October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are honored to feature Dawn Smith, a resilient and inspiring woman whose story is one of courage, hope, and triumph. Dawn’s mission to empower women who have experienced domestic violence shines through her advocacy work and her personal journey of healing and growth.
A Life of Love, Adventure, and Community
Dawn Smith is happily married to her husband, Dennis, for 13 years. Their love story began on the dating site Plenty of Fish, and since then, their life has been a beautiful adventure. The couple enjoys traveling, especially taking weekend getaways to their favorite bed and breakfast, Hidden Serenity. One of their most cherished destinations is Maui, where they renew their vows on the same beach with the same officiant each time they visit. Their next trip is already planned for May 2026, to celebrate their 15th anniversary.
Although Dawn and Dennis do not have children of their own, they have been blessed with a unique and special family dynamic. They were adopted by a young family and are proud grandparents to Willow Anne, a spirited five-year-old. Completing their family is Shaeghlyn, their sassy Calico rescue cat.
In her free time, Dawn loves wine and paint classes, which allow her to unleash her creativity. She also participates in Spartan Racing, pushing her limits and proving that she is up for any challenge. “Is it fun? No!” she laughs. “But because I can and am up for a challenge, I will do it.” Next year, her goal is to earn the Spartan Trifecta Weekend Medal by completing three races in one weekend.
Dawn’s passion for giving back extends beyond her personal interests. She volunteers and fundraises for the Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of her father, and for A Safe Place (ASP), an organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by domestic violence.
“You’re only one insight away from a radically different life.”
– Brad Bizjack
Dawn’s favorite quote, by her mentor Brad Bizjack, perfectly encapsulates her outlook on life and her advocacy work. “What I like about it is that it’s not something big or overwhelming. It’s just one decision, one thought, one action,” she explains. For Dawn, this message represents the power of small shifts that lead to transformative change.
Best Advice for Women: Embrace the Gift of Today
Dawn believes in finding beauty and gratitude in each day. “Please know that every day you get up, put two feet on the floor, and see the sunshine, is a beautiful gift,” she advises. Her words remind us that striving for progress, rather than perfection, is key. “Don’t strive for perfection; there is no such thing. Strive to be better than you were yesterday.”
The Spark of Advocacy: Dawn’s Journey with A Safe Place
Dawn’s involvement with ASP began when her friend Kate invited her to a Wine, Women & Shoes event. “The event was so emotional for me,” she recalls. That experience, followed by a guided tour of ASP’s facilities, ignited a fire within her. She volunteered, initially working alongside her mentor Karen, who showed her the ropes and deepened her understanding of ASP’s mission. Dawn expresses immense gratitude for Karen’s guidance, saying, “I will forever be grateful to her.”
Over the years, Dawn has taken on various roles within the organization. She served on the In-Kind Committee, soliciting donations for ASP’s events, and last year, she proudly chaired the Wine, Women & Shoes event. “It was so exciting… yet something new for me,” she shares. Now, she serves as the sponsorship chair for the Gala, ASP’s largest event, working closely with Damaris from ASP. “I am appreciative of working with her,” Dawn says, highlighting her collaborative spirit.
A Celebration of Strength: Wine, Women & Shoes
Among the many events ASP hosts, Dawn’s favorite is the Wine, Women & Shoes event. However, the Gala also holds a special place in her heart. “When we have survivors walk in the fashion show, it’s something truly special. You see their confidence. You see their smiles. You see them!” she beams. Witnessing the transformation and empowerment of these women reinforces Dawn’s commitment to her advocacy work.
Self-Care: A Cornerstone of Healing
Dawn knows the importance of self-care, especially for women who are navigating the healing journey after trauma. She incorporates various forms of self-care into her routine:
– Physical Self-Care: “My favorite self-care is getting a monthly massage. I work hard, play hard… and need to destress. My massage therapist helps me stay in tune with my body.”
– Mental & Emotional Self-Care: Dawn enjoys long walks, especially in the fall, where she watches the leaves change and listens to their crunch beneath her feet. “It’s therapeutic and peaceful,” she says.
– Social/Community Self-Care: Her love for snuggling with her cat Shaeghlyn is another cherished form of self-care. “At the end of the night or first thing in the morning, she cuddles up to my left side, puts her head on my shoulder, and her paw on my heart. How could this not be considered self-care?”
– Spiritual, Professional, Practical, & Environmental Self-Care: Dawn finds balance through her involvement with ASP and her work in supporting survivors. Her efforts bring her a sense of purpose and fulfillment as she helps others rebuild their lives.
Transforming Pain into Purpose: Goals, Hopes, and Dreams
Dawn’s ultimate goal is to help women rebuild their lives and regain their confidence after domestic abuse. She knows firsthand the impact of such experiences, saying, “So often, we lose who we were before the abuse began. We lose ourselves and our confidence.”
In response, Dawn created The Empowerment Project Academy, an online course designed to guide women in reclaiming their self-love and confidence. “Creating this course was healing and therapeutic for me. It helped me to realize what happened was not my fault,” she shares. Her course is not just an educational platform; it’s a beacon of hope for survivors, offering them tools to rebuild their lives with self-compassion and empowerment.
“Creating this course was healing and therapeutic for me. It helped me to realize what happened was not my fault.”
Additionally, Dawn developed a 12-week journal, The Empowerment Project: Learning to Love You Again. The journal includes simple daily prompts to encourage self-celebration, with space for free journaling at the end of each week. “This is just simple and beautiful for all,” she says, emphasizing her belief in the power of small daily practices to create lasting change.
Celebrating Milestones: The Betty Toser “Angel” Award
This year, Dawn is being honored with the Betty Toser “Angel” Award at the ASP Gala, recognizing her tireless efforts and dedication to the cause. The award symbolizes her impact and commitment to creating a world where domestic abuse no longer exists.
A Vision for a Better World
Dawn’s dream is clear: “My overall dream is to have a world where domestic abuse does not exist.” Her work, both through ASP and her personal projects, brings this vision closer to reality. By sharing her story, Dawn not only raises awareness but also offers hope and empowerment to others who may be facing similar challenges.
“My overall dream is to have a world where domestic abuse does not exist.”
Dawn’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of survivors. Her dedication to turning her pain into purpose serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that with courage, compassion, and a single insight, life can be radically different—beautifully different.
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence or abuse of any kind, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at: 800.799.SAFE (7233)
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