On January 24, 2025, Doug Gilmer, PhD, was presented with the William Wilberforce Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades of work in fighting human trafficking. With more than 35 years of public service – both in law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels and in the United States Coast Guard – and currently serving as the President of Resolved Strategies LLC, a global justice solutions group, Dr. Gilmer is known for his skill as a human-trafficking researcher, historian and trainer.
Named after the staunch abolitionist William Wilberforce, who fought to outlaw the slave trade and slavery throughout the British Empire from 1787 to 1833, the award was presented during the Polaris Star Awards, an annual celebration honoring individuals and organizations leading the fight against human trafficking.
The event was hosted by United Abolitionists, a network of first responders working to stop all forms of human trafficking, in collaboration with the University of Central Florida (UCF) Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery.
United Abolitionists President Tomas Lares stated:
“Dr Doug Gilmer’s unwavering commitment to justice, his selfless dedication to serving the vulnerable, and his relentless pursuit of truth, embody the very essence of the William Wilberforce award. For 35 years, he has stood as a guardian of the oppressed, a beacon of integrity, and a champion of those without a voice.”
The ceremony took place in Orlando, Florida, on the campus of UCF’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management.
To watch Homeland Security Today’s recent interview with Dr. Gilmer on Understanding the Threat of Human Trafficking, visit https://www.hstoday.us/featured/interview-with-douglas-gilmer-phd-understanding-the-threat-of-human-trafficking/.