A young woman with long blonde hair, smiling, wearing a black sleeveless dress, outdoors with white flowering bushes and trees in the background.

Cassie’s journey as a victim advocate is deeply rooted in her personal experience as a survivor, igniting a profound empathy and unwavering determination to support others in their recovery and healing. Recognizing the urgent need for resources and support for survivors of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and exploitation, she embarked on a mission to provide comprehensive assistance, empowering survivors to reclaim their lives with dignity and strength.

Through her dedication to community education, Cassie emphasizes the critical importance of prevention and intervention. She equips individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize potential trafficking situations, take meaningful action, and guide survivors toward essential support systems that facilitate healing and restoration.

Her personal journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse and exploitation, coupled with years of service in local non-profits such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), her leadership as Program Director at a Human Trafficking Recovery Safe Home, and her work as a Credentialed National Victim Advocate and Community Educator through her LLC, Brave the Darkness, exemplify her deep-rooted commitment to trauma recovery, not only for herself, but for countless survivors.

Recently, Cassie stepped into a new role as Director of Training and Education on the Board of Unstoppable You Ministries, bringing her wealth of knowledge and unwavering dedication to this vital work. Her unique journey allows her to foster deep connections with both survivors and advocates, ensuring that every voice is heard, every need is met, and every path toward healing is strengthened.

At Brave the Darkness we believe in Collaboration over Competition.

"Collaboration over competition" in victim services emphasizes the importance of working together to support and empower survivors rather than competing for resources or recognition. This approach recognizes that no single organization or individual can address the complex needs of survivors alone and that by collaborating, we can achieve greater impact and effectiveness for every survivor.

Collage of eight women with a blue banner in the middle that reads 'Unstoppable You Ministries Supports Human Trafficking Awareness Day'. Blue ribbons on each side of the banner and a logo with a cross, a flame, and the words 'Unstoppable You Ministries' at the bottom right.

Few embody the spirit of ‘Collaboration over Competition’ as beautifully as my dear friend and colleague, Jennifer Foxworthy, from Unstoppable You Ministries. I am thrilled to announce a new chapter in our partnership, as I step into the role of Director of Training and Education with Unstoppable You Ministries.

Four women standing in front of a white backdrop with the logo and text 'Unstoppable You Ministries', smiling for the camera at an event.
Visit UNSTOPPABLE YOU MINISTRIES

Gallery

A woman with red hair sitting on a stool on stage, holding a microphone in her right hand and gesturing with her left hand. Behind her is a large colorful backdrop and a person seated in the background.
Poster featuring photos of three female speakers with their names: Cassandra Smith, Cerise Woodard, and Taylor Spencer-Davis. The event is titled 'Meet Our Speakers' and promotes a talk on navigating teen relationships safely titled 'Love Smart,' scheduled for February 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Two women smiling for a selfie indoors, one with long red hair and the other with short braided hair, standing close together in a well-lit room.
Group of diverse people sitting in a panel discussion in a conference room, with a large screen and framed painting on the wall.
Three women standing in front of a backdrop with colorful logo and text that says "Unstoppable You Ministries." They are smiling and posing for the photo, dressed casually with one wearing a vendor badge and two wearing matching "Unstoppable" t-shirts.
Seven diverse people, including a woman in a pink blazer, a woman in red, and several others, are seated or standing in a library for a group photo, with a man in a plaid shirt and a woman in a black jacket sitting in front.
Group of eleven people gathered behind a table with name tags in front, in a dark room or auditorium.
Person holding protest sign at a march, with others around, trees in the background. The sign reads: "I WALK FOR CHILDREN THAT ARE BEING EXPLOITED IN OUR COMMUNITY," with the logo of the organization 'Freedom Walk' and the words 'Hope. Inspire. Love.' at the bottom.
A woman with long blonde hair, dressed in a blazer, stands at a podium speaking into a microphone during a conference or event. Behind her is a backdrop with the logo and text 'Unstoppable You Ministries' repeatedly printed.
Protest and awareness event advocating to end human trafficking. Participants hold signs calling for action against human trafficking and modern slavery. Vendors sell T-shirts and books supporting the cause, with informational booths and a large crowd of attendees.
A woman with long blonde hair giving a presentation while holding a microphone and standing behind a laptop on a podium decorated with green plants.
A woman standing behind a table with informational materials at an indoor conference or event. The table displays a banner for Brave the Darkness, LLC, promoting awareness against exploitation, with various pamphlets, signs, and decorative items. In the background, many people are seated at tables and conversing in a large hall.
Four women standing together in front of a backdrop with a logo and the words "Unstoppable You". They are smiling and posing for a group photo.
Group of five people sitting on a panel in a room, engaging in a discussion, with two posters about love and unity on the wall behind them.
Two women standing indoors, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left has long blonde hair, wearing a green jacket over a maroon top and blue jeans, holding an envelope. The woman on the right has dark hair concealed under a black headscarf, wearing a black leather jacket and black dress. They are in a decorated space with greenery and white columns.
Four women holding a sign at an outdoor event. The sign reads, 'I walk for children that are being exploited in our community.' They are smiling, dressed in rain jackets, and are standing on a grassy area with trees and tents in the background.
Group of seven women posing indoors with smile, some wearing black t-shirts with logos, one in a striped blazer, and balloons in the background.
A woman with long blonde hair smiling and holding a decorated egg with the word 'SILENCE' on it, in a room with other people and tables with art supplies.
Collage of four scenes: a panel discussion with five people on stage and a large screen with 'Welcome to the Battle,' a large indoor gathering with people sitting at tables, an exhibition booth with people talking and browsing, and a networking scene with people conversing at a booth with a 'Sparrow' branding.
A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black T-shirt with colorful text, seated at a panel with a microphone in her hand. She has two water bottles in front of her. The nameplate in front of her reads 'Amanda DiMello Scout.'
A magazine page featuring Brave the Darkness, LLC, a skincare company. It includes a photo of a smiling woman with long blonde hair, text about her journey and products, and a promotion for a new balm. Contact information and email are also listed.
Group photo of ten diverse adults in a conference room, some seated and some standing, dressed in business casual and professional attire.

Media

2025 Anti-Trafficking Safety Summit: Shining a Light on Familial Trafficking

Begin video at 26 minute mark to learn more about Cassie’s story and Brave the Darkness, LLC

2024 Unstoppable You Conference: Cassie Smith

A woman with blonde hair standing at a wooden podium, reading from papers into a microphone in a conference room.