Our Values
HOLISTIC SUPPORT.
We build on a foundation of trauma-informed principle with a healing-centered approach.
UNYIELDING ADVOCACY.
We demand dignity and amplify silenced voices in pursuit of justice.
IMPERFECT EXCELLENCE.
We learn from our successes and fail forward, creating a graceful space for growth.
CONTAGIOUS COMPASSION.
We act with unconditional kindness by embracing spiritual expression and goodwill.
INNOVATIVE RELATIONSHIPS.
We fuel our mission through strategic collaboration and community alliances.
Our History
Founded in late 2008 by Derri Smith and a fast-growing group of volunteers, End Slavery Tennessee (ESTN) operated under the umbrella of an international organization until 2012, when the independent local 501(c)3 charity was formed. While still assisted by an army of volunteers, ESTN now boasts a growing professional staff, a range of collaborations and widespread community support. Margie Quin became CEO in June 2019, bringing over 25 years of experience in law enforcement. Ms. Quin has a deep understanding of the complexities of human trafficking. As Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), she led the human trafficking task force in the state, working closely with Derri Smith, ESTN and trafficking victims.
With over a decade of experience in the field, ESTN trains over 20,000 professionals and community members each year. Designated by the Governor’s Public Safety Subcabinet as the regional point of contact for 41 counties in Middle Tennessee for victim referrals, ESTN provides comprehensive aftercare services to survivors throughout their healing journey. ESTN advocates successfully on the local, state and national level to create effective collaboration and communication, accomplishing systemic change and influencing policy and laws. ESTN also facilitates specialized groups to protect vulnerable youth, addresses demand through interactive curriculum and equips the general population through innovative strategies and resources to prevent exploitation.
Our Founding Roots
Derri Smith, Founder and CEO Emeritus: Derri has a bachelor’s degree in Education and a Psychology minor from Abilene Christian College (1974). In her early work as the Director of Human Trafficking Ministries for OneCollective (formerly International Teams), she launched an anti-human trafficking initiative among 1,200 workers serving in 62 countries. Ms. Smith lived six years in Europe serving the needs of refugees and persecuted people. Ms. Smith served as the Tennessee Director for Not for Sale, then was appointed as the first Director of End Slavery Ministries with International Teams with global responsibility for building teams and placing workers in the worldwide fight against slavery.
Ms. Smith co-founded the Tennessee Counter-Trafficking Alliance (TCTA), whose members are designated by the Governor’s Safety Planning Commission to ensure the provision of specialized, comprehensive victim care throughout Tennessee. Ms. Smith is considered a subject matter expert and has been called to testify in court. In November 2017, she testified at a U.S. Congressional hearing which effectively shut down Backpage.com, a leading website used to sell and purchase sex.
Upon her retirement at End Slavery Tennessee (ESTN) in 2019 from CEO, Derri stayed involved through her leadership on the Board of Directors, the annual advertisement campaign and as Executive Producer of ESTN’s official podcast Someone Like Me's first season. Due to health challenges, she officially retired from all responsibilities in February 2021, but her impact remains a legacy and inspiration at ESTN and all who are committed to ending trafficking in our communities.
Hear Derri’s Story In Her Own Words
This is a special bonus episode of Someone Like Me: the official podcast of End Slavery Tennessee, where we honor the legacy of our founder... Derri Smith. She tells her own story and also how the plot developed into what we now know as End Slavery Tennessee, going beyond sound byte answers and taking us on a grand journey – from Derri’s personal trauma to her dedication to serve the survivor community to organizing strategically and intentionally as a faith-based organization to the trauma-informed care staff and safe house currently in full operation – all contributing to Tennessee’s ranking as the #1 state in the nation for fighting trafficking of minors.