SAVANNAH, Ga. () — “It’s really heartwarming and bigger than you. And you are leaving behind people who are in a better position and are able to advocate for themselves.”

This is how Maggie Smith described her job as the Court Program Manager for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

“The goal is to leave people safer than when we encountered them,” Smith said.

Smith overseas and trains the volunteers who work directly with children who have experienced abuse and may have been removed from their homes.

“So, I think that children are our most vulnerable. And then children who are in foster care are much more vulnerable than the average child,” she said.

In addition to managing the volunteers, she started an after-hours book club to keep them motivated and educated about the unique needs of abused children.

“It also brings likeminded people together to have conversations about child welfare and foster care,” Smith said.

She also volunteers for the many fundraisers for Brightside Child and Family Advocacy, which oversees CASA.

That’s not all that Smith is passionate about. She’s also a big supporter of Renegade Paws Rescue as a volunteer, even adopting one of the dogs.

For Smith, she said it’s all about helping where she can.

Whether it’s supporting our four-legged friends or going the extra mile for children who need a voice, that’s why Smith is one of our Remarkable Women Finalists for 2025.