Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles to speak on human trafficking for Edmonds CC lecture series

3/21/2014

Washington state Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles will offer historical, cultural, socioeconomic, and public-policy perspectives on human trafficking 7 p.m., Tues., April 8, as part of Edmonds College’s ongoing series of public lectures with thought-provoking and inspirational scholars, artists, activists, and community leaders.

Kohl-Welles' presentation, “Human Trafficking in Washington: From the Historic Mercer Maids to Sexual Exploitation in Internet Ads,” will take place in the Black Box Theatre on campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Kohl-Welles, the sponsor of many anti-trafficking bills, will use historical accounts, film, and current events to examine and provide context for what’s being done to intervene and prevent human trafficking. She received Seattle Against Slavery’s 2010 Lincoln Freedom Award for her legislative efforts.

Kohl-Welles has served in the Washington state Senate since 1994, following three years in the state House of Representatives. Kohl-Welles serves on the University of Washington’s Human Trafficking Task Force and ArtsWA.

She holds a doctorate in sociology of education from UCLA and has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Washington since 1985, teaching courses on women studies, sociology, and education. She is a national and international presenter on the topic of human trafficking, speaking frequently with international delegations as part of the World Affairs Council’s international visitors program.