CREW Miami Brings Human Trafficking Awareness to the Forefront of Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate Women Miami (CREW Miami) hosted Real Estate on the Front Lines: Recognizing & Preventing Human Trafficking on October 14 at Marsh in Brickell. The breakfast program brought together commercial real estate and business professionals for an intimate and thought-provoking discussion examining how human trafficking intersects with property ownership, management, hospitality and other sectors of South Florida’s real estate industry.

The program addressed a difficult subject from both personal and professional perspectives, highlighting the importance of education, awareness and responsible action in a region known for its international tourism, major events and expanding real estate market.

CREW Miami thanks Christy Trocino, Senior Vice President at Marsh, for hosting the discussion and helping bring this important topic to the chapter’s membership and guests.

Featured Speakers

• Wendy Ruiz Cofiño, Vice President, FALKE, and CREW Miami Member Services Committee Director (Moderator)
• Amanda Altman, CEO, Kristi House
• Gina Hunter, Healthcare Safety Consultant & Leader Partnership Manager, Marsh
• Abbie Waxman, Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida

Together, the panel represented expertise in victim advocacy and survivor services, risk management, federal law enforcement and commercial real estate.

Key Takeaways and Industry Perspectives

Moderator Wendy Ruiz Cofiño guided panelists through a wide-ranging conversation addressing misconceptions about human trafficking, warning signs within commercial properties, the responsibilities of owners and operators, and the resources available to help identify and report suspected exploitation.

Understanding Trafficking and Supporting Survivors

Amanda Altman discussed the distinction between sex trafficking and labor trafficking, emphasizing that trafficking does not necessarily involve transporting victims across borders or between locations. She addressed common misconceptions, the vulnerabilities traffickers exploit and the challenges survivors face when attempting to rebuild their lives.

Drawing on the work of Kristi House and its specialized Project GOLD program, Altman also discussed the importance of trauma-informed services, prevention education, counseling and workforce reintegration. She emphasized the need for meaningful, ongoing training among employees who interact directly with the public, particularly in hospitality and related industries.

Risk Management and Property Owner Responsibilities

Gina Hunter examined human trafficking from the perspective of risk management, insurance and property operations, while also sharing a deeply personal family experience that illustrated the lasting effects of exploitation.

Her discussion explored how trafficking can occur within hotels, multifamily communities, luxury apartments and short-term rentals, sometimes without the knowledge of property owners or managers.

Hunter emphasized the importance of establishing anti-trafficking policies, training frontline employees, vetting contractors and understanding the potential legal, financial and reputational consequences for properties associated with trafficking activity.

Federal Law Enforcement and Legal Implications

Abbie Waxman provided the federal law-enforcement perspective, explaining how trafficking investigations are conducted, the complexities of identifying victims and the importance of reporting suspicious circumstances.

She addressed potential warning signs within hospitality and residential properties, as well as the legal consequences that may arise when property owners fail to take appropriate precautions. The discussion also examined federal forfeiture measures involving properties connected to trafficking crimes.

Waxman reinforced the importance of providing information to the appropriate authorities, even when individuals do not have a complete understanding of a suspected situation.

Turning Awareness Into Action

Throughout the program, attendees participated in an open exchange with the panelists, raising questions about short-term rentals, property management, employee training, labor exploitation, survivor employment opportunities and the responsibilities of real estate professionals.

The discussion emphasized that recognizing warning signs is only the beginning. Effective prevention also requires organizational policies, informed employees, appropriate reporting procedures and continued collaboration among businesses, law enforcement and community organizations.

The panelists encouraged attendees to share what they learned with colleagues and organizations, helping extend awareness beyond the room.

Advancing Awareness and Professional Leadership
“Today’s discussion was particularly meaningful because it brought together professional expertise and deeply personal experiences around a subject that affects our entire community,” said Emily Butler, CPA, Office Managing Partner at CohnReznick Miami and 2026 CREW Miami Board President. “CREW Miami’s mission extends beyond professional development. We want to empower women in commercial real estate to become informed leaders and voices within their organizations and the broader business community. I believe everyone who attended left with greater awareness and a renewed motivation to continue this important conversation.”

The breakfast program reflected CREW Miami’s commitment to providing opportunities for education, meaningful dialogue and professional connections while encouraging members to use their expertise and influence to address issues affecting the communities in which they work and live.

Looking Ahead: Mentorship and Leadership Take Center Stage October 30

CREW Miami continues its October programming with The 9 Things I Wish I Knew, a breakfast discussion bringing together three accomplished women leaders to share career lessons, professional challenges and the value of mentorship.

The program marks the culmination of the organization’s annual mentorship initiative and reinforces the chapter’s commitment to advancing women in an industry where access to leadership opportunities, professional networks and experienced mentors remains essential.

The 9 Things I Wish I Knew
Friday, October 30, 2026
8:30–10:30 a.m.
Haber Law Wynwood
251 NW 23 Street, Miami, FL 33127

Moderator

• Meryl Blau, Master Mindpower Coach, Professor, Keynote Speaker and Best-Selling Author

Featured Speakers

• Jackie Salcines, Esq., Founder & CEO, Salcines Law
• Adriana Jaegerman, Senior Vice President and Business Leader, Stantec
• Tamika Moses, CEO/Managing Broker, Robin Bird Realty

Registration: $35 CREW Miami members | $50 nonmembers

More information and registration:
https://miami.crewnetwork.org/events/2026/the-9-things-i-wish-i-knew

Also Upcoming: CREW Miami’s 7th Annual Golf Tournament

CREW Miami will host its 7th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Miami Shores Country Club, 10000 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores.

Under the theme Drive Connections. Drive Business. Drive Impact., the tournament brings together commercial real estate professionals for a day of golf, networking and community engagement. Golfers and non-golfers are welcome, with a Future Golfer Clinic and banquet lunch among the activities.

Proceeds support CREW Miami’s Scholarship Fund, helping advance educational opportunities for the next generation of commercial real estate professionals.

More information and registration: https://miami.crewnetwork.org/events/2026/7th-annual-golf-tournament

About CREW Miami

CREW Miami is dedicated to advancing women in the commercial real estate industry (CRE). We are committed to bringing more women into commercial real estate by offering programs like CREW Careers and UCREW that educates young women about the career opportunities in the industry; supporting CRE higher education and training through college scholarships and internships; and providing mentoring to those new or looking for change within the industry. Additionally, CREW Miami hosts monthly forums for professionals actively involved in the commercial real estate industry. These events encourage professional interaction and networking while providing a support network for commercial real estate professionals. CREW Miami is part of a global organization of 14,000+ members & 80+ chapters & affiliates providing our members global access to professionals in our industry.

For more information, visit CREWMiami.org and follow @CREWMiami.