I would like to introduce you all to Danielle Leverett-Gallaspy! She is a Victim’s Advocate, Fellow Podcast Host, Nonprofit Founder, and Speaker. Recently, I received the opportunity to learn more about her story and her why. Check it out below!

Tell us about the work that you do.

My personal and professional journeys have been a rollercoaster of experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. My roles as a wife, mother, nonprofit founder, podcaster, certified psychometrist, credentialed victim’s advocate, and former educator all stem from my deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

For years, I dedicated myself to assisting the homeless population, helping them find safe and affordable housing. I also worked tirelessly to educate children with exceptionalities and ESL learners, providing them with the tools and support they needed to thrive. Those experiences taught me the immense power of compassion and advocacy.

In my current work as a nonprofit founder and victim’s advocate, I pour my heart and soul into developing programs and services that empower survivors to rebuild their lives and find solace in their freedom and independence. On any given day, I’m either providing court or medical visit accompaniment, assisting survivors with finding affordable housing, securing crisis transportation, distributing hygiene items, fundraising, or spreading awareness and educating others about domestic abuse.

I also host a podcast called “My Survivor Voice“, where individuals of color can share their stories of survival in the face of various traumatic situations. I believe in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering empathy among listeners, and the podcast allows me to do that.

What’s your story behind why you started?

Well, like I previously stated, my personal and professional experiences taught me the power of compassion and advocacy.

But, it was a personal tragedy that truly ignited my passion for the fight against domestic violence. In 2019, my niece, Jackie (who was more like my little sister since we were only 7 years apart in age), and both of her children, Gianna and Giovanni, fell victim to a domestic violence murder-suicide. As you could probably imagine, it shook me to the core. It made me confront the painful memories of abuse I had witnessed between my parents as a child; memories that I honestly thought I had erased. It made me wonder if there was a connection between my past and the tragedy that took the lives of my niece, great-niece, and great-nephew. 

In my journey to heal, I knew I needed to find my place in the fight against domestic violence. So I started volunteering at local organizations and realized there were needed services in our area that just weren’t offered due to a lack of availability. So, I founded Our 3 Memorial Foundation, Inc., to meet those needs. It is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe spaces and providing support for survivors of domestic abuse by providing services that foster an environment of complete separation from the abuser. I pour my heart and soul into developing programs and services that empower survivors to rebuild their lives and find solace in freedom and independence.

What is something you feel that women should be more aware of?

Great question! There’s so many things that women should be more aware of, but I’m just going to share my top two.

Of course, because of who I am, and what I do, the first one is probably obvious. I feel women should be more aware of the early warning signs of potential domestic abuse. So many of the behaviors that we’ve been conditioned to think of as caring, attentive, supportive, and romantic can actually be the earliest warning signs of the potential for abuse. In that thought, it’s important to know that the display of one behavior does not always mean the relationship will turn abusive. Those behaviors can range from being overprotective to jealousy to an abnormal amount of affection early in the relationship, just to name a few.

The second thing that I feel women should be more aware of is their self-worth. To me, self-worth is essential for women to navigate life, overcome challenges, and thrive. It helps reject validation from others and empowers individuality. If we embrace self-worth, we create a more inclusive society. I think it’s important to recognize the transformative power of self-worth and uplift every woman to embrace her unmatched worth and potential.

Where can we stay connected with you? Drop websites and social media handles.

I am on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok. My handle on all 3 platforms is @trulydani_elle. Those are my my personal pages, where you get to meet Dani, the mom, wife, and fun-loving woman. 
To interact with Dani, the advocate, and to keep up with my podcast, you can find me on Instagram @mysurvivorvoice. 
To connect with my nonprofit, you can follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook @our3inc, and you can also visit us online at www.our3.org .

Thank you so much Danielle!