Celia Williamson, PhD
Affiliation: The University of Toledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute
Dr. Celia Williamson has been engaged in anti-human trafficking work for over 25 years. She has published numerous articles on the subject and has delivered over 200 presentations at various conferences and events. She founded the first anti-trafficking program in Ohio in 1993 and directly worked with victims in Toledo for several years. She has completed numerous federally funded studies, written several articles and reports, edited or contributed to 4 books on sex trafficking, and completed a memoir of her experiences as an anti-trafficking advocate. Additional accomplishments include: Founding the annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference; founding the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition; Chairing the Research & Analysis Subcommittee for the Ohio Attorney General's Human Trafficking Commission; and serving as President of the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars. In 2015, she became the Director of the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute at the University of Toledo to further the mission of combating human trafficking through research, education, and engagement. Dr. Williamson teaches social work practice and human trafficking courses. She also produces a podcast called the Emancipation Nation Podcast and founded a global network of advocates called the Emancipation Nation Network.
Research Interests:
Sex and labor trafficking
Vulnerable populations
Social justice
Collaboration