This year, SMU’s Office of Engaged Learning and the Human Trafficking Data Research Project partnered with Engage Together, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending human trafficking. The collaboration centers on a large-scale community mapping project designed to identify and visualize all programs and services across the state that address human trafficking and support high-risk populations.
Ten SMU students were selected as Engage Together Fellows to support the organization’s efforts. The fellows worked with community organizations to encourage their participation in the project, and helped gather data using the Community Assessment Survey.
This paid internship allowed students to take on a meaningful role in addressing a critical social issue while gaining valuable experience in community-based research. Economics major Ritney Coleman ’25, who served as SMU’s Lead Research Fellow, shared:
“I saw how powerful collaboration can be in creating real impact—and it was rewarding to play a role in gathering the data that helps make that possible.”
SMU’s partnership with Engage Together is built on shared values of research, education, and community impact. Ashleigh S. Chapman, JD, Founder and CEO of Engage Together, highlighted the importance of university partnerships in addressing complex social challenges like human trafficking:
“We launched Engage Together for DFW in 2024, and we were thrilled to welcome both SMU’s Office of Engaged Learning and the Human Trafficking Data Research Project as part of the Steering Committee. Together, we are providing students experiential learning opportunities, engaging faculty in deep-dive research projects, and supporting community and national stakeholders through convenings and strategy sessions. And we’re just getting started!”
With the data collected from SMU student fellows, Engage Together is preparing a comprehensive assessment of anti-trafficking efforts across 17 counties in North Texas with data from 867 organizations. The report highlights the region’s strengths, identifies service gaps and vulnerabilities, and outlines key opportunities for more coordinated, community action.
Looking ahead, SMU will continue its partnership as the initiative enters Phase 2, working with the community to strengthen their strategies to meet needs and fill gaps.
As Chapman notes, “Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires comprehensive solutions. To succeed, communities must collaborate across sectors to bring everyone’s strengths to bear. SMU is a shining example of how a university—its students, faculty, and centers—can change things on behalf of those in need. Thank you! And onward—together.”
On June 9 and 10, the SMU Human Trafficking Data Research (HTDR) Project, led by Dr. Beth Wheaton-Paramo, is hosting the 2025 SMU Human Trafficking Data Conference with the theme “Strategies for Effective Human Trafficking Data.” The conference brings together researchers, practitioners, law enforcement and governmental officials, nonprofit organizations, data scientists, and other stakeholders who value the quality, availability, and efficacy of human trafficking data. For more information and registration link, visit the conference website.