Miss Universe Visits Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research
12/21/2015
Riverdale, N.Y. – Gabriela Isler, Miss Universe 2013, visited the University of Mount Saint Vincent in November 2015 for a presentation in the class, The Evolution of Modern Slavery. While at the College, she also visited the Fishlinger Center for Public Policy Research, where she learned more about its landmark study on social issues in the United States, which focused specifically on human trafficking.
Ms. Isler has used her title to bring attention to important global issues around the world—including the empowerment of women and children and those victimized by human trafficking. According to the Mount’s study, “the crime of human trafficking is a pervasive problem, affecting more than 20 million people worldwide.”
While most Americans say human trafficking is a serious problem that is not being addressed very well in this country, it is also largely thought to have limited impact in the United States. Few people are aware of organizations within the United States that work to combat human trafficking or are willing to get involved in working toward a solution, according to the nationwide Fishlinger Center poll. Ms. Isler is working to change this statistic.
During her visit to the College, Ms. Isler, the Founder and CEO of the Universe of Blessings Fund, shared insights of her foundation, which is devoted to the empowerment of young women and girls. She also discussed efforts to combat human trafficking—an issue especially relevant to her as Venezuela is one of the world’s worst centers of such involuntary servitude. At the end of her visit, Ms. Isler sat down with James Donius, Director of the Center, and two Mount students, for an interview.
View the videos from Ms. Isler’s visit here:
Statement on Human Trafficking and Interview with Miss Universe 2013, Gabriela Isler
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.