Navigating the Dangers of Human Trafficking in Social Media Presentation to be Held at UD

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Navigating the Dangers of Human Trafficking in Social Media will be presented by Ray Fiedler(C'85), coordinator for the Iowa Office to Combat Human Trafficking in the Iowa Department of Public Safety's Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in Room 146, Charles and Romona Myers Center, University of Dubuque.

The event is free and open to the public. It is organized by UD's Spartan Nation Liberation Foundation, a student organization committed to combatting human trafficking, and the Tri-State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, a collaborative, faith-based network in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin that engages in education and advocacy in an effort to eradicate human trafficking.

"It's imperative for the Spartan Nation Liberation Foundation to host this event to assist in bringing awareness to the issue of human trafficking," said Gianna Borzileri, a senior criminal justice major at UD from Denver, Colorado, and vice president of the foundation. "Unfortunately, as common as it is, becoming educated in recognizing the indicators and how to respond can lead us to a better understanding of how to attack it. Learning about such a major concern leads to stronger support for victims, tougher laws, and recognition of the severe human rights violations at play."

Sister Marilou Irons, co-chair of the Tri-State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, added, "It's vital for parents to be aware of the extent of human trafficking in Iowa, understand the warning signs, and recognize the importance of maintaining open communication with their children on this critical issue."

Fiedler is responsible for training public and private entities regarding human trafficking, certifying hotels related to their training in human trafficking as required by Iowa Code, creating partnerships with public and private entities, and assisting agencies in investigating and sharing information in human trafficking cases. He is a retired special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and spent over 20 years in the Major Crimes Unit investigating homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault, burglaries, and other felony level cases. Fiedler also has conducted training in elder abuse, sexual assault, and officer involved shootings investigations as well as active armed encounters.

In 1985, Fiedler graduated from the University of Dubuque with a bachelor of science in mathematics and computer science. He minored in business administration.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 888.373.7888.