How do you envision the aviation industry Rising Up to the next level of activism in the anti-human trafficking movement in the years ahead?
SKM: Over the last 10 years, I’ve witnessed more thoughtful movement by U.S. airports in this space – increasing human trafficking awareness efforts via various campaigns, developing protocol, assembling task forces, and rolling out personnel training, to name some efforts. We’ve also seen an uptick in resources and education materials published which helps create greater advocacy and support within the aviation industry.
For me, next-level activism propels airports forward beyond individualized compliance training, which is where I see a lot of recent efforts. Human trafficking in aviation is truly a global concern with so many moving parts, and this form of modern-day slavery demands high-level attention and collective activism by many, including aviation authorities, airline personnel, government bodies, and law enforcement, as well as the general public. I’d like to see ongoing prioritization and collective commitment by each of these groups to tackle gaps within their systems and processes as highlighted through the experience and stories of survivors; and doing so with a victim-centered, not victim-built approach. I think what is often lost is the survivor’s experience, their (very real) needs and concerns, and the continued trauma resulting from their exploitation.
What are you committed to personally at SFO over the next 6 months, and what do you envision or hope for in the broader Bay Area effort to fight trafficking in the years to come?
SKM: SFO continues to be a leader in this area and I often get calls from other airports around the U.S. asking about campaigns our airport has launched, technology employed, and content of our frontline worker training. I’d love to be able to continue these conversations, sharing information and other resources while also learning from our airport partners.
Over the next 6-12 months, I hope to bring together airport authorities and SMEs from local Bay Area airports to discuss where to focus on new opportunities for intervention and openly share ideas for increased collaboration. Ultimately, the goal is to make it harder for traffickers to conduct their criminal activity at airports and create a uniform front across airports. While operations are not uniform airport to airport and human trafficking reporting protocols may look different, the safety and security of our employees, guests, tenants, and community is a common thread that binds airports together.
How would you encourage individuals to Rise Up in this movement?
SKM: Educate yourself. I’ve been in the human trafficking awareness and program advocacy space for over 10 years now. Before actually partnering with various community-based organizations and hearing the real-life stories of survivors, I wasn’t aware of the widespread nature of exploitation. The reality is individuals are recruited and trafficked in their hometowns every day, and your perception of what a trafficker and victim may look like (both physically and situationally) may not align. There are various human trafficking awareness training videos now available for individuals, businesses, first responders, law enforcement, educators, and government employees – start there.
Get moving. No matter what position you hold, or what level of influence you feel you do or do not have to effect change, get moving. The National Human Trafficking Hotline Referral Directory lists organizations within your local area and across the country, some of which may have volunteer opportunities. Meeting and/or writing to local elected officials is another way to help ensure efforts are prioritized and resources are allocated to the effort.
Social media. Use your social media presence to share stories and raise awareness about human trafficking. Some hashtags I’ve personally used include #endhumantrafficking and #endtrafficking.
Susan Kim Wilton directs Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) programming at San Francisco International Airport. As part of her responsibilities, she also oversees Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for SFO’s nearly 1,800 internal team members, and SFO’s Title VI compliance program. She has been with SFO for over 14 years and her primary focus beyond compliance is creating and implementing departmental policies, programs, and initiatives that support vulnerable populations.
info@freedominsight.org
570 El Camino Real
Suite 150 #104
Redwood City, CA 94063
Freedom Insight, formerly known as the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, was founded in 2011. While our name has changed, our mission remains steadfast—now with an expanded focus to make a broader, national impact in the fight against human trafficking.
Copyright © Freedom Insight 2025
