Meet Castanita Fitzpatrick

We were lucky to catch up with Castanita Fitzpatrick recently and have shared our conversation below.

Castanita , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose has been a journey shaped by personal experiences, faith, and a desire to make a difference. For many years, I faced personal hardships, and overcoming them helped me recognize the importance of using my experiences to support others. My purpose became clearer as I connected with others facing similar struggles and saw how I could help them navigate difficult paths.

Through prayer and reflection, I’ve come to understand that my purpose is rooted in serving and empowering others, especially those affected by exploitation. This calling led me to create my nonprofit organization, Fly with Both Wings, to help survivors rebuild and move forward in their lives. By turning my experiences into a source of strength and hope for others, I feel I’ve truly found my purpose.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Castanita Fitzpatrick, and I’m a 14-year survivor, speaker, author, and the founder of Fly with Both Wings, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those who’ve experienced exploitation. After navigating my own journey through 14 years of hardship, I found my purpose in advocating for fellow survivors and offering them a pathway to healing and independence. Fly with Both Wings was created with a vision to provide survivors with safe housing, support, and a community that helps them rebuild their lives.

What excites me most about this work is seeing people rediscover their strength and potential, even after the darkest times. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and partnerships, we’re focused on building a supportive network that can impact lives not only locally but, ultimately, globally. Every day brings something new—a story, a challenge, or a small victory—and each reminds me of the resilience of the human spirit.

Currently, we’re working on establishing our first housing facility and securing initial funding, which will bring us one step closer to serving survivors firsthand. I’m also looking forward to hosting awareness events, sharing my own story, and launching programs that empower survivors. It’s my mission to ensure that anyone affected by exploitation knows they’re not alone and has a place to turn for support, healing, and growth.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe three qualities were most impactful: resilience, empathy, and communication skills.
Resilience – This has been a cornerstone of my survival and success. Resilience allowed me to endure difficult moments and still find the strength to keep going. For anyone early in their journey, I recommend developing resilience by embracing challenges as growth opportunities. Practicing mindfulness or connecting with a support network can also help build inner strength, making it easier to navigate setbacks.
Empathy – Having gone through my own struggles, I’ve come to understand the importance of compassion, not only for others but also for myself. Empathy has helped me connect deeply with others and advocate for them. For those starting out, empathy grows when you genuinely listen to others’ experiences and seek to understand their perspectives. Volunteering or engaging with diverse communities can also help develop this critical quality.
Communication Skills – Being able to share my story and mission has been vital in my work as a speaker and nonprofit leader. Strong communication skills allow you to inspire others, build connections, and share your message effectively. For anyone looking to improve in this area, I suggest practicing public speaking, whether it’s through local events or simply with friends. Engaging in active listening and staying open to feedback will help refine your voice.
My advice is to embrace each step of the journey, knowing that these skills can be developed over time. By focusing on resilience, empathy, and communication, you can build a solid foundation that will support you in any endeavor.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely, I’m always open to partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations who are passionate about supporting survivors and raising awareness about exploitation. At Fly with Both Wings, we’re especially interested in collaborating with professionals in mental health, social work, legal advocacy, housing, and education who can bring valuable expertise to our programs. Additionally, we’re looking to connect with businesses, community leaders, and volunteers who are committed to creating safe spaces and resources for survivors as they rebuild their lives.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out through our website getherwingsback.org or email me at castanita@getherwingsback.org. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create a network of hope and healing for survivors everywhere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://getherwingsback.org
• Other: We are currently working getting all our social media pages together, we are just getting started. Looking for suggestions as well.

Image Credits

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