MISSION
The mission of Shadows of Strength is to provide a safe environment for survivors of human trafficking to share their stories and access support services. By gathering valuable data, identifying crucial information, and assisting survivors in rebuilding their lives, Shadows of Strength aims to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, legal bodies, and families to prevent future trafficking incidents and disrupt trafficking operations worldwide.
Through strategic collaborations, data gathering, victim-centered approach, and training Shadows of Strength seeks to compile evidence and dismantle human trafficking networks and cells.
Our Team
All Volunteer Force
Brandi Mitchell
Founder and CEO
Former Special Agent, NBIB
Contract Investigator
Over the past decade, Brandi has devoted her career to helping others, beginning with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from UMUC. Her eight-year tenure as a Special Agent with the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB) allowed her to sharpen her investigative talents. For the past 8 years, she has continued her work as an Independent Contract Investigator retained by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.
​
Brandi has proven expertise in analyzing human behavior on a global scale and excels in building rapport and trust, which enables her to extract sensitive information willingly. Her notable accomplishments include working with federal agencies to remove military and civilian personnel implicated in espionage, financial crimes, and abuses against minors.
​
In 2022, driven by her personal story, education, and professional expertise, Brandi founded Shadows of Strength, Inc.
Anonymous
Director of Finance
Military Spouse
Sarah McManus
Chief Operating Officer
Retired First Sergeant, U.S. Army
Sarah served over 20 years in the U.S. Army with expertise in Intelligence Analytics where she refined a broad range of skills in all source intelligence. She also took on the role of Military Police with a specialization in law enforcement investigations to include Special Victims Unit Investigations, and as a Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate, while holding various leadership roles.
​
Beyond her official capacities, Sarah's compassion, and commitment to service shines. She has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children, a brave Volunteer Firefighter, an Emergency Medical Technician, and a proactive Disaster Response Coordinator. Her influence extends globally as she educates and empowers others as a public speaker and trainer, sharing her insights on crucial issues such as human trafficking and public safety.
Doreen Prasad
Director of Human Resources
Retired Chief Master Sergeant, USAF
All Volunteer Force
Board of Advisors
Director of Intelligence
Forensic Investigator
Social Services
Laramie Turner
​Laramie earned her bachelor's degree from Auburn University and gained invaluable professional experience within children's mental health services. She enhanced her investigative skills through CPS Special Investigations Unit where her career further progressed through Child Advocacy Centers in Mississippi and Alabama.
Laramie is a certified Child and Adolescent Forensic Interviewer and an Extended Forensic Interviewer. Her expertise extends to evidence presentation during forensic interviews—a crucial skill in supporting legal proceedings and ensuring justice for young victims. In addition to her work in advocacy and investigation, Laramie is a certified dispatcher and public safety diver.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Laramie has made significant contributions through volunteer work, dedicating six years to searching for missing children across the United States. She passionately conducts intelligence research to assist law enforcement agencies in tracking trafficked.
Director of Survivor Initiatives
Human Trafficking Survivor
Mentor & Advocate
Angela Williams
Angela Williams is a survivor of sex trafficking, but her true identity lies in being a mother and a woman of faith. After more than a decade in “The Game,” she broke free in 2017 and has since dedicated her life to advocating for victims and survivors. Angela has been featured in three documentaries speaking about her experiences as a survivor: Surviving Sex Trafficking; Buying Her; and High Class. She will also appear in the upcoming documentary - Right Track – True Survivor Journeys
​
Angela is also the lead plaintiff in an ongoing public interest lawsuit that seeks to hold the state of Nevada accountable for the conditions that led to her trafficking. Her and other heroic survivors of exploitation in the music industry are also featured in the Washington Post article: The Diddy Allegations are shocking. Were they business as usual?
Her story can be found in the true crime book by Brian Joseph: Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop, and Corruption in America. Vegas Concierge reveals the shocking details of the largest sex trafficking investigation in Las Vegas history, which unraveled in a way that devastated countless vulnerable women, disrupted law enforcement careers, and culminated in a lenient 33-month prison sentence for its main perpetrator.
Through late-night crisis calls, mentorship, and tireless outreach, Angela continues to be a voice for the voiceless.
Anonymous
Director of Emergency Protection
Former U.S. Army
The Director of Emergency Protection began his military career in the Army National Guard before serving 13 years in the U.S. Army, where he led operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with remarkable success. As a Squad Leader, he emphasized analytical intelligence and operational excellence, setting new standards in mission execution and the management of critical supplies.
​
After his military service, he transitioned to a Protective Security Specialist role with Diplomatic Security in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he provided executive protection for Diplomatic Embassy Personnel and implemented robust security protocols. He also served as a Static Security Officer, ensuring top-level physical security for U.S. Government facilities in high-risk areas.
Additionally, he actively volunteers and supports the healing journey of Veterans with PTSD through the Airsoft Community.
​
Director of Security
Former U.S. Army
Josh S.
​Josh enlisted in the Army in 1999 as a Counterintelligence Agent and served five years at Ft. Gordon, GA. During this assignment, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Bright Star 2001 and several other deployments throughout the Middle East. Josh transitioned to the private sector as an intelligence instructor at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, and quickly rose to a senior instructor position, focusing on training Human Intelligence Specialists for the Advanced Individual Training course. Currently, he holds the position Branch Chief for AFSOC's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Directorate at Hurlburt Field, FL.
​
Josh holds a Bachelor of Science (Software Engineering) degree and a Master of Business Administration degree. He also serves as a volunteer Boys JV and Varsity Head Coach at East Hill Christian School, Board of Advisor for Shadows of Strength, and is the Founder / CEO of Costal Kings Athletics, a 501c3 organization dedicated to providing Pensacola’s inner-city youth opportunities through sports and other activities.