Airline Ambassadors was proud to have one of our top trainers Donna Hubbard present at the United Nations Conference  coordinated by the Holy See and the Santa Marta Group “Ending Human Trafficking by 2030″ – the Role of global Partnerships in Eradicating Modern Slavery” on Friday, April 7, 2016, presided by H.E. Archbishop Bernadito Auza.

The Santa Marta Group is an alliance of international police chiefs and bishops from around the world working together with civil society in a process endorsed by Pope Francis who called it “an open wound on the body of contemporary society”, to eradicate human trafficking and modern day slavery.

Archbishop Auza and AAI founder, Nancy Rivard in Haiti.

AAI began working with the Archbishop after the earthquake in Haiti, where he was posted as the Nuncio. He is currently the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN and OAS and hosted Pope Francis on his recent visit to the United States.

AAI trainer, AA flight attendant and human trafficking survivor, Donna Hubbard presented with such luminaries as His Excellency Mogens Lykketoft, President of the UN General Assembly, Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminister, Commissioner Kevin Hyland, UK’s Anti Slavery Commissioner, Actress Mira Sorvino, Goodwill Ambassador for UNODC and many more.

Donna shared the riveting story of how she was trafficked and found the courage to break free which prompted a standing ovation. She also praised the leadership of the Catholic Church on the most important human rights issue of our time. Archbishop Auza also highlighted the leadership of Airline Ambassadors in establishing best practices on the issue of human trafficking and spearheading action in the travel industry.  

Pope Francis sent an inspirational letter which opened the conference whose purpose was to catalyze coordination to implement Sustainable Development Goal Targets 5.2, 8.7 and 16.2 which commit UN Member States to  eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation” and take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking.

The resurgence of slavery is one of the biggest tragedies of our modern globalized world. According to ILO estimates in 2012 there are 21 million victims worldwide. In many places the population has grown faster than the economy, leaving many economically vulnerable.  Millions are migrating from impoverished rural areas to cities, and from poorer to wealthier countries in search of work or refuge.  Criminals are able to deceive them by posing as legitimate labor recruiters.  Human Trafficking and modern slavery have a devastating impact on individual victims, who often suffer physical and emotional abuse, rape, threats against themselves or their families or even murder.

HE Vincent Cardinal Nichols, of Westminster.

At the official dinner afterwards, many of the distinguished panel downloaded and praised AAI’s TIP Line Smart phone APP as a premier reporting tool for human trafficking. 

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO ERADICATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING

took place on Friday, November 9, 2018 – United Nations

Airline Ambassadors was honored to participate in this event on eradicating Human Trafficking.   Our star trainer, Donna Hubbard –  received a standing ovation!

Opening remarks were made by E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio & Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and Clarissa Gingrich, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.  Deborah O’Hara Rusckowski, delegate for the Sovereign Order of Malta Mission to the UN moderated the excellent event.  Nancy Rivard, President of AAI also participated sharing progress made by the aviation industry in the fight against human trafficking.   

Remarks also by 

• E. Michel Veuthey, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

• E. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Permanent Representative of the Mission of Ireland to the UN
• E. Martin Garcia Moritan, Permanent Representative of the Mission of Argentina to the UN
• E. Christian Wenaweser, Permanent Representative of the Mission of Liechtenstein to the UN
• Simone Monasebian, Director of Office of Drugs & Crime, UNODC
• Kevin Hyland, Chief Executive of ChildFund, Ireland and member of the Vatican’s Santa Marta Group
• Vinicius Pinheiro, Special Representative to the UN and Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Cindy McCain, Chair, McCain Institute for International Leadership
• Donna Hubbard, Women at the Well Transition Center, Airline Ambassadors Trainer
• Nancy Rivard, Airline Ambassadors – report on efforts in aviation industry
• Cathy Miller, RN, PHD – report on efforts in health care sector
• Angel Menendez – DHS – ICE -report on efforts in law enforcement

Co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Lebanon and Ireland

and the Permanent Observer Missions of the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta to the UN

UN Web TV LIVE  http://www.un.org/webcast/schedule/latest.html

The goal of the meeting was to Form a “anti-human trafficking worldwide group”, whose synergy more successfully impacts the areas of fighting all forms of human trafficking–sexual exploitation, forced labor and organ harvesting for working towards a common goal. Through the various talents, skill sets, and contacts, a multi-level effort will simultaneously work from the bottom up and the top down to ultimately change attitudes & behavior to recognize the crime and take action. Need to gain support and involvement to strengthen, raise the level and ‘professionalize’ our responses to eradicating human trafficking. 

STRATEGY: To drive delivery to ending human trafficking and modern slavery:

Through a focus driven initiative of a multi-disciplinary team:

• Governmental Agencies – Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement
• Private Sector – Business, Airline Industry, Sports Industry, Hospitality Industry
• Healthcare Sector
• Education/Academia Sector
• Non-Government Agencies
• Faith Groups
• UN Agencies

Nancy’s remarks on Airline Industry Response:

“The airline industry has taken substantial steps to combat human trafficking – but more is needed. 

Because of our efforts and support of the flight attendant unions the FAA Re authorization Act of 2016 was passed in the U.S, mandating training on human trafficking for all flight attendants. 

Earlier this year the International Civil Aviation Authority issued Circular 352 recommending training of flight crew at all global airlines, and the International Air Transport Association joined forces launching the Eyes Wide Open Campaign, 

In the US Delta airlines stands out as lead, the first airline to sign the ECPAT Code in 2013. However more than basic on-line training is needed and Airline Ambassadors is working with the Department of Transportation to encourage all airlines to have training staff cover this in live annual recurrent training of flight attendants and pilots. American Airlines has been supportive of our efforts, (also signing the ECPAT Code in 2017) and hired two trafficking survivors.

However we sent a letter to all airline CEO’s in March 2017 (in support of Sustainable Development Goal 8.7) and not one US airline CEO responded to our request to add a clause their human trafficking policies to be willing to train and hire trafficking survivors. We need your support and public pressure on this issue.  

Globally, Air Asia, Sky Regional, Air Emirates and Qatar Airlines have made a commitment to train, but despite some effort by Aer Lingus, Copa and Al Nippon, most global airlines have done nothing and need to take action on this issue.

Airline Ambassadors continues to raise public awareness and we have provided 75 Airport training’s so far with our teams of aviation professionals and survivors training over 7000 front line professionals. 

We are proud of our star trainer Donna Hubbard who has become a leading voice in the industry and together we are looking forward to partnering with Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and the NFL to provide training before the SuperBowl on January 29, 2019.”

Bravo to Donna Hubbard who has overcome inner and outer hurdles to become an inspiration to all and a key voice increasing awareness of human trafficking!

Sept. 2018  Philadelphia Airport Training

Sept. 2018  Interview for Al Hurra TV

Sept. Donna was featured at the Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar

Aug. 2018 Atlanta Airport web-page highlights Donna in a Survivor’s Story

Aug. 2018   Icelandic Air Train the Trainer in Reykjavik

Jul. 2018  Donna was keynote at AA’s Flight Service Regional Summit

May 2018 She keynoted in Geneva at the release of ICAO’s Circular 352 

May 2018 She represented AA at the IATA Bankok Conference on Cabin Safety

April  2018 She was honored as a Mother of Achievement by American Mothers 

May 2018 piece by Voice of America at our training in Charlotte

Jan 2018 Pre SuperBowl Minneapolis Airport Training

Nov. 2017 – Here is Donna in Dubai with  Air Emirates

Sept 2017  In Flight Magazine story – Air Asia Airlines

Aug. 2017 Here is a piece from our interview with Air Asia 

Apr. 2017 – Awarded at Women of the World

May 2017 Atlanta Airport Training

Apr. 2016 – Received a standing ovation at the United Nations in 2016

Pastor Donna Lynne Hubbard

pastorwatw@yahoo.com

Donna Hubbard is firstborn child of the late author and Community Arts Activist Nayo Watkins and Charles “Charlie” Hubbard. After being gang raped her life became a series of abandonment, abuse, addiction, gang crime, exploitation, prostitution and violence. She was sold to a pimp, trafficked and finally became gang property. Donna served a total of 10 years in and out of jails and prisons. Donnas’ commitment to serve God prompted complete surrender to a greater destiny and purpose. Paroled in 1993 to Atlanta, Georgia she founded the Woman at the Well Transition Center: “Our Mission is to assist incarcerated, formerly incarcerated women and women and girls impacted by the criminal justice system and human trafficking, to regain their lives, their families and their dignity. WATWTC provides training, counseling, and direct services to formerly incarcerated women and girls, including street intervention with trafficked girls and women, relapse prevention and employment readiness.  WATWTC has provided services and training to 6000 women and girls. Ordained in 1995 as a minister, Donna holds the titles of Preacher, Teacher, Pastor and Elder. WATWTC celebrates 20 years of nonprofit service this year.

She has served as a consultant at the county, city, state and national level in various positions with government and non-governmental agencies.

Her Consultant resume includes:

*Atlanta Working Committee to reduce prostitution, and sex trafficking in the Greater Atlanta,

*National Office of Women’s Health addressing trauma impact on women.

*Community Liaison to Fulton County Community Court, Fulton County Office on Juvenile Justice, and the Georgia Department of Corrections.

* ICAO Working Group to develop Human Trafficking Awareness Protocol for Cabin Crew

Donna Hubbard has been a featured speaker for the Santa Marta Group at The United Nations where she received a standing ovation before the General Assembly. She was a featured speaker at the 2017 AVSEC Conference in Dubai.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

2018                       American Mothers Inc. National Mother of Achievement                   

2016                       SKYE Kingdom Community Service Leadership Award

2014                       Clayton County Grass Roots Leadership Institute, Class Pres.

2011                       Omega Psi Phi Mentoring Program – Community Service

2009                       University of Kentucky 15^th Annual Black Women’s Conference, Lexington, KY

2002                       Atlanta Women’s Network – Woman of Significance Award

2001, 2002, 2003     Intl Black Women’s Congress, Orlando, FL, Newport News, VA,

2000                       Atlanta Magazine – Women Making a Mark on the Millennium

2000                       Catholic Social Services Community Service Award, Atlanta, GA

1999                        “Millennium Woman” National Family Alliance, Chicago, Ill

Donna works with Airline Ambassadors International as a Certified Human Trafficking Awareness Trainer and has facilitated trainings in Hungary, Latvia, and Japan and was featured in the 52nd training of airline and airport personnel to prepare for 2017 and 2018 Super Bowls in Houston, Texas and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Donna is employed as a Flight Attendant for American Airlines. She earned her BS in Theological Studies and her MA in Christian Counseling at PCIE Seminary Program, Los Angeles, CA. Donna’s proudest of her role as mother of 7 daughters and 1 son, 10 grandchildren and 8 great grand children.

148 front-line airport  personnel (mainly flight attendants)  joined this training  to raise awareness of Human Trafficking for airport/airline personnel in Phoenix, AZ on February 10. 2014.

This training was a partnership with Innocents at Risk and supported by Tamie Fisher, director of Aviation at SkyHarbor airport, Jim Ware, head of the Mayor’s Human Trafficking Task Force and Katie Resendiz of TRUST overseeing Human Trafficking Awareness efforts in the State of Arizona.  Trainer Petra Hensley, a survivor of human trafficking from the Czech Republic received a standing ovation from the crowd for her moving testimony.                                                                           Human Trafficking Hits Home

Check out this LINK to story on CBS TV on Feb. 10, 2014 –

Representatives  from 9 airlines attended the 2 hour session.

Popes speech to UN on Sept 24, 2015

“Our world demands of all government leaders a will which is effective, practical and constant, concrete steps and immediate measures for preserving and improving the natural environment and thus putting an end as quickly as possible to the phenomenon of social and economic exclusion, with its baneful consequences: human trafficking, the marketing of human organs and tissues, the sexual exploitation of boys and girls, slave labour, including prostitution, the drug and weapons trade, terrorism and international organized crime. We need to ensure that our institutions are truly effective in the struggle against all these scourges.”

September 24, 2015, after an inspiring opening by the Pope, world leaders from 181 countries formally adopted the Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint to bring humanity to a world without poverty.

These 17 goals provide measurable indicators for every country to build a better world.

Goal 1:  End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Goal 2:  End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

Goal 3:  Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Goal 4:  Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning

Goal 5:  Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Goal 6:  Ensure access to water and sanitation for all

Goal 7:  Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Goal 8:  Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

Goal 9:  Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Goal 10:  Reduce inequality within and among countries

Goal 11:  Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Goal 12:  Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Goal 13:  Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Goal 14:  Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources

Goal 15:  Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

Goal 16:  Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies

Goal 17:  Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

AAI was privileged to be part of this historic event and hear commitments from President’s of Germany, Norway, Vietnam and Kenya, discussing their countries commitments to Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.

Airline Ambassadors efforts to “Travel & Make a Difference” promotes the understanding of our common humanity and our responsibility to one another and to all Life.

AAI President, Nancy Rivard and trainers  Sandi Fiorini  and Naomi Van Duin will participate at the 3rd INTERPOL Conference on Trafficking in Human Beings in Lyon France November 2014.

“ What an honor to be invited to present our airline initiative to the Interpol Conference with top human trafficking experts from around the world”.  said Sandi Fiorini, after AAI’s presentation last year.

Purpose of the 3rd INTERPOL Trafficking in Human Beings Conference is to promote and enhance international police cooperation and support member countries in understanding new trends within THB and is made possible due to support by the AbuDhabi Judicial Dept.

Secretary General Ronald K. Noble and the French Minister for Women’s Rights, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, opened the event in 2013, which brought  together 150 law enforcement and non-governmental experts from nearly 50 countries.

“I am very pleased to have opened this conference as INTERPOL is highly mobilized and committed to fighting human trafficking, a transnational challenge confronting all countries and human rights, women’s rights in particular, are at stake.” said Minister Vallaud-Belkacem.

A key theme at the conference is how through new technology, human trafficking has become a multi-billion dollar industry, with the Internet, social networks and mobile phones providing new avenues for sexual exploitation and abuse, and used by traffickers to recruit and sell their victims, or to attract potential customers.

INTERPOL Secretary General Noble said that these same technologies hold equal opportunities for law enforcement to access intelligence and raise awareness, to help identify victims and take preventative measures.

“To take advantage of this, we need to change our habits, to break out of isolation, to share and exploit any piece of information available, anywhere in the world,” said Mr Noble. “

Airline Ambassadors was acknowledged in the official press release and report on the event which was a huge acknowledgement of our innovation in educating airline and transportation personnel.

AAI has provided public awareness training’s at over 20 airport and other locations so far. See story here: ttp://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/assignment_7&id=8728128

Bravo to the NGO Terre des Hommes whose amazing work with the computer animated “Sweetie”, identified 1,000 perpetrators in just two months. Their files were turned over to Interpol on Nov. 4th,with amazing potential for global law enforcement response in 2014.  http://andrewazzopardi.org/2013/11/09/stop-webcam-child-sex-tourism-watch-video/