Early Leadership & Identity

In high school, I found myself naturally stepping into advocacy — whether organizing Juneteenth celebrations, creating community based local gatherings, or representing my peers in ASB. I always knew I wanted to be an activist. What I didn’t know then was how deeply personal that calling would become.

A Transformative Experience

When I left home to attend Virginia State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), my world shifted. Seeing other Black students thrive — graduating, becoming valedictorians, and leading with pride — made me feel deeply connected to my identity. Yet, that same period I was made aware the weight of mental health challenges. Being over 3,000 miles from home with limited support, I had to learn how to advocate for myself, keep my grades up to maintain scholarships, and navigate loneliness, personal breakthroughs, and financial stress.

Navigating Life’s Challenges

As I got older, mental health became an even more pressing part of my journey. I moved to new states, started a career, and continued chasing my dreams — all while silently battling emotional lows, loss, and transitions that tested me deeply. From being spiritually forced to move back home, experiencing relationship grief, to enduring the pain of pregnancy loss, I’ve walked through dark spaces I never imagined.

Faith & Healing

Through experienced pain, my relationship with God (our creator) grew stronger. I learned to rely on my faith to rebuild myself from the inside out — to see healing not just as therapy or self-work, but as a spiritual journey. God reminded me that even in my lowest moments, I am never walking alone.

The Birth of Standing in Parallel

Standing in Parallel was born out of my desire to stand in parallel with young people navigating similar emotional battles. I know what it feels like to be in that space — ashamed to ask for help, not knowing how I needed support, trying to stay strong while breaking inside. I want to create the kind of support system I didn’t know how to reach for.

I want our youth — especially black and brown kids — to heal early, to be seen, to feel supported, and to grow into emotionally healthy adults who can thrive and raise the next generation from a place of wholeness. Mental health isn’t just personal — it’s generational. Healing our youth means healing our future.

This journey isn’t something I’ve fully overcome — it’s something I’m still walking through. I’m still healing, still learning, still growing into the woman I’m meant to be. Standing in Parallel isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s my lived experience in motion. I’m walking in parallel with every young person learning to find light in the dark, healing while still hurting. This project is proof that even in the middle of your process, you can build something beautiful that helps others heal too.

Family, Responsibility & Breaking Cycles

I’m also the oldest sister of five, and as I continue to heal, I’m learning how to show up for them with grace, patience, and love. They remind me daily why healing matters — because the way we care for ourselves shapes how we show up for others.

Over time, I’ve also seen the people closest to me battle with mental health struggles — often as a result of unaddressed pain, trauma, or the weight of past decisions. Watching those patterns repeat has made me even more determined to help young people face their emotions early, before they harden into silence or shame.