Human trafficking intersects with multiple industries and systems, including transportation, hospitality, and global supply chains. Addressing trafficking therefore requires multidisciplinary, cross-sector approaches that combine policy, analytics, operational strategy, and community collaboration. This presentation brings together three complementary research initiatives examining how trafficking risks emerge—and can be disrupted—across interconnected systems. The first study focuses on transportation systems during major events such as the 2026 World Cup, 2026 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics. Through focus groups and case-study analysis, the research explores how transportation networks can support trafficking detection, coordinated intervention, and consistent data collection during periods of increased mobility and vulnerability. The second study investigates the role of hotels and hospitality spaces in trafficking operations through analyses of litigated trafficking cases and municipal nuisance-property enforcement strategies. Findings demonstrate how traffickers exploit anonymity and operational gaps while also highlighting opportunities for intervention through staff training, reporting protocols, and coordinated enforcement. The third study examines the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CSDDD) and its implications for identifying and mitigating forced labor and trafficking risks in global supply chains. Using disclosure analysis and practitioner insights, the research evaluates organizational readiness and implementation gaps in corporate accountability efforts. Together, these projects demonstrate how trafficking prevention depends on coordinated action across transportation agencies, hospitality providers, businesses, municipalities, policymakers, and community organizations to strengthen prevention, accountability, and victim protection.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Kezban Yagci Sokat is an Associate Professor of Business Analytics at San Jose State University with a passion for analytics for social good, especially in human trafficking. She serves on the U.S. Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking Research and Data Subcommittee.
Connie Cheung expects to finish her undergraduate degree in Sociology from San José State University in 2027. As part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, she works Dr. Yagci Sokat on the SB1 research on combating human trafficking. She has always been passionate about caring for people and sociology.
Radhika Mandhanya is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics and a minor in Computer Science at San José State University, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. She is passionate about applying technical and analytical skills to support people and communities.
Mirah Rasoarimino is a Business Analytics student at San José State University. Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, she conducts research examining human rights risks in global supply chains. Guided by a strong belief in the importance of community, she is committed to contributing positively to the lives of others.
Pranav Santhakumar is an Industrial and Systems Engineering major at San José State University. He is an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program student researcher examining human trafficking risks within global supply chains. Driven by a dedication to sustainability, Pranav works to advance solutions that promote ethical and efficient supply networks.
Amulya Bindu is a Business Administration student at San José State University. She is conducting research on the legal aspects of human trafficking.