Shelby Smith

Shelby Smith, 31, founded the Unsilenced Movement after nearly three decades of health issues. After being informed about their VCUG while pregnant—a repressed traumatic memory that caused them to develop dissociative amnesia at age two—they went on to have a missed miscarriage weeks later. At a time when healing felt unachievable, Shelby turned to activism in their grief.

 

Starting the Unsilenced Movement was more than a way to heal; it was also a nonnegotiable next step upon realizing that the VCUG test is still widely performed today. In an effort to save fellow patients from leading the same poor quality of life they did—one rife with suicide attempts, self-harm, and emotional abuse—Shelby set out with one thing in mind: to be heard.

 

A full-time marketing professional by day and a storyteller at heart, Shelby has a longstanding passion for creative writing, social justice, and women’s rights. Their experiences with CPTSD and chronic illnesses make them a trusted confidante for survivors battling similar issues. In their free time, they enjoy singing/songwriting and binge-watching "certified fresh" documentaries and horror films.

 

After earning their B.A. in English from Texas A&M University, Shelby moved to Colorado, where they enjoy hiking in the mountains and hosting virtual support groups for VCUG survivors around the world. Shelby is very passionate about protecting the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable demographics by empowering individuals to discover and embrace their authentic selves.​