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 6.5 years, she has continued her work as an Independent Contract Investigator retained by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Director of Risk Management
Former U.S. Army
Founder of Morningside Analytics
Nina Kallaus
Nina Kallaus is an Army veteran and has over 20 years of experience working in the Intelligence Community, Security, and supporting U.S. Special Operations. Nina serves as the Director of Security for SAFE in the Panhandle and Take Flight Survivors. In this capacity she has been able to utilize her vast knowledge and experience to help victims of human trafficking and to mentor national and international human trafficking nonprofits in a variety of issues.
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As a native of the Dominican Republic, she has utilized her cultural, linguistic, translation, and managerial expertise to help victims by providing trauma informed translation services via the SAFE in the Panhandle Conditions Based Language Volunteered Program. Her ability to work in the different spectrums of the anti-human trafficking field, enables her to effectively address various aspects of the issue from prevention and awareness to direct support and advocacy for survivors.