Philadelphia Airport Hosts Human Trafficking Prevention Panel

Airport partners with stakeholders to raise awareness and preparedness for trafficking risks

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:50pm

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The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation hosted a panel discussion at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to educate airport employees and partners on preventing human trafficking. The panel featured survivor advocates, law enforcement, and city officials discussing the importance of training, trauma-informed approaches, and making support services visible to potential victims.

Why it matters

As a major transportation hub, Philadelphia's airport is considered a critical location for anti-trafficking efforts. The panel aimed to ensure airport staff and stakeholders are prepared to identify and assist trafficking victims, especially around major events that can increase the risk of trafficking.

The details

The panel was moderated by prevention education specialists and included perspectives from a Philadelphia City Councilmember, a survivor advocate, and law enforcement. Panelists emphasized the need for clear signage, trauma-informed responses, and not turning away if something seems concerning. The airport also launched a new public awareness campaign called 'Freedom Starts Here. Fight Human Trafficking' to educate passengers and staff.

  • The panel discussion took place on March 3, 2026 during PHL's Guest Experience Stakeholder Council meeting.
  • In January 2026, PHL kicked off its new anti-human trafficking public awareness campaign.

The players

Cassie Schmid

Chief Strategy Officer at the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation.

Gracie George

Prevention education specialist with the Salvation Army's New Day to Stop Trafficking Program.

Marcía Hopkins

Program manager with Project PROTECT (Philadelphia's Response and Outreach to End Child Trafficking).

Dr. Nina Ahmad

Philadelphia City Councilmember-At-Large who secured $500,000 for a 2026 anti-human trafficking awareness campaign.

Evie

A youth survivor advocate and Advisory Board member for the Support Center for Child Advocates.

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What they’re saying

“At our campaign launch, we heard a youth survivor share her powerful story which included travel through airports. Today's panel brings together those on the front lines of assisting victims along with survivors to share real experiences of how trafficking may be happening right in front of us. We hope that by sharing these stories, everyone gains a better understanding of how to spot it and how we can all help.”

— Cassie Schmid, Chief Strategy Officer, City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation (phl.org)

“We all have a role to play. Environment matters. It's very hard to calm a dysregulated nervous system, especially for someone living in constant fight-or-flight mode. If you see something concerning, don't just turn away. It's important to pause and recognize that someone might be in a limited space or moment to seek help. Even if you can't change their situation in that moment, offering hope, kindness, and attention matters. That small action could change someone's life.”

— New Day to Stop Trafficking survivor advocate (phl.org)

“If you don't know what to do, call someone. Ask for help. Not turning away is critical.”

— Evie, Youth survivor advocate, Support Center for Child Advocates Advisory Board (phl.org)

“Clear signage sends a message: We see you. We care. You can ask for help here. That visibility can give a survivor the courage to speak up. The goal is simple: survivors should feel supported and safe. Traffickers should feel watched and unwelcome.”

— Evie, Youth survivor advocate, Support Center for Child Advocates Advisory Board (phl.org)

“What I learned from the subject matter experts at this panel meeting is the importance of actionable responses, training, and being aware of what human trafficking looks like in all its forms. Training makes sure that we are all reacting similarly, with a unified approach to trafficking. About 20 percent of trafficking victims pass through airports. This makes our airport a critical place for resource deployment. We need to ensure we are prepared to identify and assist those in need. The message is: Not in our city. Not in our state. Not in our country.”

— Dr. Nina Ahmad, Philadelphia City Councilmember-At-Large (phl.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This panel discussion highlights the critical role airports can play in combating human trafficking through increased training, trauma-informed approaches, and visible support services for potential victims. By working with a range of stakeholders, the Philadelphia airport is taking proactive steps to prepare staff and send a clear message that trafficking will not be tolerated.