From Trauma to Triumph: A Christ-Centered Battle Against Exploitation
Stephanie Olson is a speaker, author, and CEO of The Set Me Free Project®. With a BA in Psychology, an MA in Strategic Communication, and an honorary doctorate, Stephanie’s expertise spans leadership, trauma, and resilience. A survivor of domestic and sexual violence, she brings lived experience and research to her work, inspiring audiences across the U.S. Her mission focuses on preventing human trafficking and empowering leaders and youth through education and advocacy.
In a recent episode of Anchoring Hope, Stephanie shared how unwavering faith, hard‑won leadership lessons, and a passion for prevention converge in her daily fight against human trafficking. The five reflections below distill that conversation into a roadmap of hope for anyone who longs to lead with Christ‑centered purpose.
From Wounds to Worship: A Testimony of Transforming Grace
Stephanie’s story begins with deep trauma—abandonment, sexual violence, and addiction—but it does not end there. “I can do nothing apart from Him,” she told host David Mansilla, recalling the moment surrender replaced self‑reliance. In admitting weakness, she discovered Christ’s power and the first spark of “victorious life in Christ.”
Takeaway: Your greatest wounds can become your greatest worship when placed in Jesus’ hands.
Obedience over Passion: Following God into the Anti‑Trafficking Fight
Stephanie admits she never set out to “fight human trafficking.” Instead, God asked for obedience—one step at a time—until The Set Me Free Project was born. “If I’d known everything in advance, I wouldn’t have done it,” she laughs, highlighting how the Lord often reveals only the next faithful step.
Leadership Lesson: Passion may start a project, but sustained impact requires daily obedience to God’s promptings.
Faith‑Led Leadership: Running an Organization on Prayer & Trust
Whether raising funds for a nonprofit or shaping curriculum for K‑12 students, Stephanie frames every decision with prayer. Funding gaps, policy headwinds, and spiritual opposition push her team to depend on the Holy Spirit: “Our organization is led and run by the Holy Spirit… I’m not capable of the things God can do.”
Practical Shift: Trade the myth of self‑sufficiency for a leadership rhythm of prayer, worship, and listening.
Prevention through Education: Equipping Youth & Communities
Only 1–2 percent of trafficking victims are ever recovered. That sobering statistic fuels Stephanie’s preventative approach: evidence‑based curricula for classrooms, churches, and community leaders that spot grooming tactics before exploitation begins. By “going to the root,” she’s helping students, parents, and professionals recognize red flags and build resilience.
Impact Metric: Every informed child or adult becomes a potential shield against exploitation.
Hope Forward: Empowering Others to Walk in Freedom
Asked what the future holds, Stephanie points to a simple billboard‑sized truth: “You are loved by a mighty God.” That message undergirds her speaking, writing, and mentoring. Her goal is to raise new leaders—especially survivors—who will carry freedom into places she may never reach.
Call to Action: Receive God’s love, release your story, and respond to the needs around you—the world is waiting for your obedience.
Conclusion
Stephanie Olson’s journey proves that faith isn’t a footnote to leadership—it’s the engine. From personal deliverance to national advocacy, her life invites us to trade pride for prayer, fear for freedom, and comfort for courageous obedience. May her example embolden you to anchor your own leadership in Christ’s unshakable hope.
Written by Jovilyn Dela Cruz
“You are loved by a mighty God. And when you know that kind of love, you can walk in complete freedom—no matter what your past holds.”
