Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shavontana “Starr” Davis, Esq. . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shavontana “Starr”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Our mission is deeply personal to me. Surviving a tumultuous upbringing riddled with s*xual abuse, a drug-addicted parent and domestic violence made me resilient and passionate about the care and treatment of people, especially youth, within the criminal legal system and beyond. I intimately understand the impact and isolation that comes with such experiences. Growing up, I longed for the support and education that The Starr Institute (TSI) provides. No child should have to navigate these traumatic experiences alone. I don’t want others to endure what I did. That’s why our organization exists- to educate, engage, and empower youth and community about child s*xual abuse and exploitation.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a criminal defense attorney by profession and a nonprofit leader by purpose. My journey into this dual role stems from a childhood vow to help kids like me, which led to the creation of The Starr Institute. Our core program, “My Safety Starts With Me,” offers interactive workshops and training sessions for youth aged 12-17 and the adults who support them.

These workshops cover crucial topics such as s*x trafficking, internet safety, self-esteem, and goal setting, all tailored to be engaging, age appropriate, and culturally relevant. We aim to simplify complex issues in a way that empowers young people to recognize, respond to, and disclose abuse, both in person and online. We discuss healthy relationships, boundaries, and using correct anatomical terms for body parts. Most importantly, we have fun. Each workshop is 60 minutes which consists of an interactive lecture and guided written exercises and includes a corresponding study guide for participants to take notes. We are committed to providing young people with the tools they need to build the lives they envision.

Regarding the trainings for adults, we’ve learned that one of the most useful steps adults can take to help young people is to educate themselves. Using practical information, resources, tips, and role playing, participants will be empowered to support youth and learn how to help them navigate situations that may arise in life confidently. With our training, participants will more easily recognize behaviors possibly associated with past or current abuse and gain the knowledge to respond responsibly to support a child through a variety of sensitive questions or situations that may arise.

I also serve as a speaker sharing my story of triumph over child s*xual abuse, overcoming adversity, living with a drug addicted parent, transitioning from practicing law to nonprofit founder, and being fueled by faith. Since our inception, in 2017, more than 3000 youth and adults have participated in our awareness and prevention programming. Another 800 people across 34 states and 3 countries have raised funds to support TSI’s efforts through an annual 5K Run+Walk. In 2021, I was named as one of ten L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honorees. I debuted my first book, The Abuse Algorithm: Lessons in Protecting Children from S*xual Abuse, which shares stories of child s*xual abuse survivors, explores how adverse childhood experiences impacted their lives and how this widespread issue is a preventable public health crisis.

What sets The Starr Institute apart is our ability to create a safe, welcoming environment where participants feel understood and supported. Representation matters too, I am a Black woman. A report found that racist stereotypes may be stopping black and ethnic minority victims of child s*xual abuse from receiving help. I’ve been told that hearing my story and seeing me now helps others validate their own experiences.

I’m incredibly proud that we’re changing the narrative surrounding these issues, showing that prevention measures save lives. We’re here to walk alongside you in your journey—you are not alone.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, I knew I wanted more than what my hometown could offer. Despite coming from a family of hard workers, I was determined to pursue my dreams. When I discovered the CARE program at Florida State University, designed for first-generation college students like me, I saw an opportunity to start a new life for myself.

I took a leap of faith and applied, solely to FSU, and thankfully, I was accepted. Despite the distance from home, I was determined to major in mass communications and make the most of this chance. I worked tirelessly and leaned on my faith throughout my time at FSU, juggling academics with a job to support myself.

Leaving behind everything familiar was scary, but I persevered. Along the way, I formed bonds with incredible people who became like family to me. Even now, over two decades later, those relationships endure. To me, that’s the true essence of resilience—pushing through adversity, embracing change, and building lasting connections that sustain you on your journey.

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 was the habit of not asking questions, suppressing my truth, and harboring secrets that caused me pain. The backstory behind this realization is deeply rooted in my journey of healing from trauma. I had to confront the belief that the experiences I endured defined me, that they were somehow my identity.

Unlearning meant realizing that forgiveness is not synonymous with reconciliation and understanding that I have every right to protect my space and boundaries. I’ve had to release the guilt and shame that I once carried, recognizing that they don’t belong to me and refusing to let them overshadow my light.

Now, I’m committed to ensuring others understand this too. It’s a journey of empowerment, reclaiming agency over my narrative, and spreading the message that our past does not dictate our worth or define who we can become.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thestarrinstitute.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestarrinstitute_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shavontana-starr-davis-esq-63486a3/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/iamstarrdavis?igsh=d2h1MzZpbGV3Z2N4&utm_source=qr