns on campus.

Due to a private donation which enabled funding for a three-year period, the Global Center on Human Trafficking was established in the fall of 2021. The Center’s inaugural director, Allison Boak, is a pioneer in the anti-trafficking movement. Ali cofounded several organizations, networks and coalitions at the forefront of the anti-trafficking field today, including the International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA), Freedom Network USA, the National Human Trafficking and Disabilities Working Group, and the Westchester County Anti-Trafficking Task Force. Under her leadership, the Center began to establish itself as a leading advocacy hub committed to fighting human trafficking.

In 2024, at the end of the three-year funding period, Ms. Boak left the Center to pursue a different career opportunity and the Center was folded entirely into CHSS with myself stepping into the role of the Center’s director. During the past academic year, the GCHT has realigned its focus as a university center on trafficking prevention and survivor empowerment through education, research, outreach, and legislative action. With this new focus, the Center also serves as an important resource for faculty, staff, and students across campus.

As an education resource, the Center functions as a space that empowers various stakeholders and communities with an authentic and elevated understanding of human trafficking. Within our campus community, we accomplish that by offering free HT 101 courses and the Blue Safe Space Training, supporting the undergraduate certificate program in Global Human Trafficking, and hosting the Human Trafficking Perspectives Lecture Series.

GCHT team (from left): Christabelle Robinson, Program Specialist for Survivor Engagement; Daniela Peterka-Benton, Director; Ashlee Martellacci, Student Affairs and Community Engagement Coordinator; Madison Kranis, Program Coordinator.

We have also collaborated with several departments on campus to provide curricular modules on human trafficking to classes across our campus. In April 2025, GCHT in collaboration with Seton Hall University and the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking, hosted a professional development conference for pre-service teachers and school administrators on human trafficking in the school curriculum. The Center also provides training programs for community clients and is currently building a suite of non-credit bearing professional online courses with the intention to provide CEU credits for professionals in the future. 

The Center has also been involved in numerous research projects over the past few years. Our most recent report highlights key findings from a study with NJ libraries to assess their role as an anti-trafficking resource. In an ongoing project, we are investigating professional development needs of trafficking survivors which will guide us in the establishment of a Survivor Leadership Academy. Additionally, the Center serves as a competence partner for Montclair grant applications and collaborator on research projects.

As a university, student engagement takes another central role in the work we do. The Center’s “Next Generation Initiative” provides student involvement through internal and external internships, the ambassador program, and volunteer opportunities. This semester we are working with 29 students, including NextGen Student Corps: Action Team and Bonner Leaders, in different capacities. The Graz-Montclair partnership with the University of Graz Law School continues as an annual program where Austrian students come to Montclair to learn about human trafficking and the U.S. Justice System through an intensive 4-day program. The Center’s extensive campus outreach programs enhance the visibility of the GCHT across the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses and engages us with a multitude of campus offices and organizations through activities and initiatives.

Lastly, the Global Center has curated and nurtured meaningful connections to state legislators who are active in anti-trafficking initiatives. Every February, we host the Legislative Breakfast (free and open to all) to engage and collaborate with NJ lawmakers and key stakeholders in the anti-trafficking field. 

Human trafficking is a global and local crime that affects people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, race, or nationality, and it has even touched our campus. If you want to learn more about our work or how we can support you, your research, or your students, please visit our website or simply stop by our office in Dickson Hall, Room 468. To receive our newsletter and current updates please join our listserv by emailing: gcht@montclair.edu 

With appreciation,

Daniela Peterka-Benton, Director Global Center on Human Trafficking & Department of Justice Studies

You're Invited!

AI Distinguished Speaker Series

Join Tina Eliassi-Rad, professor of Computer Science at Northeastern University, for “The Truth of the Matter in the Age of Generative AI,” a conversation on how tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are transforming truth, trust, and accountability in our algorithmically infused society—and why a digitally savvy public is key to shaping their impact.

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 5, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Presentation Hall, College of Communication and Media

Register to Attend!

The American Experiment: 250 Years and Beyond

2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In recognition of this upcoming national milestone, President Koppell will be presenting a series of free lectures and discussions covering topics including civics and governance, the role of higher education in our democracy and contemporary challenges to the American Experiment. The second lecture, "Rule of Law and the Core American Institutions" will traces rule of law as a through-line of American democracy that predates the founding of the United States and has served as the logic model for the conflicts and controversies that have shaped the American experiment. No registration required.

Date & Time: Thursday, November 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Leshowitz Recital Hall, Cali School of Music

Upcoming Events in CHSS

J-Circle Halloween Party

Join J-Circle for activities including Kendama game, Yokai drawing with ink on paper, spicy curry rice and candy. All are invited!

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 29, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Schmitt Hall Room 125

Halloween Party and Costume Contest

The English Department invites you to the 6th Annual Halloween Party and Costume Contest! Enjoy candy, drinks and fun competitions. Prizes awarded for the best literary-themed costumes and for the best two-sentence horror story. Get creative and join the celebration!

Date & Time: Friday, October 31, 2 - 3 p.m.

Location: Cohen Lounge, Dickson Hall 178

Human Trafficking and Libraries

Join the Global Center on Human Trafficking for a presentation of research findings on how libraries across New Jersey engage in human trafficking awareness, prevention, and response efforts.

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 5, 3:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom - Register to Attend

2025 Italian American Studies Association Conference

Intersecting Transitalia in Communities: Nation(s), Transnation(s), Neighborhood(s)

The theme of this year’s conference navigates community in the Italian diaspora, historically and in the present day. The programs and panels of this conference will explore how, historically, Italians have worked in building their local communities and how they have attempted (successfully or not) to bridge (linguistic, cultural, etc.) gaps across communities throughout the country or even the world.

Date & Time: Thursday, November 6 - Sunday, November 9, 2025

Location: University Hall Conference Center

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At Your Service

CHSS Resource Guide

This guide is designed to support our faculty, instructors, and staff by providing quick access to the tools, policies, and information you need to carry out your work effectively. Inside, you’ll find resources on office operations, administrative processes, technology support, and campus services all in one place. Whether you’re new or a tenured colleague, this guide will help you throughout the academic year. If you have a question and cannot find the answer in this guide, or don’t know who to contact, start with the Administrative Services Team.

Apply to Join The PROPEL Project

As part of Montclair’s commitment to managerial professional growth and development, the University is excited to announce that applications are open for The PROPEL Project. The program focuses on funding active participation in professional conferences, complemented by coaching support to help employees maximize their conference experiences for career and professional growth. Please visit The PROPEL Project website.

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