Cole Thomas will use art and passion to address the tough topic of sex trafficking when she speaks during the 2015 Georgia Women’s Conference March 19-20 at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston Campus.

Thomas is among dozens of presenters slated to cover a range of issues related to literature, politics, women’s health, economics and career advancement, among others.

A certified writing tutor at Georgia Perimeter, Thomas also spends considerable time educating others about the perils of sex trafficking in metro Atlanta. But those participating in a women’s conference workshop facilitated by Thomas, along with Malika Hadley Freyberg and Melissa Fuller, will get the chance to not only learn about the problem­­. Attendees also will have the opportunity to create small, artistic message booklets called "VIGIL Zines"—or mini magazines.

“This implores participants to place themselves in the mind of a sex-enslaved child or adult and then to become their voice through the creation of a tribute zine,” Thomas says. “Giving workshops is a way to engage larger groups at the hands-on/hearts-on level, and it leaves participants with a few tools to share with their respective communities.”

“We get participants passionate about understanding their personal risk factors and about recognizing and assisting those who might be enslaved, some of whom are hidden in plain sight,” she says.

In addition to breakout sessions, the Georgia Women’s Conference will feature keynote speaker Hollis Gillespie, an award-winning columnist and author, as well as a special performance by vocalist Anita Canada.

Sponsored by the GPC Diversity Alliance, the annual conference focuses on “The Female Perspective in Art, Scholarship and Politics” and provides various scholarly presentations, discussion forums and networking opportunities.

Students are admitted free. Learn more about registration and ticket information at the GWC website.