We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monica Nagy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monica below.
Hi Monica, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was deciding to share my story as a survivor of familial trafficking. Growing up, I was trafficked right here in Southwest Florida by the very people who were supposed to protect me—my own family. For years, I carried the weight of that trauma in silence, too afraid to speak out. My traffickers still live in this community, and the fear of retaliation, judgment, and disbelief kept me quiet for so long.
But there came a moment when the silence became unbearable. I had escaped the life I was forced into and was slowly rebuilding my life, even finding success in working with celebrities. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was called to do more. I knew there were others—women just like me—who were still trapped, feeling invisible and voiceless. I wanted to be the person I needed when I was stuck in that dark place.
The turning point came when I decided to start an anti-trafficking organization, FUSE: Free, Unashamed, Safe, and Empowered. It was one thing to work behind the scenes, but stepping forward and publicly sharing my story felt like walking into a storm unarmed. I wrestled with the “what-ifs.” What if my family retaliated? What if no one believed me? What if speaking out caused more harm than good?
Despite the risks, I chose to speak. I knew that staying silent would only allow the cycle of abuse and exploitation to continue—not just for me, but for others in my community. When I shared my story for the first time, I felt exposed, but I also felt powerful. People listened. They believed me. And most importantly, they wanted to help.
Starting FUSE has been a journey of incredible highs and humbling challenges. We’ve helped countless women begin their path to freedom, providing resources, case management, and a safe space to heal. The risk of sharing my story was enormous—it cost me relationships, created tension in my personal life, and forced me to confront deep-seated fears. But it also gave me a purpose greater than myself.
Today, I’m not just a survivor; I’m a leader, an advocate, and a voice for those who are still waiting to find theirs. The risk I took not only transformed my life but is creating a ripple effect that will outlive me. It was worth every moment of fear and uncertainty.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a survivor of familial sex trafficking and the founder of FUSE: Free, Unashamed, Safe, and Empowered. I was trafficked right here in Southwest Florida by people I should have been able to trust—my own family. For years, I carried the shame and silence of that experience. But as I began to heal, I realized my story wasn’t just about survival; it was about transformation. I wanted to create a space where survivors like me—and those facing similar struggles—could find the freedom, empowerment, and support they need to rebuild their lives. That’s how FUSE was born.
At FUSE, our mission is simple yet powerful: to eradicate human trafficking by empowering one survivor at a time. We specialize in providing case management and direct services for adult female survivors of trafficking and exploitation. We also support women in the commercial sex industry who are seeking a way out and a fresh start.
Through our Unashamed Life Center, we’ve created a safe and welcoming environment where survivors can access therapy, education, skill-building opportunities, and emergency shelter. Every service we offer is designed to inspire, equip, and empower survivors to see their worth, discover their potential, and take meaningful steps toward a life of freedom and independence.
Our approach is unique because FUSE is survivor-led. Having lived through the trauma of trafficking and exploitation myself, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges survivors face. This perspective informs every aspect of what we do, from providing advocacy and trauma-informed care to offering practical resources like housing and employment assistance.
What I’m most proud of is the incredible impact we’ve already made. We’ve helped countless women escape exploitation, reclaim their lives, and begin to thrive. Hosting events like our Restored Gala allows us to raise awareness, celebrate survivors, and rally the community to join us in the fight against trafficking and exploitation.
The most important thing I want people to know is that trafficking and exploitation don’t just happen in far-off places—they happen right here in our neighborhoods and communities. But there is hope. Survivors are resilient, and with the right support, they can heal and thrive. At FUSE, we’re not just offering services; we’re igniting a movement to empower survivors to live free, unashamed, safe, and empowered.
If you’re a survivor seeking help, a woman in the commercial sex industry looking for change, or someone who wants to join the fight against trafficking and exploitation, FUSE is here for you. Together, we can create a world where every survivor has the opportunity to live a life free from exploitation and filled with purpose.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that my worth is tied to what I’ve been through. For so long, I believed that because I was trafficked and exploited, my value as a person was diminished. Shame told me that my past defined me and that I wasn’t deserving of love, success, or even healing.
But as I began my journey to recovery, I realized that this belief was a lie meant to keep me in a cycle of silence and self-doubt. I had to unlearn the idea that my trauma was my identity and instead embrace the truth: I am not what happened to me—I am what I choose to become.
This unlearning didn’t happen overnight. It took years of therapy, faith, and surrounding myself with people who saw my value even when I couldn’t. Now, as the founder of FUSE, I see this same lesson in the women we serve. So many survivors carry the weight of shame and feel unworthy of freedom or success. But the beauty of this work is helping them unlearn that lie and empowering them to see their true worth.
Unlearning this has transformed how I live and lead. I now see myself as resilient, capable, and worthy of the life I’m building, and it’s a message I hope every survivor we work with at FUSE takes to heart.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Betting on my audience on social media has been about building trust and creating an authentic, open space for conversation. As a survivor and the founder of FUSE, I’ve used my platform to share my journey—both the struggles and the victories—because I want people to know that healing is possible. I’ve been open about my experiences with trafficking, the work we’re doing at FUSE, and the challenges that come with running an anti-trafficking organization. This transparency helps my audience feel like they are part of the journey, not just spectators.
This approach isn’t limited to the nonprofit world—it applies to any business, whether you’re selling a product or a service. In the marketplace, building an authentic connection with your audience is key to creating trust and long-term loyalty. People want to know the story behind the business, the values it stands for, and the person or team they’re supporting. When you’re open about who you are, what you stand for, and the impact you aim to make, your audience will resonate with your mission, not just your product.
I also engage with my followers by responding to messages, sharing resources, and providing encouragement, especially to survivors who reach out. I use my platform to amplify the voices of other survivors and advocates, and to highlight the work we’re doing through FUSE. It’s important to me that the people who follow me feel seen, heard, and valued. This sense of community is what turns a one-time customer into a loyal supporter.
My advice for others looking to build their audience, whether in the nonprofit world or in business, is to be consistent, authentic, and intentional. Social media can feel overwhelming at times, but when you stay true to your message and connect with your audience on a deeper level, it becomes a powerful tool for growth. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable—your story has the power to inspire and create connections that will move your mission forward. And always make sure to offer value to your followers, whether it’s information, support, or inspiration. Build community, not just a following, and your audience will feel like they are part of your journey—no matter what you’re selling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamfuse.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicanagyy?igsh=MTJ5bjEzbzF3dHNtZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Or https://instagram.com/iamf.u.s.e
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17bh7J4Yca/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicanagyy?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/iamfuseinc
Image Credits
N/a