Although the discussion of Human Trafficking is in no way regarded as a comfortable topic in any given setting, the formerly apathetic response and failure to address Human Trafficking that takes place internationally became the catalyst for Founder, Natasha Nascimento; to tackle what has evolved into a modern version of slavery head-on.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, and after spending over a decade in Florida, Natasha Nascimento’s diverse life experience cultivated a sensitivity to acknowledge and find ways to serve others in need.
After earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at the University of South Florida, Natasha worked as a Financial Advisor for an International investment firm in Tampa and has gone on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
While her educational background and professional experience have served her well, Natasha’s life passion aims to bring awareness to; and provide resources to victims of Human Trafficking.
With research estimating that up to 20 million people are victims of human trafficking globally, she knew she had to develop advocacy on behalf of children without a voice & become a catalyst to tackle what has evolved into a modern version of slavery head-on.
The launch of Redefining Refuge in 2010; has since sparked a contagious willingness from participants around the globe who share the foundation’s resolve to become the beginning of an end to an unimaginable injustice.
Natasha’s dream of opening a local Safe House for trafficked youth became a reality in 2013, and is the first home of its kind in the Tampa Bay area that provides a therapeutic safe haven for girls rescued from this depravity.
They have since been invited to the United State’s Capitol to present both the challenges and successes of providing Safe Housing to Minor Victims of Sex Trafficking to The Florida House of Representatives Healthy Families Subcommittee as well as the Florida Stands Against Human Trafficking Legislative Caucus; and were featured as a Resource Provider during the 2013 Statewide Human Trafficking Summit at the University of South Florida.
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This is only the beginning of the story, as Natasha is using what she has learnt internationally & bringing these skills back to South Africa to assist the victims of this exploitation. Her main aim is to to empower victims & assist in restarting their lives.
Home is where the heart is & this is certainly true as she is currently working with local organisations at grass roots to develop a South African solution to a global problem. Inspired by one of our greatest leaders, she lives & breathes Madiba’s ideals.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” ~Nelson Mandela.
