In June 2019, Gulf Coast Diplomacy hosted a visitor from Mozambique who works to combat human trafficking. He was in the region as a participant of the International Visitor Leadership Program, an exchange program of the U.S. Department of State which works to connect young leaders from around the world with their professional counterparts in the United States.
His first appointment was a welcome orientation at Pensacola City Hall, hosted by Council Member Ann Hill and City Council Executive Don Kraher. He received honorary citizenship to the city of Pensacola from Mayor Grover Robinson III. Joyce Black also greeted him later in the day at Visit Pensacola with a regional souvenir.
To explore how a non-governmental organization can provide social services, legal help, and advocacy to abused children, the visitor met with Barbie Valletto, a member of the Child Protection Team at Gulf Coast Kid’s House. He toured the facilities and discussed how the organization works with different agencies to provide services to children in need.
As at the office of U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz, he met with District Aide Sara Lefevers and John Melton, the founder of the 00 Movement, Inc. The 00 Movement is a non-profit that works to end human trafficking by building local awareness.
Sergeant Scott Nash at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office discussed the role of a local law enforcement agency and Shannon Murray, a Field Searcher with KlaasKIDS at the National Search Center for Missing Children, spoke about community search efforts.
Thank you to everyone who provided professional connections and support for this project.
– Eden Davenport, Youth Diplomat alumna 2019
