All tagged Emotional Wellness

Woman Co-Creates Non-Profit To Bring More People of Color into Wine Industry

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.

How World Record Holder Tamara Walcott Found Strength Through Powerlifting

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.”

Britain's Got Talent Star: Mama G Inspires People to Love Themselves

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.

British Teacher’s Story “Lockdown Looms: Reggie Birthday Party” Brings Optimism to Children Through the Pandemic

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.

Rob LaRay Is Bringing Black Boy Joy to the Music Industry

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.

Creating Jobs and Sustaining Community for Ukrainian Tech Workers

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.

Black, Gay, and a Mental Health Advocate: Jarred Keller Uses His Social Media to Drop Knowledge on Improving Mental Health

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.

“Strong” Indeed – Blind Woman with Albinism Breaks Barriers as a Swimmer and Pageant Winner

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.

“I want to tell stories about food": Meet Chef Kenny Minor

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!

After 40 Cancer Surgeries, 23-Year-Old Beat The Odds and Graduates From College

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.

Former College Football Player Tackles Mental Health Crisis Through App

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.