Choices Matter - A Critical Life Issues Conference
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“Safeguarding Human Dignity…Shining a Light on Human Trafficking”
Saturday, March 21, 2026
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Conference Information
Where: St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Mass begins at 9:00 AM
Conference begins at 10:15 AMWhy: Today there is a great need to provide accurate information about threats to human life. One of these hidden, yet pervasive and growing threats is human trafficking.
This summer - New Jersey, along with New York, are hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the summer of 2026. These large events create opportunities for exploitation and abuse. Labor and sex trafficking are grave violations to human dignity and all of us are encouraged to learn more. This conference will help raise awareness.
Click Here to Register!
General Admission: $35
Deacons & Deacon Candidates: $35
(Deacons' & Deacon Candidates' Wives are free of charge)
Religious Sisters/Brothers: $20
Student Admission: $15
Admission includes lunch and hand-outs.
The day will feature: Expert Presentations and Speaker Panel, Exhibits, Eucharistic Adoration and Confession
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Questions?
Email Maria Agnese at magnese@diometuchen.org or call 732-562-1543
Seating is limited. Don't miss this spectacular event! Scroll for more information.
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Conference Speakers & Topics
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Maria Celina MarquezPolicy Advisor, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Maria Celina Márquez serves as an Outreach and Policy Advisor at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS). Her work encompasses a broad range of immigration issues, including asylum, the U.S.-Mexico border, unaccompanied children, and human trafficking. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, Celina earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Spanish from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. She later received her Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. She is fluent in Spanish and brings a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to her advocacy and outreach efforts.
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Gina CavalloAuthor, Speaker and Consultant in the Anti-trafficking Movement
Gina Cavallo is a leader, speaker and consultant in the anti-trafficking movement and a passionate advocate for victims and survivors of human trafficking. She is the founder and executive director of the survivor-led nonprofit organization, We RISE USA, and currently serves as Survivor Consultant & Board Vice-President for the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT), Co-Chair on the Anti-Trafficking Task Force of the NJ Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP), and is an appointed member of the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking. As a lived experience expert, Gina engages with legislators and testifies in the State House, advocating for change in laws and addressing sex trafficking and exploitation.
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David M. RyanCoordinator, Westchester County
Anti-Trafficking Task ForceDavid Ryan served as Chief of Police in the Town of Pound Ridge for 23+ years, retiring on August 12, 2022 after a 40-year law enforcement career. Chief Ryan is a nationally recognized subject matter expert in the fields of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking. Chief Ryan has introduced numerous programs which have created working partnerships with law enforcement and many aspects of the local and regional community including senior citizens, local businesses, school districts, parents, students, community mental health organizations, faith-based organizations and numerous sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking service providers.
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