MCASA & PG County's Lunch & Learn Series: Session 1: Human Trafficking Task Force Strategies

Описание: This training is a part of MCASA & Prince George's County Office of Human Rights' free 4-part Lunch & Learn Training Series on Human Trafficking Awareness & Response. This is the first session in this series. It was presented live on January 13, 2026, and featured a panel discussion which was facilitated by MCASA's Human Trafficking Legal Specialist.

Training Session 1: Human Trafficking Task Force Strategies - Description:
During this session, participants will get an inside look at how local anti-human trafficking task forces operate and why they are a critical part of a community’s response to trafficking.

This session will highlight concrete ways the public can engage with and support task force efforts, whether through prevention, awareness, training, or community partnerships. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how local task forces function, why multidisciplinary collaboration matters, and how community involvement strengthens the response to human trafficking.

Panelists from Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force will walk attendees through what a task force is, why it was created, and how it brings together law enforcement, service providers, advocates, and community partners to address trafficking at the local level.

Participants will learn about the goals and priorities of Prince George’s County Task Force, the challenges it has faced, and the successes it has achieved. The panel will also explore how local data and lived experience shape the task force’s work, how partners collaborate across systems, and what the task force has learned about trafficking trends and needs within the county.
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Panelists:
Jatnna Gomez, Director of Community Engagement and Special Programs, University of Maryland Safe Center for Human Trafficking Survivors:
Jatnna Gomez brings over a decade of experience working with vulnerable communities in Maryland and Washington, D.C., including victims of violence, justice-involved youth, and individuals facing systemic barriers. In her current role, she leads community education, prevention, outreach, and special initiatives for the SAFE Center. Ms. Gomez currently chairs Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force Victim Services Committee and serves as a Commissioner on Prince George’s County Commission for Women. She is also pursuing her Juris Doctor at American University, Washington College of Law.

Major Heather Bruha, USAF Senior Defense Counsel, Air Force Trial Defense Division (FOA/JAJD):
Major Heather M. Bruha is a Senior Defense Counsel with the U.S. Air and Space Force, assigned to the Trial Defense Division at Joint Base Andrews. She serves as the Senior Defense Counsel for the South Atlantic Region of District 1, leading a team that provides independent, world-class defense services to Airmen and Guardians, and she represents clients in complex courts-martial and administrative proceedings. Prior to her military service, Major Bruha volunteered as an outreach coordinator with the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking. She currently serves on Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force and the Maryland Human Trafficking Legislative Committee, where she also chairs Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Legislative Committee.

Felipe Urquilla, Human Trafficking Division Manager, Prince George's County Office of Human Rights:
Felipe Urquilla serves at the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights as the Human Trafficking Division Manager and Administrator of the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force. He brings over 15 years of experience in human services and holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, with extensive background working with vulnerable individuals and families in Prince George’s County. Felipe is known for his collaborative, victim-centered approach and for building strong cross-sector partnerships that support effective responses to human trafficking and promote healing and dignity.

Special Guest Panelist: Ashton Petta, Human Trafficking Prevention Manager and Task Force Coordinator, Howard County Government:
Ashton Petta is the Manager of the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention for Howard County Government, where she leads countywide prevention, outreach, and coordination efforts. Her work centers on building strong cross-sector partnerships, advancing survivor-centered and trauma-informed practices, and strengthening local systems to prevent and respond to human trafficking.
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Please use this link to access the anonymous evaluation form for this session: https://forms.gle/ZN2CBt1mKepesD326

We greatly appreciate all feedback. If you are seeking a Certificate of Attendance, you must complete the evaluation form. Upon submitting the evaluation, you'll see a box at the top of your web page, containing a link to the Certificate Request Form.
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If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at [email protected]