All tagged Emotional Wellness
Ikimi Dubose-Woodson is a world-studied chef that finds inspiration through giving to communities of color. She co-founded The Roots Fund, which nourishes and enriches the lives of communities of color in the wine industry. The organization has helped over 200 people of color seeking high-quality education as they prepare for certifications in all aspects of wine.
Meet Tamara Walcott. She is a world champion powerlifter and holds two world records. Seven years ago, when Walcott was over 400 pounds, she decided to change the way she was living for herself and her two children. In 2018 she started powerlifting, and since then, she has starred in an Ulta Beauty commercial, became an ambassador for Project Rock, and started her tour “My Strength is My Sexy.”
Meet Mama G, a British pantomime dame performer working to make pantomime a year-round performance rather than only Christmas. She is a former semi-finalist on season 15 of “Britain’s Got Talent.” She also performs for children all over London with the goal of bringing happiness and inclusivity to her performances. Her main hope with her shows is to inspire the next generation to be kind and accepting of people from all walks of life.
Meet Banji Alexander, a British teacher and the author of “Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party.” It is a children’s book that aims to help youth better understand the struggles they went through during the global pandemic. He wrote his book as a way to engage his students during the online learning period of 2020. It was also a way to show his students that even though they were going through hard times, they had people they could turn to and be vulnerable with. Read more about Banji Alexander and how his story brought positivity to children all around Britain.
Meet Rob LaRay, singer, songwriter, and recording artist who brings black boy joy to the music industry as he strives to spread positivity while elevating Black culture in America. LaRay says he created a new genre he calls “Take Home Music.” He seeks to create music that can be taken home and reflected on for days to come. LaRay has released two albums, performed for audiences all over the United States, and opened for actress and vegan food star Tabitha Brown on her book tour and restaurant opening. Read more about Rob LaRay and how he lives his dream in real-time.
Humberto Orozco’s life was changed at just 19 years old–when he was diagnosed with HIV. Despite the stigma associated with the virus, Orozco continues to prove to himself and others that it is possible to live a life unimpeded by HIV. Orozco is now a social media activist, promoting positivity within his community and educating others on HIV.
Ivan Kosyuk saw fellow talented Ukrainian tech workers losing their jobs–so, he created UA IT Hub. The tech organization has tackled a variety of projects, from facilitating preventative healthcare for Middle Eastern families, to creating software that can accurately measure distances between furniture and interiors using just a phone. But above all, UA IT Hub is a community of compassionate individuals willing to support one another–especially during uncertain times.
When he was 31 years old, Jarred Keller received a phone call that changed his life—his former roommate had taken his own life. From then on, Keller refused to remain quiet, and decided to make something good out of an unforeseen tragedy. Today, Keller uses his social media to break the stigma of mental health, whether it be through holding up an empowering sign, or sharing a personal video that is both humorous and insightful.
Fueled by passion and a desire to educate–meet Mackenzie Strong, a blind woman with albinism. Mackenzie Strong lives up to her name–she is well-known on her college campus and swims competitively, all while with albinism. Despite the stigma surrounding disability, Strong advocates for her community and is paving the way toward a more inclusive world.
Chef Kenny Minor has always had a love for being in the kitchen and after cooking as a hobby for many years, this passion turned into a career. Minor wants to educate and inspire others on the importance of what we put into our bodies and how this affects us daily. Using the elements of cooking and singing, Minor is able to connect with anyone willing to try one of his recipes!
Millions of older adults suffer from late-life depression every year, yet there is little to no awareness surrounding the mental health of these individuals. That was until Carleigh Berryman founded Viva Vita, an organization that uses virtual reality technology to improve the mental health of older adults.
After 40 surgeries and doubts from her doctors, McKenzy Hupke just walked across the stage and graduated from Wagner University. Seven years ago, Hupke was diagnosed with Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. College graduation was a big part of Hupke’s bucket list and after an emergent brain surgery this past March, she was able to graduate from college alongside her peers.
Shaun Andrews, who was once a Winston-Salem State University college football player, now advocates for mental health. Andrews is in the process of creating an app, Mind HAC, that will curate content specifically for each user to calm the mind and decrease stress and anxiety levels. Andrews is partnered with multiple universities to conduct studies to understand better individuals and how they interact with the app.
Wife and mother Andrea Lyons have made it her personal mission to make sure Black children are represented at their birthday parties. Her business, Anna+Pookie does exactly that. Anna+Pookie creates and sells party decorations that allow Black children to see images that look like them as whimsical characters such as princesses and superheroes.
Imani Vanzap, also known as social media’s number one auntie, is spreading love and positivity through her platform and her merchandise line, BECOME! Vanzap accentuates whatever she says by clacking her grandiose signature BECOME fan.
After realizing her true passion during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, TL Green founded Holistically Original. This is a transitional life coaching company where clients can speak with a coach to help them through various transitional periods in their lives.
After facing what could be considered one of the most painful and shocking experiences of her life, widow Michele Neff Hernandez founded an organization called Soaring Spirits to help other widows find community amongst each other.
Rob Kenney has built a platform based entirely on sharing a father’s love. On his YouTube channel ‘Dad, How Do I?’ he shares advice, affirmations and tutorials with his audiences.
Is that Demi Lovato? Nope, it’s Demetria Cherry, a drag illusionist. By using some makeup, a costume, and a wig, Cherry is able to create the impressive illusion that she is Demi Lovato. Cherry’s drag shows stay true to Lovato’s story and encourage people to live authentically no matter how hard it may seem.
Solomzi Nqweni is a South African cricket player who faced one of the hardest challenges of his life. In 2019 Nqweni was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, leaving him fully paralyzed and only able to move his eyes. After grueling physical therapy and treatment, Nqweni is almost fully recovered and navigating his life from a new beginning.
