Meet Carrie Grace | Executive Director of Freedom Shield Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carrie Grace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrie Grace, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks plays a huge part in my career, As the Executive Director of an Anti-Trafficking organization, risk is always involved in our work. I used to be someone who was completely risk-averse. I did not like the potential for failure when risk was involved. I preferred to “play it safe” and watch others first to see how things worked out for them. When I began working with survivors of human trafficking, I saw the risks they took just to survive and have the courage to leave their traffickers. They had to risk everything to even get in a vehicle with our team and trust that we were actually going to help them. They had to risk starting all over. If they are willing to risk all of that, I better be willing to risk as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have spent the last eleven years serving survivors of human trafficking. I currently oversee our safe houses in the Dallas Fort Worth area as well as work with our international team to serve survivors around the world. Some of the most important lessons I have learned along the way are that we never stop learning how to serve victims with greater excellence. I hope every year we improve more and more as we seek to find ways to assist survivors in becoming overcomers. Each person I have been honored to serve has taught me something new. We must always be humble and willing to learn. Second, I have learned that I must show up everyday as my best. Those I serve deserve my best, which requires that I make sure I am taking excellent care of myself and my personal life. I cannot give from an empty vessel. I think the thing that stands out the most about our team is how each person truly loves with a tangible love. We always receive feedback from the women in our safehouse program that they truly felt loved and valued by our team. That is my number one goal.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am an outdoors girl, so I would definitely fill the itinerary with all of the outdoor experiences. One of my favorites would be the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. I also love salsa dancing, so Gloria’s in Addison on a Saturday night is a must! They have a live band and great dancing. We would eat at Cane Rosso on the patio for a great pizza experience. I have also been wanting to try out Casablanca Lounge as well. One day would be filled with hiking at Klyde Warren Park. Dinner at Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano would be an amazing way to enjoy a great tex-mex meal. I also would enjoy a day of shopping in downtown Grapevine for a unique experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to all of the Brave Overcomers of sex trafficking. These survivors are my inspiration. They have taught me so much and their courage makes me want to live fearlessly!