Mayara ("May") Martines is the Trauma-Informed Director of Events and an Advisory Board Member at the Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In her role, she leads trauma-informed events and initiatives that bring together survivors, researchers, law enforcement, service providers, students, and community partners to strengthen multidisciplinary approaches to human trafficking prevention, education, and response.

Her work focuses on creating survivor-centered and trauma-informed experiences, developing strategic partnerships, coordinating experiential learning and workforce development initiatives, and advancing innovative approaches to human trafficking education and awareness. She has contributed to initiatives ranging from survivor-focused workforce development programs and experiential learning simulations to airport-based prevention efforts and national conference programming. She has also presented at conferences and professional forums across the United States on human trafficking prevention, trauma-informed practices, education, and cross-sector collaboration.

May is an active member of the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force and brings more than nine years of experience across higher education and the hospitality industry. Her work bridges education, workforce development, hospitality, and human trafficking prevention, with a particular emphasis on translating research and trauma-informed principles into practical community impact.

She recently earned her second master’s degree in Career and Workforce Education from UCF and is beginning her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership, Higher Education track, at UCF, where she plans to continue exploring the intersection of higher education, trauma-informed practices, workforce development, and human trafficking prevention.

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