AwareNow: Issue 50: 'The Envision Edition'

AWARENOW

THE WORLD'S OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR CAUSES

ADAM MORSE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ‘SIGHT UNSEEN’

NICOLE PEDRA

‘BEYOND DIAGNOSIS’

ANDREW DOUGLAS

‘THE PARALLEL STORY’

LACY NICOLE

‘FROM SHAME TO SPARKLE’

LEX GILLETTE

‘DON’T LOSE MOMENTUM’

LISA BOWMAN

‘BREAKING THE SILENCE’

BURT KEMPNER

‘REFLECTIONS IN A DARK MIRROR’

LEYNA DANELLE

‘DANCING THROUGH DARKNESS'

AARON BAKER

‘FROM QUADRIPLEGIA TO ADVENTURE’

THE ENVISION EDITION

PROUDLY SUPPORTED

THE ENVISION EDITION

ON THE COVER: ADAM MORSE PHOTO BY:

JULIA VARVARA

AwareNow Magazine is a monthly publication produced by AwareNow Media™, a storytelling platform dedicated to creating and sustaining positive social change with content that inspires and informs, while raising awareness for causes one story at a time.

WE

JACK & ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

REFLECTIONS IN A DARK MIRROR

BURT KEMPNER

SIGHT UNSEEN

ADAM MORSE

AMBITION MEETS MISSION

PAUL ROGERS

BEYOND DIAGNOSIS

NICOLE PEDRA

DON’T LOSE MOMENTUM

LEX GILLETTE

DANCING

LEYNA DANELLE

WHEN

DR. TODD BROWN

SUCK

AARON BAKER

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

TAYLOR RAU A BEACON OF HOPE

AALIA LANIUS

BARBARA ANDERSON

THE PARALLEL STORY ANDREW DOUGLASS, PARALLEL

THE NEW NERD IAN BROCK

YOUTH GROW YOUTH SIMONE SHARMA, TANITH HARDING

SONJA MONTIEL

“It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.”

Helen Keller

envision: (v.) imagine a future possibility

Awarenow Magazine is deeply rooted in the impact of storytelling. The Envision Edition is a pure reflection of the power and possibilities stories hold.

Through storytelling, people share their experiences, dreams, fears, hopes and aspirations, creating a tapestry of narratives that reflect the diversity and complexity of our shared humanity. When we listen to or share stories, we step into the shoes of others, experiencing their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and challenges. This process deepens our empathy and expands our understanding of the human condition. By engaging with stories, we learn to appreciate different viewpoints, cultures, and experiences, bridging the gaps that often divide us. Storytelling plays a pivotal role in advancing ‘the human cause’ by igniting conversations, challenging norms, and inspiring change. Throughout history, stories have been catalysts for social movements, driving awareness, activism, and advocacy for various causes, from civil rights to environmental conservation. Stories have the power to galvanize individuals and communities into action, mobilizing collective efforts towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. In essence, storytelling is not merely a form of entertainment or communication; it is a profound act of human connection, understanding, and transformation. It encourages us to embrace diversity and empowers us to envision and strive for a better future, united by the threads of our stories.

WAIVER/DISCLAIMER

ALLIÉ McGUIRE

Co-Director of AwareNow Media, CEO & Co-Founder of Awareness Ties

Allié started her career in performance poetry, then switched gears to wine where she made a name for herself as an online wine personality and content producer. She then focused on content production under her own label The Allié Way™ before marrying the love of her life, Jack, and switching gears yet again to a pursue a higher calling to raise awareness and funds for causes with Awareness Ties and AwareNow Media.

JACK McGUIRE

Co-Director of AwareNow Media, President & Co-Founder of Awareness Ties

Jack got his start in the Navy before his acting and modeling career. Jack then got into hospitality, focusing on excellence in service and efficiency in operations and management. After establishing himself with years of experience in the F&B industry, he sought to establish something different… something that would allow him to serve others in a greater way. With his wife, Allié, Awareness Ties and AwareNow Media were born.

The views and opinions expressed in AwareNow are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AwareNow Media. Any content provided by our columnists or interviewees is of their opinion and not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, political group, organization, company, or individual. Stories shared are not intended to vilify anyone or anything. Their intent is to make you think.

Please note that you may find a spelling or punctuation error here or there, as our Editor-In-Chief has MS and loss vision in her right eye. That said, she still has perfect vision in her left and rocks it as best as she can.

From Hollywood to stories for good…

FOUNDERS OF AWARENOW MEDIA

JACK & ALLIÉ MCGUIRE

WE ARE FAMILY CELEBRATING 50 ISSUES OF STORYTELLING & COMMUNITY

It all started in Hollywood… Jack and Allié were producing an event at Paramount Studios when the concept of a ‘gold tie event’, wherein golden ties presented would represent ‘the gold standard’ that independent filmmakers were setting with their social impact filmmaking. The tie would be a symbol, a statement and a conversation starter. Awareness Ties was born, raising awareness for causes one tie at a time. Realizing that it wasn’t the physical tie worn, but the emotional tie created with the conversations shared, Awareness Ties became AwareNow Media, as we continue to raise awareness for causes one story at a time.

And so the story continues. This issue of AwareNow Magazine, ‘The Envision Edition’ is our 50th. To date, we’ve published over 1,200 personal stories and exclusive interviews, serving a global audience of 8M readers. Today, we pause and recognize our advisors, ambassadors and columnists that we call family:

Mehr Mursal Amiri, Tal Anderson, A.J. Andrews, Ariya, Natalie Asatryan, Dr. Nicolas Bazan, Thavius Beck, Caly Bevier, Murshidul Alam Bhuiyan, Elizabeth Blake-Thomas, Isabella Blake-Thomas, Nick Bottini, Gabby Bourne, Tri Bourne, Lisa Bowman, Providence Bowman, Dr. Todd Brown, Coco de Bruycker, Lori Butierries, Olivia Cade, Joel Cartner, Arielle Caputo, Keely Cat-Wells, Theresa Cheung, Desmond Clark, Meagan Copelin, Lorraine D’Alessio, Mary David, Santia Deck, Mike Diamond, Eddie Donaldson, Phil Eich, Jessica Frew, Sage Gallon, Luke Gialanella, Lex Gillette, Emilie Goldblum, Craig Graham, Tanith Harding, Maxim Jago, Gerard Jenkins, Burt Kempner, Zeeshan Khan, Jonathan Kohanski, Aalia Lanius, Legend, Anna Lindwasser, Fouzia Madhouni, John & Ana Mann, Dr. Jenny Martin, Kerry Martin, Kristen Martin, Krystal McCoy, Allié McGuire, Sonja Montiel, Wendy Morgan, Adam Morse, Thi Nguyen, Steven Nisbet, Eunice Nuna, Chief Ogimaa, Dr. Robert Pace, Austin Perine, Stacey Riera, Paul Rogers, Elle Seline, Sir Bruno Serato, Laura Sharpe, Ned Stranger, Madeline Stuart, Dr. Dela Taghipour, Alexander Taylor, Halie Twomey, Audrey Vandenbroeck, Jordan VanHemert, Gustavo Vera, Brianni Walker, Matthew Walzer, Jacqueline Way, Deborah Weed, Laura ‘Aura’ Westcott, Katherine Winter-Sellery & Laura Zabo

From our start with AwareNow Magazine, to the evolution of AwareNow Podcast, and the progression to AwareNow TV, our platform is raising awareness for causes one story at a time, empowering and educating millions as we do. Honored to be on this journey, and glad to have you with us. As we continue to elevate, our family expands. Today, we are honored to welcome Bill McCullough, Nicole Pedra, Fox Rigney, Leyna Danelle, Hannah Keime & Bethany Keime to the AwareNow family. Each has a story to share that binds them to every one of us with ‘the human cause’ that ties us all together. On the two pages that follow, we’re proud to introduce you to each of them.

Ours is not your typical Hollywood story, but seldom are the good stories ever typical anyway… Again, we’re honored to be on this journey with you. Together, we rise.

Sincerely,

Jack & Allié McGuire

“From the very first day I met Allié & Jack I was all in. Their approach to supporting causes is cutting edge and so relevant in today’s world. The Human Cause is something we all need to take stock in and AwareNow makes it easy for everyone to contribute to something they believe in and not just check a box. AwareNow is the future of how we all should think about making the world a better place!”

BILL MCCULLOUGH

AwareNow Official Advisor

Visionary, Director & C-Suite Executive www.awarenessties.us/bill-mccullough

“AwareNow's commitment to raising awareness, funding research, and providing community support aligns closely with my values and aspirations. By supporting AwareNow, I aim to contribute to a world where individuals affected by neurological disorders and mental health issues are empowered, supported, and understood."

NICOLE PEDRA

AwareNow Official Ambassador for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Model, Actor, and MS Awareness & Research Advocate www.awarenessties.us/nicole-pedra

"I believe that the mission statement pulled me in immediately to AwareNow. The idea of allowing advocates and survivors to speak without boundaries is something I firmly believe as both healing for those who have lived the trauma, and educational to those who are seeking to understand cultures outside their own."

AwareNow Official Ambassador for Human Traf Apothecary, Speaker & Human Trafficking Prevention Advocate www.awarenessties.us/leyna-luttrull

"I live with an invisible disability, and AwareNow is determined to help me make it seen. I have a heart condition which kills people without warning, and AwareNow is determined to help me sound the alarm. I have a story which could save lives and comfort souls, and AwareNow is determined to help it be read."

BETHANY KEIME

AwareNow Official Ambassador for Heart Disease Awareness Speaker, Author & Co-Founder of HeartCharged www.awarenessties.us/bethany-keime

"AwareNow knows, as I know, that it is through media that we can infuse the reality of the human condition into man’s understanding in a way that will evoke empathy and action. Who we do not know, we do not serve. Our vision is the same, our goal is shared, and our paths are complementary."

HANNAH KEIME

AwareNow Official Ambassador for Heart Disease Awareness Filmmaker & Co-Founder of HeartCharged www.awarenessties.us/hannah-keime

"I support AwareNow because the stories they amplify give voice to those who feel they don't have or can't use their voice. Struggling with disability, trauma, or injustice is incredibly difficult. AwareNow gives me hope from reading, listening, and seeing we don't stand alone."

FOX RIGNEY

AwareNow Official Ambassador for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Disability Advocate, Author & Corporate Healthcare Professional www.awarenessties.us/fox-rigney

In those golden moments social media ceases to be a dark mirror and becomes instead a clean, well-lighted place.

BURT KEMPNER

WRITER & PRODUCER

‘JUST BURT STORIES’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY BURT KEMPNER REFLECTIONS IN A DARK MIRROR

I had such high hopes for social media.

I wasn't naive enough to expect an endless loop of Kumbaya, but I at least thought it might usher in a festival of reasoned discourse. It hasn’t worked out that way, and I've been taking increasingly long breaks after noticing how many times I found myself logging off a sadder man.

But I also recognize that the same forces that have allowed spite and intolerance to thrive and spread have also enabled me to assemble a remarkable electronic family of choice.

Almost daily, one or more members of this fellowship will say or do something that connects at the deepest level, makes me laugh, think, sing, cry, or celebrate. Love and understanding flow back and forth, connections lock into place and in those golden moments social media ceases to be a dark mirror and becomes instead a clean, welllighted place. ∎

AwareNow Podcast

REFLECTIONS IN A DARK MIRROR

Written and Narrated by Burt Kempner https://awarenow.us/podcast/reflections-in-a-dark-mirror

BURT KEMPNER Writer & Producer www.awarenessties.us/burt-kempner

BURT KEMPNER is a writer-producer who has worked professionally in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Florida. His work has won numerous major awards, and has been seen by groups ranging in size from a national television audience in the United States to a half-dozen Maori chieftains in New Zealand. Spurred by his love for inspiring young people, he started writing children's books in 2015. Learn more about Burt and his books at his website: www.burtkempner.com.

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ADAM MORSE FILM DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER, ACTOR, PRODUCER

Photo Credit: Julia Varvara

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ADAM MORSE

SIGHT UNSEEN PIONEERING AN INCLUSIVE FILM INDUSTRY

Adam Morse is the world’s first award-winning blind filmmaker. Adam lost most of his eyesight at the age of 19 when he was diagnosed with an incurable mitochondrial disease called LHON. Since then, Adam has gone against all odds to break barriers in the entertainment business by becoming an industry trailblazer for other differently-abled artists. Adam feeds off his peripheral vision as well as his high sensitivity to people’s energies that help him direct talent and produce award-winning films.

ALLIÉ: There are many ways to make your name in the world. You, Adam Morse, made yours with the making of films. What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?

ADAM: Seeing films as a young boy, I think that was the inspiration for me to want to tell my own stories. I always talk about Star Wars being that moment. It was one of those seminal movies as a kid where you go into the cinema. I think I was six years old or something, and it just blew my mind. Ever since then, it's still one of those which just really expands my imagination all the time, when you think about what was done with the technology that they had at their disposal back then. It just made me think, “Wow, this is like a whole other world... a whole other universe…” So, yeah,

I lost my eyesight when I was 19 years old.

ADAM MORSE FILM DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER, ACTOR, PRODUCER

Photo Credit: Julia Varvara

“I decided after being diagnosed with a visual impairment to enter a visual medium and start telling stories as a filmmaker.”

ALLIÉ: While some reference you as a blind filmmaker, you prefer to say you are a filmmaker who happens to be blind. Can you share the story of your loss of sight?

ADAM: I lost my eyesight when I was 19 years old. It was 2009. I was diagnosed with this rare mitochondrial disease called LHON, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. It's an incurable eye disease where you basically irreversibly lose the middle of your optic nerve. So, I have partial peripheral sight around the edge. I can see a little bit, but yeah, that was a very tough moment in my life to come to terms with, to readjust, and to reinvent myself, to be honest. And as irony would have it, I decided after being diagnosed with a visual impairment to enter a visual medium and start telling stories as a filmmaker.

ALLIÉ: Could you share a pivotal moment in your journey as a filmmaker where your unique perspective as a visually impaired artist significantly influenced your creative process?

ADAM: The most recent film I shot , ‘Javier In Frame’, was the Super Bowl commercial for Google. I think that was one of those where I was probably the best person for that job because the brief was to translate the blind experience and put the viewers in the perspective of a blind person, and of course I'm personally informed by my own experience to be able to authentically put that POV across on screen. It was really the perfect opportunity for me to express myself artistically and use my sensitivities as a blind person but also as a blind artist in making an impression of blindness on the screen that felt real to me and hopefully others from the blind community… but also something that would be accessible to sighted viewers to be able to get a feel of what it's like to have your vision impaired. The way that I decided to do that was by actually impairing the lens of the camera and putting petroleum jelly on the glass of the lens so that you were seeing something real and visceral. It wasn't a trick or anything like that. It was a real organic base of something that was impairing the viewer through the eye of the camera to make it, like I say, a visceral and real experience when you're watching it.

ALLIÉ: I can't tell you how many times Jack and I have watched it over and over again.

ADAM: So, you’re to thank for the majority of the 50 million views then.

ALLIÉ: We're down for half of those... Let’s talk about the technicality and artistry of filmmaking. How do you navigate the visual aspects of filmmaking, given your limited eyesight? Are there any speci fic techniques or strategies you've developed to overcome these challenges?

ADAM: Well, first of all, I think it's important to let everybody watching or listening know that when you're making a film, it's a team sport. You're collaborating with an entire crew and cast to tell the story. There are different departments… camera, sound, art department, wardrobe, costume, hair, makeup, all many others. And it's the director's job to make decisions on artistic taste choices, to create a tone or an atmosphere that can be cohesive across all of those different departments for a singular vision that can be on the screen that's shared by everybody making the film. And that comes from inside, not from looking outwards. You look inside, tap into your mind's eye, and download from your third eye. That's the same process for a fully sighted filmmaker. My process is no different to Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, or any of the great filmmakers that we all admire. They do the same thing. They

ADAM MORSE FILM DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER, ACTOR, PRODUCER

Photo Credit: Julia Varvara

ADAM: (continued) close their eyes. They take images from their imagination and then they describe what they're seeing in their mind's eye to their collaborators so that they can pull that imagery from the shared vision that everybody's seeing and put it on the screen. For me, I'm a good communicator when it comes to being able to describe what it is I have in my mind or what I'm seeing in my mind's eye. And that does give me an advantage, where I feel that I've got an extra vivid imagination now from losing my sight. And obviously for the first 19 years of my life, I had perfect eyesight before I was diagnosed. So when it comes to being able to direct the camera on the day when we're on the set, it’s me being hands on with how I want to adjust something in real time while we're shooting. Whether it's the positioning of the camera, the choice of lens, swinging to a different lens, or directing the movement of the camera, it's real simple. I just have a very big monitor, and my face is like right there in it. So it's a pretty simple technique that I employ. It's just getting really close to a really big screen and then using the partial peripheral sight I have left that to be able to appreciate the image that's on my monitor. And when I say a really big monitor, I mean a really big monitor. We're talking a 60 inch television.

So, people laugh in Video Village. I tell the story about making ‘Lucid’, my first feature film of Billy Zane, and how he walked onto Video Village for the first day. He looked, and he saw my giant monitor I use, this flat screen 60 inch TV. And he goes, “What's with the IMAX?” He's never seen this big of a screen on set, and that guy's been on Titanic and all these big movies. It's not normal. Directors usually have like maybe a 20 inch monitor or some of them use handhelds. Some of them don't even use monitors a lot of the time. But yeah, for me, I have to get really close to a really big screen to use the partial peripheral site that I've got remaining to be able to in fluence the camerawork on the day. But having said that, the details are, of course, lost on me because of my loss of sight. But that's fine. It's not my job on the day to concern myself with those details. That's the job of every department that's looking at the details that I've already briefed them on, that we've spoken about at length during prep. And that's why I say that movies are made in prep. They're not made on set.

Movies are made in prep. You have a very strong vision that you can clearly get across to your entire team, and you finesse the plan of how you're going to go about creating that on the day. And so when it comes to the details, whether it's props in the background or the choreography of background actors and extras moving about in the frame, all these

ADAM MORSE FILM DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER, ACTOR, PRODUCER

Photo Credit: Julia Varvara

ADAM: (continued) details are already signed off in advance. Now there are always curve balls that are thrown at you by the universe, things that can not always go to plan on the day. There are things that you can't plan for, and that's fine because that's how you discover beautiful accidents. I think that's where the real magic of movie making is. It’s being presented with these things that you could never have planned, but then they happen and you get it on camera. You just go with it in that flow state of creating.

When there's something minor and miscellaneous like one of the actors might have some fluff on the shirt that might look a bit odd or whatever, that's not my job. I'm obviously never going to be able to see that small detail, but that's my costume designer who will pick that up. When they're doing checks in between takes, they’ll run over and they'll fix that. For any other kind of small detail like that in the frame, all the apartments are on hand doing their job. So, I put maybe extra responsibility on those departments, but I think they enjoy that because they get to take ownership of what they're in charge of anyway. Like I said, I think a director's job really is just to create an atmosphere on the screen and establish a tone and maintain that throughout the picture.

ALLIÉ: Well, I love how you speak to, whether you're sighted or not, it's closing your eyes that allows you to more clearly see your vision.

ADAM: Well, it's true. It's the same for all of us creators, artists, filmmakers, storytellers, whether it's a medium of film or any other medium. We're all downloading from our imagination. And of course, yeah, film is a visual medium. And so, you're especially looking into what you're seeing in terms of imagery from your third eye. What more people need to realize and understand about my process is that it's actually no different when you boil it down to any other directors. So that's why, like you rightly said, I'm a filmmaker who just happens to be registered blind, and that doesn't make my job any harder. It really doesn't make it any more difficult than any other director. I actually feel like it's given me an edge and some advantages.

ALLIÉ: As a trailblazer for differently-abled artists in the entertainment industry, what changes do you hope to see in the industry to create more inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities?

ADAM: I want to see more representation of people from my community. I mean it's an obvious thing to say, but it really is basic. I want to be able to have more inclusive representation in the workplace, in every workplace, but I think especially in cinema because I believe that cinema is a mirror of society… It's a re flection of who we are today in terms of the stories that we put on the screen and how we portray characters. If we're honest enough to to look around and address who is in the world with us, for this minority that I'm a part of – a differently-abled, disabled, blind artist, or however you want to refer and identify – it's clear to me that there's a lot of us out there. It's just a case of more of us having a voice, and the more representation there is on the screen and off the screen for people like myself, the more it's going to normalize and destigmatize disability. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of prejudice and discrimination out there in society towards people like myself. I think that intolerance just comes from a lack of education and a lack of awareness. I think awareness is a key really in helping people to understand. Like we were saying before, my process is no different to any other filmmaker, and the results can be just as outstanding. I think education is a big part of it… to help people become more aware now.

ALLIÉ: Yes! Right now… AwareNow. I quite agree. Let’s talk about directing. Your ability to direct talent is often attributed to your high sensitivity to people's energies. Can you elaborate on how this intuition informs your directorial approach, and how it contributes to the overall creative vision of your projects?

ADAM: I have a background as a performer myself. Before I was making films, before I went blind, I was an actor, I was a stage actor doing theater. I mean, school plays from the age of six or seven. It always made me very curious about the human condition, psychology and trying to understand other people's emotions, as well as my own, of course. When it comes to me today as a film director, trying to guide another performer in their process, I understand it. From firsthand experience, I'm able to communicate in a way to them that I think they appreciate. I'm not telling them how to do something or how to say something. I'm only communicating a feeling to them and describing that feeling, so they can feel it. And I walk away. Then they can embody that, and live in that moment. And then we roll and see something beautiful. We see somebody feeling something for real. For me, the second you see somebody ‘acting’, you want to cut and stop right there, because it can't just seem or look real enough, it's got to be something

ADAM MORSE FILM DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER, ACTOR, PRODUCER

Photo Credit: Julia Varvara

AwareNow Podcast SIGHT UNSEEN

Exclusive Interview with Adam Morse https://awarenow.us/podcast/sight-unseen

ADAM: (continued) that's actually real that the person is feeling. Through losing my sight, I definitely have become even more sensitive, and I was a sensitive guy anyway. So it's like the dial’s gone from 10 to 11. When you lose your sight, you do become more susceptible… to vibrational energy. Everything's intuition; everything's instinct. Everything is vibes and feeling because you're not making judgments on what you see, it's everything on what you feel. And so when I'm directing actors, I like to make sure that whatever it is, I want them to feel that I'm feeling it too. So, it's like an osmosis kind of effect where I might be describing this thing, but I'm feeling it myself as I'm saying it. And there's this beautiful symbiotic connection that I'm able to forge with people and the frequency that I tap into with them. It's shared. There's something quite spiritual about it. And it's beautiful.

ALLIÉ: In what ways do you believe the incorporation of diverse perspectives, including those of differently-abled individuals, enhances the storytelling potential of filmmaking?

ADAM: When you have people who are differently-able or disabled on the screen, it's a re flection of reality. And I think without that inclusive representation, you're not painting a real picture of how life is today out there in the world. You know, people call it ‘diversity’. Maybe it's more diverse than what we’ve seen until now, but for me, it's ‘accuracy’, not diversity. What we're doing is being more accurate to who is really out there in the world, on the streets, and in the homes of people around the planet. I think every household is connected somehow to the disabled community, whether it's somebody directly in their household or somebody that they know and have a connection with. To just pretend that doesn't exist in the world and to not portray that on the screen is inauthentic and inaccurate. So I think what we do by having more disabled representation on the screen or differently-able artists off camera working together, is only a better representation of authentic storytelling. And I think that's what we all strive for as filmmakers is to be authentic in the way that we tell stories.

ALLIÉ: Adam Morse is the world’s first award-winning blind filmmaker. What will your next first be? Please fill in the blank. “Adam Morse is the world’s first _____________.”

ADAM: Blind actor to play a blind superhero.

ALLIÉ: Yes!

ADAM: Let’s go with that.

ALLIÉ: Yes, let’s go with that. Marvel Studios, please pay attention. We’re talking to you. ∎

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PAUL S. ROGERS TRANSFORMATION EXPERT, AWARENESS HELLRAISER & PUBLIC SPEAKER

‘RELEASE

THE GENIE’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY PAUL S. ROGERS

AMBITION MEETS MISSION

THE PATHWAY TO PURPOSEFUL ACHIEVEMENT

Release The Genie Fact: The Genie once fought superman for a bet. The loser had to wear their underpants on top of their clothes.

In the tapestry of life, ambition and mission are like the warp and weft that weave together to create a meaningful existence. When these two forces converge, individuals embark on a transformative journey that not only propels personal growth, but also contributes to a greater collective good. This synergy can lead to finding purpose and a fulfilling life.

Ambition is the fire within. It is the innate desire to strive for more, to achieve one’s dreams and aspirations. It fuels the pursuit of excellence and propels individuals to set lofty goals. On the other hand, mission encompasses a deeper purpose. It is a calling or a cause that transcends personal ambition. A mission is driven by values, guided by a vision of positive change, and often seeks to make a meaningful impact on the world.

When ambition aligns with mission, it transforms into a force of purpose. Imagine an ambitious entrepreneur whose goal is not just financial success but also creating innovative solutions to address societal challenges. Or consider a passionate educator driven by a mission to empower underserved communities through education. When ambition and mission converge, individuals find themselves not only chasing personal success but also contributing to something larger than themselves.

The journey where ambition meets mission is laden with personal ful fillment. It’s about waking up each day with a sense of purpose, feeling driven by a mission that resonates with one’s values and beliefs. This alignment brings clarity and direction, infusing everyday actions with deeper meaning. Achievements are not just milestones, or items on a simple tick list; they are stepping stones towards a greater purpose. Some would say that’s what true happiness feels like: doing something that you love, that the world needs and that sets your soul on fire. This is the sweet spot which is known as finding your Ikigai.

Ambition combined with mission equips individuals with phenomenal resilience. It changes the way you see things. Challenges and setbacks become opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. When someone’s ambition is tied to a mission, the motivation to persevere is reinforced by a sense of duty towards the mission’s ful fillment. This resilience enables individuals to navigate uncertainties and setbacks with a renewed, unwavering determination. The success of the mission is the response to challenges.

Ambition aligned with mission has a ripple effect. It inspires others to join the cause, igniting a shared passion for positive change. Leaders who embody this synergy become catalysts for transformation, rallying communities and organizations towards common goals. The impact of such collective efforts transcends individual achievements, leaving a lasting legacy of progress and inspiration.

One of the remarkable aspects of ambition meeting mission is the harmonious balance between personal growth and the greater good. While striving towards individual goals, individuals also contribute to societal progress. This duality fosters a sense of responsibility and interconnectedness, reinforcing the idea that success is not measured solely by personal accolades and monetary value but by the positive impact that person leaves behind. Such impact and change reaches far beyond the initial goal or challenge.

AwareNow Podcast AMBITION MEETS AMBITION

Written and Narrated by Paul S. Rogers https://awarenow.us/podcast/ambition-meets-mission

For those seeking to cultivate this powerful synergy, nurturing ambition and embracing mission requires introspection and intentional action. A good start is to identify your own non negotiable core values and passions. Re flecting on how your own personal ambitions can be channeled towards a broader mission aligned with these values. Setting goals no longer seem a mundane feature. Doing it not only bene fits personal growth, but also contributes positively to the community.

Countless individuals and organizations exemplify the fusion of ambition and mission. Think of Jeff Bezos’s ambition to revolutionize the sales on the internet, starting initially with the sale of books. His mission, known as Amazon, is now one of the largest and most widely known Internet retailers in the world. It still sells books, but also practically everything else you can think of. Consider one of the stories you have seen or heard in Aware Now. You will see the footprint of ambition meeting mission to empower awareness and lasting change.

In the pursuit of a purpose-driven life, the intersection of ambition and mission is where magic happens. It’s about dreaming big while staying grounded in values. You can then aspire, not just for personal success, but for meaningful impact. Ambition is your fuel. And your mission is the road. ∎

PAUL S. ROGERS

Transformation Expert, Awareness Hellraiser & Public Speaker www.awarenessties.us/paul-rogers

PAUL S. ROGERS is a keynote public speaking coach, transformation expert, awareness hellraiser, life coach, Trauma TBI, CPTSD mentor, train crash and cancer survivor, public speaking coach, Podcast host “Release the Genie” & best-selling author. His journey has taken him from corporate leader to kitesurfer to teacher on a first nations reserve to today. Paul’s goal is to inspire others to find their true purpose and passion.

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NICOLE PEDRA MODEL, ACTRESS, MS AWARENESS ADVOCATE

Photo Credit: Snaps By Sullivan

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NICOLE PEDRA

BEYOND DIAGNOSIS

SURVIVING AND THRIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Nicole Pedra defies the limitations of multiple sclerosis (MS) while embracing an array of roles, from coach to model and actress. Despite her diagnosis at the tender age of 10, Nicole navigates the challenges of her condition with resilience and grace, offering insights into how she continues to pursue her passions in the entertainment industry. Through her experiences living with MS for 26 years, Nicole's journey unfolds as a testament to strength, resilience, and the unwavering determination to thrive despite the obstacles presented by chronic illness.

ALLIÉ: Let's start our conversation by talking about hats. As someone who wears multiple hats, a coach in addition to being a model and actress, how do you navigate the challenges of MS while pursuing your passions in the entertainment industry?

NICOLE: Basically, the industry is so up and down all the time. They say that if you're an actor, you're also asked, "Which restaurant do you bartend or waitress at?" So I've been in the acting role for a while now. When I audition, that's fine, or when I get something, but it's not always consistent, which can be overwhelming. If it were more regular

Photo Courtesy: Nicole Pedra

NICOLE PEDRA MODEL, ACTRESS, MS AWARENESS ADVOCATE

“When you have something to do, somehow magically, you summon up the energy to do it.”

NICOLE: (continued) do other things, and go where opportunities take me. So the real way I manage all my obligations and wearing so many hats is by being aware of what the next day entails. If I have a shoot that's going to be a six-hour day, I prepare myself accordingly. That might mean sleeping well, maybe skipping a workout if the shoot will be strenuous, like if it's on rocks or involves being in a bathing suit. I make sure I've taken my medication, gotten plenty of sleep, and I show up as my best self.

ALLIÉ: Yeah, I hear you. So it's all about preparation, right? Being proactive rather than reactive, I suppose.

NICOLE: Exactly. The amazing thing is, I'm sure everyone can relate to when you have something to do, somehow magically, you summon up the energy to do it. You just get it done. People get very surprised because I am high energy. When I'm doing something, I'm fully present, positive, and energetic. You wouldn't assume that because I have a chronic illness, but I can bring that to everything. Then I have to recharge later.

ALLIÉ: It's 'spoon allocation', right?

NICOLE: Exactly. Even when you're depleted, if you have something to do, somehow you're able to muster that extra energy to get through it. But no one sees afterwards when you're like, "I'm going to be dead in my bed for four days." Maybe just doing a little work on my computer. I manage it that way. When I'm really tired and not going to get the work done that I want to, that's when I spend time on emails, talking to my partnerships, and addressing everything that needs attention.

ALLIÉ: Multiple sclerosis can manifest at any age, but let's delve into this. It's most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. However, Nicole, you received your MS diagnosis at the age of 10. So, my question is, diagnosed at such a young age, could you take us back to that time? What was the most challenging aspect as a child?

NICOLE: The interesting thing I often discuss is that most people have had symptoms before diagnosis. They experience these strange symptoms for a while. For me, it was a significant onset. Basically, I got the flu during spring break, and it was severe, with constant vomiting. They had me on frozen Pedialyte popsicles to nourish my body. However, after a few days, it progressed into strange neurological issues. I kept returning to the pediatrician, and suddenly I experienced double vision, making it difficult to watch TV. Then I couldn't feed myself, followed by difficulty walking due to what I called a "jelly leg”, where it lacked control. The pediatrician realized this was beyond a normal flu and sent me to the hospital. Initially, they suspected a stroke or brain tumor because I also had Bell's palsy, causing numbness on one side of my face. Additionally, I experienced transverse paralysis, rendering the right side of my body and leg paralyzed. It was evident that something serious was happening. I responded well to steroids, allowing me to regain mobility and vision. However, I relapsed after two months, leading to hospitalization again. These severe flare-ups facilitated a quicker diagnosis. It's intriguing how different my disease's onset was compared to others.

ALLIÉ: To your point, typically, symptoms appear gradually, and it's only after diagnosis that you connect the dots. Each journey comprises a series of moments. I wonder if you could share a speci fic moment in your MS journey that altered your perspective on life and ultimately shaped who you are today. Was there such a moment?

PEDRA MODEL, ACTRESS, MS AWARENESS ADVOCATE

Photo Credit: Alex Ancheta

NICOLE

NICOLE: Yes, it was my lowest point. I refused to accept my diagnosis and didn't acknowledge any issues I faced. This led me to become controlling and almost manipulative, navigating situations to fit my narrative. Then someone made a remark that hit home, and I read a book that resonated deeply. It dawned on me that I was living in denial, pretending not to be sick, concealing a significant part of myself. I realized my true strength lay in accepting my MS as part of me. Hiding it was dishonest and prevented me from being my authentic self. During COVID, witnessing the Black Lives Matter movement and the need for representation, I realized the importance of visibility. As a child with MS, I lacked role models. But as an adult, I could be that role model for others. It wasn't a sudden realization, but as I matured, I embraced my condition not as a defining factor but as a source of strength.

ALLIÉ: Isn't it remarkable when you find strength within what others perceive as weakness? People often say their disability is their superpower. Until you walk that path, it's challenging to grasp.

NICOLE: Until you decide to embrace it, you don't realize its power. You possess that superpower, but if you’re not embracing it, you’re not being the superhero you are.

ALLIÉ: It's like stepping around your power instead of into it. When you step into it, your rock it like you're doing now. Your work, stories, and presence support many in the community.

NICOLE: You know, the crazy thing is, as much as I'm giving support to people, this has been the most rewarding thing for me. Like, like I said, I never knew anybody. I've never talked to people about my illness. Like I never, you know, I didn't talk to my friends' moms who had MS. Like I was in high school and elementary school. I wasn't going to be like, "Hey, are you dealing with this?” They weren't my peers, right? So, having people relate to me has been like overwhelming for me. As much as I know it's helping other people, it's been so amazing on my end.

ALLIÉ: Let's get to brass tacks here. With MS, just like with life, there are good days and bad days. In your 26 years of living with MS, let's talk about the bad days. How do you maintain? I guess I asked this question speci fically for those who have been newly diagnosed, who don't have the experience that you have. What advice do you have for managing the bad days?

NICOLE: Embrace the bad days. We just have to accept that we're gonna have bad days. I had a bad day yesterday, and bad days this week. And if we stay in a space where we're like, "Why am I having this bad day? I can't be having this, you're not doing anything…” Then we're just making it worse, right? We have to be like, "Okay, this is my bad day. I'm having a bad day. Let me accept it. If I need to rest, let me rest. If I feel guilty, I'm not getting stuff done," answer one email, do it while resting. Like, as long as you don't let your bad day ruin your spirit and your entire mentality, that's what's important, right? Accept that it's a bad day. Take the rest that you need. Don't feel bad. You are going to have bad days. Period. You can't avoid them. They're going to happen. So when you have a bad day, you're having a bad day, that's okay. Do what you need to so you don't have a bad day tomorrow. You know what, I still struggle. My husband's always like, "It's okay." Like yesterday, I was really depleted because I did a lot of way too much stuff consecutively. I had like three very jam-packed days. And he was just like, "Just take a rest day. Put on a movie, answer some emails, you know, just rest. It's okay." And I know it's hard to accept that when you first been diagnosed because you're used to doing so much. You're like, "I did this, why can't I do this?" And then you guilt yourself about it. But the reality is the sooner you can accept that this is how it's going to be and that you will have these bad days, the less they'll affect your life.

ALLIÉ: So, it's an internal struggle where you just have to manage expectations. And it's crazy, because it's so easy to give other people grace, but to give ourselves grace… that's a whole different story. It’s much more difficult.

NICOLE: I tell people to think about how you would talk to a friend. Seriously, think about what you would say to a friend. And also, having a tool… a toolkit, What can you get done on bad days, right? It’s knowing these are the things that I can do on bad days that will make me feel better if I actually do something. Maybe on bad days you do laundry. Right? It's like, “Oh, okay, at least I'm getting laundry done.” It’s just having things that you can do that will make you feel better within your limits.

ALLIÉ: That’s such great advice. Schedule your wins for the bad days. These are the wins that I can gain, right?

Photo Courtesy: Nicole Pedra

NICOLE PEDRA MODEL, ACTRESS, MS AWARENESS ADVOCATE

DIAGNOSIS

Exclusive Interview with Nicole Pedra https://awarenow.us/podcast/beyond-diagnosis

NICOLE: Because you still feel good when you accomplish one thing, right? So, what can I do that's going to make me feel better when I can do absolutely nothing?

ALLIÉ: I want to talk about a few more letters today because in addition to MS, you balance additional diagnoses. We're talking ADHD and PTSD. At this intersection, how do you maintain self-care while also managing life with your busy schedule?

NICOLE: It's like, is there really an answer to this? So I actually, I get very overstimulated and overwhelmed. So a lot of times I take 30-minute breaks. So I like to go into like a room by myself, maybe put my noise-canceling headphones on and read. I'll do that in the morning. Like just finding ways to ease into things more easily and learn, know yourself, right? Like I have ADHD and like my brain can be in a million places at once. My noise-canceling headphones actually really help with that, right? Sometimes when I'm learning lines, I do it standing up while pacing because my body's anxious. There's just certain tools that I've learned to incorporate, to manage all these different things. The PTSD, that's therapy helps. But I have a lot of issues sleeping because when I first, my onset of my disease which was obviously very frightening, my parents were out of the country. So I was in the hospital for the first time when my parents weren't there. So it was very scary. And afterwards I also had a spinal tap that went very badly in the emergency room. They didn't have any positioned correctly. So they had the needle in and they couldn't get any of the fluid out. And so like my mom was on top of me screaming, I was screaming, she had to lay on me physically because I was screaming so bad. And a doctor came in and was like, put a pillow between her legs, put a pillow between her legs. That was all very traumatizing. And I would wake up screaming at night because I would be scared that my parents weren't gonna be there, and I'd be sick. So sleeping has always been an issue for me. Once again, just calming down, reading at night, putting the phone away, things like that. Like understanding that my phone can make me anxious. So if I'm feeling anxious, let's not have the phone. In regardsto self-care, everyone's different. Some really like breathing techniques, but that doesn't necessarily work for me. Some people do better in sunlight. I like to lock myself in a dark room. Being in a space that's enclosed makes me feel like I have more control…. It’s hard with a disease that you don't have any control of.

ALLIÉ: For sure. Well, I love how you're saying it's just knowing yourself. And once you know yourself, you can then get to know the tools that work best for you.

NICOLE: And a lot of times people spend so much time fighting stuff instead of being aware of stuff. Let’s say we're looking in the mirror and you're just like thinking that like, oh my God, this shirt looks so gross and stuff. Being aware that you just had that thought, right? Be like, no, this shirt doesn't look gross. Maybe it's not the right color. Let me try something else. Like being aware of what we're thinking is like the first step because then you can like actually tell the truth of what it is. Right? Like if you're not aware of the fact that you're calling yourself lazy and your guilt-tripping yourself, then how are you going to fight that? ∎

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Photo Credit: Scott Sapp

‘NO NEED FOR SIGHT WHEN YOU HAVE VISION’ BY LEX GILLETTE

DON’T LOSE MOMENTUM

“After you lost your sight, did your other senses heighten?”

This is a question that I receive pretty often during post-presentation Q&A sessions. Now, do I believe my other senses have heightened? Yes, I do. However, I believe those senses have improved significantly because I have to rely on them more.

I have to lean on my hearing more. When I’m walking in the community, I must listen for oncoming cars so that I know when it’s safe to cross the street. When I’m on the long jump runway, I have to hone in on Wesley’s voice so I know where to run and jump from.

If I’m walking in downtown San Diego, there are certain aromas that fill the air. Those smells assist in me finding a specific restaurant.

I use a white cane - a very useful mobility tool. It helps me understand where I am in space. Different environments contain very specific physical characteristics that differentiate it from another space.

My cane may scan across a cobble stone sidewalk and that very distinct feeling informs me that I’m at a specific point in my journey. If my cane touches a post or fire hydrant, I know to take one or two more steps forward and then I can make a righthand turn to continue down the path toward my destination.

It’s not uncommon for people to question what I can and cannot see. That’s largely because I leverage my sense of hearing, sense of smell, and sense of feeling to the point that I’m able to create an image of an area in my mind. This image is so vivid that it almost feels as though I can clearly visualize what’s going on around me. This gives me the ability to move freely and confidently - I’m able to move with great poise and control which causes people to question how much sight I actually do have.

Okay, the joke is over. I’ve been able to see this whole time. It was all a hoax.

Just kidding!

Back to the question. Have other senses heightened given my lack of sight? The short answer is yes.

I recently presented at a company event and as I sat at the front of the room for our Q&A session, I received the question.

I answered it. And then…the thought came to me.

I asked this particular group of leaders, “Why does it seem as though we must lose something in order for another thing to heighten?”

Sure, glaring lessons reveal themselves in losing efforts and moments of defeat, but I don’t believe that we absolutely have to lose something in order to gain.

Winning often acts as a smoke screen. When we win, nothing else seems to matter - all else is forgotten. The reality is as we win and continue to win, we still must acknowledge areas for improvement. Don’t allow winning to distract from the time that should be spent identifying areas for continued growth, development, and understanding.

“I

don’t believe that you must lose your sight in order for your other senses to heighten.”

In my book, ‘No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision’, I share how I had to learn my neighborhood in a different way once I had ‘lost' my eyesight. I learned to feel the textures of the ground under my feet which helped me understand where I was and where to navigate. I learned to leverage my hearing more. I even took the reader inside of my home where I used to throw a tennis ball against the wall, listen to it bounce on the floor back to me, and eventually, I learned to stick out my baseball glove at the right time to catch the ball. Leveraging our other senses helps us see and achieve even more.

You might have sight yourself. How much more could you level up if improved your other senses - your hearing, your sense of feeling and proprioception and your sense of smell?

You can elevate these areas, all while leaning on your eyesight too! I don’t believe that you must lose your sight in order for your other senses to heighten. Most of the world primarily focuses on what their eyes see, which can ultimately cause a person to forget about the power that can be harnessed when they lean into other areas of their being.

I really want to encourage you to shift your mindset to believe that it doesn’t necessarily take a loss to improve other aspects of life. We can win, win, and keep winning. We can soar to new heights and continue soaring to new heights. Always think 'forward progress’, stepping ahead, wins over losses.

When you win, take the time to enjoy it, but remember to find those areas that can be improved, enhanced, and heightened. Don’t lose momentum. ∎

Follow Lex on Instagram: @lexgillette

Get his book, ‘No Need For Sight When You Have A Vision’: awarenow.us/book/no-need-for-sight-when-you-have-a-vision

GILLETTE x Paralympic Medalist, 4x World Champion & Keynote Speaker www.awarenessties.us/lex-gillette

LEX GILLETTE has quickly become one of the most sought after keynote speakers on the market. Losing his sight at the age of eight was painful to say the least, but life happens. Things don’t always go your way. You can either stay stuck in frustration because the old way doesn’t work anymore, or you can create a new vision for your life, even if you can’t see how it will happen just yet. His sight was lost, but Lex acquired a renewed vision, a vision that has seen him become the best totally blind long and triple jumper Team USA has ever witnessed. www.IamAwareNow.com

My case, unfortunately, is not unique.

LISA BOWMAN AUTHOR, SPEAKER, GENDER EQUALITY ADVOCATE & C-SUITE MARKETING PROFESSIONAL

Photo Courtesy: Lisa Bowman

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LISA BOWMAN

BREAKING THE SILENCE

NAVIGATING WORKPLACE HARASSMENT, LEGAL BATTLES & BEYOND

Since our last conversation in 2022, Lisa Bowman has been navigating the aftermath of workplace harassment, culminating in her book ‘Harasshole’. Reflecting on her journey, Lisa sheds light on the legal process involved in seeking justice against employers. Finally obtaining the right to sue after four years, Lisa shares her experiences and offers advice to those facing similar challenges, while contemplating her message to her former employer.

ALLIÉ: It's been a minute since we spoke last. In fact, the last time we talked about your story was two years ago in 2022. So let's start out by refreshing everyone. For those who don't know your story, what happened?

LISA: In 2020, just before the world tilted sideways, I lost the job that I absolutely loved, my dream job. Not because I wasn't doing a good job, not because of the pandemic, but because I had followed the policy and done what I was supposed to. I reported sexual harassment. And as a result of doing that, my job was taken from me.

ALLIÉ: After we talked, Lisa, you wrote a book, 'Harasshole'. Why did you write it? And what was that process like?

I just started writing and couldn’t stop.

LISA BOWMAN AUTHOR, SPEAKER, GENDER EQUALITY ADVOCATE & C-SUITE MARKETING PROFESSIONAL

“I lost the job that I absolutely loved… because I had followed the policy and done what I was supposed to. I reported sexual harassment.”

LISA: I wrote the book in 2021. It was published in 2022. But the funny story is that I had a publisher come to me. They had seen a lot of the media surrounding the case. My case did become very public because of who I worked for. I worked for the world's largest nonprofit at the time, United Way Worldwide. And while this type of thing happens every day, I think by and large, people don't expect it to happen at a nonprofit. And so because of the visibility of who I worked for, my case got a lot of publicity. A publisher called me asking me if I might want to write a book about it, which I had never really thought about and hadn't planned to do. And initially, I kind of sent them packing. I said, “Listen, I don't think I want to write a book. It's really painful and emotional and raw. And I don't think I want all of that pouring forward and having to go through that.”

But a few weeks after the initial call, I woke up one morning, grabbed my cup of coffee and went out onto the patio. And for whatever reason, I just started writing and couldn't stop. And that day, it was a Monday, I wrote 5,000 words. By Thursday of that week, I had written 15,000 words. And I called the publisher back and said, “Hey, I still don't know if I want to do a book, but I've written something. And I'd like you to look at it. Tell me if this is even what you were potentially thinking of.” And they came back and said, “Yes, this is exactly what we were thinking of. If you're so inclined, please keep going.” And so I kept writing.

In July, I actually agreed to do the book, and I finished it in September. So, I wrote it essentially in four months. And, you know, it really was very therapeutic. I think this had been going on for a year and a half at that point, and we'd all been through the pandemic and were candidly still in it during the summer of 2021, right, we hadn't fully come out. And so I think that the process of being able to get this out, to document it, to use that as learning for anyone else who might be in this situation… At the end of the day, that was really why I decided to go forward and write this because I know that this happens to people every single day. My case, unfortunately, is not unique. And I wanted to share the learnings that I had had with others to hopefully help them navigate, should they find themselves in the same situation that I was in. So the book came out in March of 2022.

I didn't realize how much went into writing a book. It's not just writing it. But it's all of the stuff of filing with the Library of Congress the ISBN number, designing the cover, and all of the stuff you never think about that has to happen. I am proud to say that I actually did design the cover. I did title the book. I'm a marketer by background. And so, as we were navigating through titles, I used LinkedIn pretty extensively to do polls and try and get some directional research on which titles might be resonating with people. And at the end of the day, as a marketer, I know that sometimes you have to do the unexpected. And so I will tell you that when I brought forward this title, I think my publisher was a little surprised. It was different than what we'd been looking at. But as I told them, people will love it, people will hate it, but they will talk about it. And so you're trying to market a product you want people to talk about.

ALLIÉ: Let's switch gears a bit and get legal with things. What does the legal process look like when things like this happen? Can you just go and sue an employer? Walk me through this. What does it look like?

“I can tell you that the legal process is broken. It is absolutely broken.”

LISA: You definitely cannot just go and sue an employer. And four years later, I can tell you that the legal process is broken. It is absolutely broken.

So, with the exception of three states, you cannot sue an employer without first filing a charge with a government agency known as EEOC, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. That is the organization that deals with sort of those toxic workplace issues and violations. In my case, because this falls broadly under gender discrimination, which is where sexual harassment and subsequently the retaliation that I faced roll up under, that's a violation of what's known as Title VII.

Title VII is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And so it's very descriptive on what can and can't happen in the workplace. But when you have a Title VII violation, that gets assigned to the EEOC. So, what should happen is that you file charges, the employer has 60 days to submit what's called a position statement, essentially their version of or their response to your charges. The EEOC will then go through a process and determine whether or not you get the right to sue. And so in my case, this process took four years, which is unfathomable. I had to sit and wait for four years. My case was transferred three times.

Every time my case got transferred, it went to a new investigator who started over from scratch, which meant I continued to incur legal bills while I was unemployed. And then I had to relive the trauma of going through detailing to these investigators what had happened over and over and over and resurfacing all of the trauma that I was experiencing each time. And as I went through the process, each time an investigator would get close to a final decision, something would happen and my case would get bounced to somebody else.

It was honestly the most frustrating thing, but finally, just a few months ago, on March 7 of this year, I was finally awarded the right to sue my former employer. If you don't receive that right to sue, you can't sue. I do detail a lot of this in the book about what that process looks like and how, in theory, when it's working correctly, it should work. In my case, it was excessively long.

ALLIÉ: It blows my mind.. It’s been two years since we last talked about this… and four years since you finally received this right to sue. So, what happens now?

LISA: Once you get the right to sue, you have 60 days to file a lawsuit against the employer. And I did file a lawsuit on April 24th. We filed a very significant lawsuit. The lawsuit is available publicly for anybody who wants to read it. They can see what I endured. It’s there in the filing. My anticipation is that we will be entering litigation with a jury trial. And I fully believe that if the system works the way it's supposed to, which I remain hopeful, if this is a jury of my peers, in theory, that jury should be at least half females that have worked in a work environment. And I would say that it's going to be challenging to find a woman that has been in a workplace that has not been subjected to, experienced, or witnessed some type of inappropriate behavior. And to the men on the jury… I would encourage them to think about if this happened to your wife, your daughter, or your sister in the workplace. How would you feel about this?

ALLIÉ: With the fact that you've stayed as strong as you have and you continue to endure that strength alongside the trauma that continues to resurface, what would you say to anyone who's in a situation similar to yours? What advice do you have for them?

Podcast

BREAKING THE SILENCE

Exclusive Interview with Lisa Bowman https://awarenow.us/podcast/breaking-the-silence

LISA: While the process is ugly, if people don't do anything, if they walk away from their jobs, if they allow the employer to take their jobs like mine did… The longer that we allow this to persist, and we don't push back on it, we don't see it through. If we don't use the full extent of the law to try and push for accountability when there's wrongdoing in the workplace, the longer this behavior will continue to go on. And I fully believe that each of us have a responsibility. As a female leader, I initially spoke up because this was happening to women on my team. When they brought it to me, I didn't doubt them at all, because I'd been dealing with it for 15 months. And so if I had just looked the other way, if I hadn't followed our policy, which candidly would have been the path of least resistance… If I hadn't done what I did, I wouldn't have been fulfilling my obligation as a manager, as a female in the workplace as a leader, and quite frankly, as a human. And I need to look at myself in the mirror every single day. But the behavior that I endured was untenable and illegal. And why? Why would I turn a blind eye to that, and allow other people to be exposed to that, and experience that in the future, because I chose to stay silent? To me, silence equals complicity. And that would have been so wrong. And so circling back, if you're in this situation, if you see this, we have an obligation to stop this by speaking up by supporting each other, and by making sure that there's visibility of the people that are perpetuating and allowing this to happen. Because if we don't, it's just going to continue to happen. So, see something, say something. And I know that's a tough thing to do. 75% of the people that report harassment in the workplace, subsequently suffer retaliation, often including the loss at their job. 75%. That number needs to change. Our culture need to change. The workplace needs to change.

ALLIÉ: One last question for you today, Lisa. If there was one thing you could say to your former employer, just one thing, what would that be?

LISA: Oh, there's so many things I'd like to say, but I'll stick to the one that is appropriate. They should have addressed the problem. And none of this would have happened. I am not the problem. There has been a change in leadership at my former organization. The three people that were complicit in retaliating against me were all allowed to move on with severance packages, very generous severance packages as well. The CEO who was allowed to resign by the board got a nearly $5 million payout, which is visible on the public filings for the organization. My harasser and the HR person also showed that they were given generous severance packages. Those were the only three people that were let go, which to me is quite incriminating on the part of the organization. So, what I would say is that, number one, just do the right thing. It's not that difficult. And number two, to the new leadership of the organization, what I would say is that I am hopeful that as we move forward, they choose to address this in a different manner than their predecessors who didn't take any responsibility for their actions. I truly want to envision a future for all of us where this behavior is no longer occurring. And I think that under new leadership, United Way has an interesting opportunity here to position themselves as making a difference in this space. And I would hope that they do that. ∎

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THI NGUYEN NONPROFIT CONSULTANT, ENTREPRENEUR & PHILANTHROPIST

Photo Courtesy: Thi Nguyen

‘GO GREEN DRESS’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY THI NGUYEN

ENVISION A BRIGHTER FUTURE ON THE HORIZON

A little poem to all those who are struggling or continue to struggle while finding their place in this big world. Here is a little reminder that you are not alone.

As far back as I can remember, I dreamt of a brighter future, A life filled with warmth and laughter, And loved ones gathered with one another.

In the womb, protected by mother’s being. Waiting patiently for one day to be seen. Somersaults, and gymnastics around the clock, Naps, growth, and feeding through the placenta lock.

The world finally came into full HD view. With ocean breeze, and a sibling or two. A simple life in central Vietnam, And for a time, it was just me and mom.

Through the aftermath of the Vietnam War, We left all behind, and headed towards the shore, Only carrying what we can on our backs. In the dark of the night, heading towards the sea track,

A dangerous journey to unite our family, Dodging, what could have been a tragedy, Crossing the ocean, in hopes of freedom, To reach the land where refugees come.

Through this trek, we arrived completely bare, No money, no food, barely clothes to wear, The language barrier, was extremely tough, Our living conditions were very rough.

As kids we played hopscotch, jump rope, and in the dirt, There were definitely many holes in all our shirts, Before thrifting, was a fashion trend, We'd get free clothes from neighbors, the community, and friends.

Photo Courtesy: Thi Nguyen

Times were difficult but we were happy, Our family united, although a little scrappy. Under one roof shared three families together, The most important thing is we had each other.

Still, we dreamt of a brighter future. And worked our way up, through our teacher, Focusing on our studies and getting the A's, We felt this was truly the only way.

Working multiple jobs through out our life, Mother stayed in and was the housewife. We collected cans, papers and cardboard to sale, And even picked strawberries at the farms, as well.

As our family grew, we made our way south. Working hard to feed the additional mouths. The kids were taught to help at home, No TV, no toys and definitely no phone.

We grew up in a humble beginning. And felt this new freedom was a big win. Surrounded by various cultures and opportunities, Living close to our relatives and their families.

Through ambition we came out of poverty, With all siblings graduating from a university. The future we dreamt is finally here, The life that we want is drawing near.

But life always throws its twists and turns, Once happy, you get a little burned. The lost of a parent, or home or things, Makes you question what else life can bring.

Your health may deteriorate, your mind a mess, Your work in shambles causes more stress. Your love life is non existence, The family you love grows in distance.

One day as you sit and ponder away. Your mind drifts off to a brighter day. Revisiting the memories you once made, And all the wonderful things that were said.

Photo Courtesy: Thi Nguyen

You remember the first trip you ever took, The pictures you stored away in the vacation book. The outfit you purchased with your first paycheck, The time you stood watching fireworks on the deck.

You remember the moment you felt the warm embrace, After crossing the finish line in a race. The night you danced from dusk till dawn, The many prizes that you've won.

You remember the laughter that echoed the halls, The moment you witness your first waterfall. And when you reached the highest peak, No words were needed, nothing to speak.

You remember the moment, love bumped into you, Speechless, motionless you didn't know what to do. All the warm, and fuzzy feelings, Made you feel overjoyed, beyond the ceiling.

But most importantly, You remember the learnings. With each ending, Is a new beginning.

With each pause, is a moment inward, To discover how to heal, after being hurt. You remember to take a moment to reflect. And contemplate when you're ready to take the next step.

Imagine and visualize, Your future, your prize. Continue to learn and discover, What's important and what can't be bothered.

Shut out the noise and negativity. Remove the toxicity, Bring in what is right, Keep shining the bright light.

Remember you are strong. And you're never alone. Remember you are loved, Around you if not from above.

Photo Courtesy: Thi Nguyen

Give yourself the grace. Give yourself a warm embrace. Only when you work on you, Can you continue to do all that you want to do.

Wishing you love, light, and happiness.

As you continue to discover, a journey to bliss. May your manifestation ring through, And you reach the goal you set out for you. ∎

Among many things, May is Mental Health Awareness month and Asian American and Paci fic Islander Heritage month. I hope by sharing a little bit of my journey it can help shed some light, some hope, and some love your way. Continue to Envision your future and know it will manifest when you least expect it.

Spreading all the light, love, and good in this world in your direction. Please follow me on Instagram @GoGreenDress for more writings, readings and travel adventures. I would love to connect and collaborate so please don't be shy to reach out.

THI NGUYEN

Nonprofit Consultant, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist www.awarenessties.us/thi

THI NGUYEN brings with her over 2 decades of non profit experience as a participant, advisor, board member, consultant, volunteer and research and development specialist. Her expertise combining technology to further advance the vision and mission for philanthropic causes has allowed her to serve as a trusted partner with many notable organizations large and small. Thi has experience working with organizations focusing on combating various global issues such as: human sex trafficking, homelessness, poverty, fair wages, global warming, malnutrition, gender equality, humanitarian assistance and human rights. She's currently developing an app to connect individuals and corporations to assist nonprofits in furthering their vision and mission.

Don’t quit giving up on getting

LEYNA DANELLE

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS ADVOCATE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LEYNA DANELLE

DANCING THROUGH DARKNESS

SURVIVAL IN THE SHADOWS OF TRAFFICKING

TRIGGER WARNING: This This interview contains content about human trafficking and sexual assault.

Leyna Danelle’s journey through the intricate web of sex trafficking unveils a stark reality often concealed by stereotypes. From the unexpected faces of traffickers to the multifaceted personas of sex workers, Leyna’s narrative challenges preconceptions. As she shares her experiences of loss, resilience, and eventual emancipation, Leyna offers invaluable insights for those seeking liberation from the entrapment of the industry and to those being lured in.

ALLIÉ: You’ve seen life through a number of lenses, Leyna. When it comes to sex traf ficking, help us see. What does a sex trafficker look like?

LEYNA: I love this question. For me, in the world that I existed in, my trafficker looked like all the things that I wanted to be. She looked successful. She was beautiful. She was kind… and she looked like family. She was so welcoming. She was so inviting. She made me feel really special. and like I mattered. She had money. She had power. She had all of this empowering woman stuff that I didn't have in my life. She embodied that. And I watched that pattern over the years with other girls coming in the door. I felt like it was such a strategic move, you know, to have a woman there. To have a woman there embracing women. This powerful, beautiful woman who herself had been through what I was about to go through. So, she could empathize. She looked like family… I think it's the best way to put it. She looked

I started as a dancer… I was roped in when I was in high school. I hadn’t even graduated yet.

LEYNA DANELLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS ADVOCATE

“When we went out in our community, we didn’t want to be seen, and we didn’t want to be known.”

LEYNA: (continued) about to go through. So, she could empathize. She looked like family… I think it's the best way to put it. She looked like a welcoming family.

ALLIÉ: And ‘family’ is just the opposite of what most people would imagine a sex traf ficker would look like. If you wouldn’t mind, help us see more, Leyna. What does a sex worker look like?

LEYNA: So I think one of the things that I always chuckle at when I hear people talk is when they say, “Oh, she looks like a stripper.” Right? I see that when somebody goes out to a bar, they see a woman who has on six inch stilettos and a mini dress. People's mind immediately goes to stripper, porn star, or sex worker. And with the reality that I existed in, we were moms. When we went out in our community, we didn't want to be seen, and we didn't want to be known. So I'm wearing sweatpants and a tank top… There's nothing about me that stands out, right? Because I don't want people to know what's going on. I don't want my child's daycare to find out. I don't want my kids to be treated differently because of what I do.

Now, when I go to another community, when I go out to a bar, there's this duality, right? Because now every interaction that I have becomes an opportunity. I become a walking advertisement for what I'm doing because I'm trying to get people in the door. If a man hits on me, I want to lure him into the club to spend money. So, I think there's a lot of duality in the industry.

When you're operating as yourself, you don't want people to know because it's just not accepted by society, right? It's not something that you're going to announce at the family Christmas party. So, you're covering. You're hiding. There's the ‘you’ that people see. And then there's the persona when you need to turn it on. And I watched that happen with everybody that I worked with. I knew very few women that went out with shirts that advertised the club that we worked at, Playboy stuff, or anything like that, because you don't want to draw that attention to yourself. And I think that's why it gets overlooked. We have this idea in our head ever since the movie Pretty Woman came out that prostitutes are walking around in fishnets and blue spandex dresses. But the reality is they're in your grocery stores. They're walking amongst you. You see them when you're driving down a street on a city road, but you just don't realize what you're looking at, because you don't see how they're operating.

ALLIÉ: Let’s talk ‘family’ for a moment, Leyna. In seeking a sense of family, you found yourself in traffick… Human trafficking, labor trafficking, sex trafficking… You didn’t mean to sign up for what you did. Please share the story of how you became trafficked.

LEYNA: I started as a dancer… I was roped in when I was in high school. I hadn't even graduated yet. I was technically still a minor, and the woman that helped me with my paperwork said they were going to overlook it, because you have to have things like your Social Security card on file and all of this… So, I started dancing. They helped me with transportation to the club. I was still attending high school, so I was living this double life. I would have to go to the strip club and work at night, and then I would go to class during the day because I really had set a goal for myself to graduate high school. I didn't want the club to derail my plans. When I graduated, it was like a big celebration, you know, and I started to get opportunities to go to the other clubs that weren't as lenient as the one that I was working at. So I went to a strip club in Lansing, and I was dancing there.

The very first experience that I had was with a man who came in, and I didn't know who he was. Everybody else in the club knew who he was. The managers were all friends with him. He was super prominent; I believe he was one of the

‘BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER’ Artwork by: Leyna Danelle

“I’m property… I’m property, and I’m just gonna play by the rules because I need this job.”

LEYNA: (continued) owners of the establishment that I worked at. And so he requested me and another girl go into the VIP room with him. And I'm really young, like 18 at this time. And I just know that I'm not supposed to upset this guy, because if I do, I run the risk of being fired from my job. So, he requested us, and another dancer took me in the room where my manager was walking out. He just went in and turned the cameras. And that didn't strike me as odd, really. I didn't think about why this is being done. I just thought he probably wants his privacy. He's probably married. And I just remember that as soon as that door was shut, it was almost immediate that the girl that I was with… There was no conversation about it. She just started performing sex acts. And I remember her just grabbing me and being like, “Come on, come on.” And having survived sexual abuse, it's like I just froze… Instinctively, I froze. And I was like, “Okay…” And, and it just took off, you know. And there was no conversation afterwards, like, “Oh, sorry, you had to do that.” And it's like, who am I gonna talk to? My manager just went in to turn the cameras. So, he knows what just happened. I can't go complain to him. And this girl, I don't even know her. That's a common thing. Somebody pulls you into a room with another girl because a customer requested it. And I didn't even process it. I was too stunned.

Very quickly, this man would come in frequently. And I realized, “Oh, I'm in this.” And that's when I started being invited to other clubs and other things started happening... Seeing the role of management, having them setting up these arrangements for you. Who do I turn to? My boss is perpetuating this behavior. And I just kind of sunk into it… It was just like, “I'm property… I'm property, and I'm just gonna play by the rules because I need this job.” I thought I needed that job. So yeah, I just kind of fell into it really.

ALLIÉ: Once you got to where you were, Leyna, things changed. Next, ‘the trafficked’ (i.e. you) became ‘the trafficker’. When we spoke, you shared that you needed to fill seats in front of and behind the curtain. Whether it was seats in the dressing room with girls or seats in the club with guys, you needed to fill them to earn your way out. What was it like playing both sides?

LEYNA: I think at the time I was so, so disconnected, right? I'm so disassociated from myself. I'm living two polar opposite lives. And I learned very, very quickly… I had brought a roommate with me to dance one night. She made a lot of money. The manager loved her. And I immediately picked up on the game that was being played. I bring a girl in here. She makes money for the club. I get treated better, you know? I'm not getting screamed at. I’m not getting yelled at by my boss, and not being as disrespected as I normally am. I’m being heard. I get opportunities, like they're so trivial, but I get to leave early when I want to. And they're allowing me more freedoms and to have my own identity there. There were opportunities to become a manager and all these different things that they present you with. And so I learned very quickly. I learned how to play the game.

I watched the system. And I'm like, if I can get girls in here… We would go out and do these recruiting things with free passes. We would get all dolled up, we would get sent out to bars, to football games, sporting events, wrestling, like all types of things where they put you in these situations. So, I'm either bringing back a man who's gonna spend a lot of money, in the hopes that my managers are going to continue to give me these opportunities, or I'm going to bring in a girl. And being somebody who wasn't overtly beautiful when I was younger… I wasn't like somebody that people would say, “Oh, wow, you're so special.” But I learned that it worked to make somebody feel special. So I would look at the bars, for not the girl that was drawing the most attention to herself, but the one who was quiet, the one who kind of stood off in the distance. I would focus on her. That's the one that I know I can make feel special. I can get her to come in and do amateur night. And if I can get her in there, I can take her under my wing. She's going to be my little protege. She's going to make money for the club, until I find her disposable. And then I don't care what happens to her because I did my job and now I'm going to go out and I'm going to look for another one. Because I want out.

LEYNA DANELLE

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS ADVOCATE

Photo Credit: Richard Clements

“I wish that I had said something to somebody who would have listened.”

LEYNA: (continued) I want out… not out of the building, but I want out of the gruntwork, right? I want the opportunities for management. I want to feel valued. I want the modeling contracts. I want the opportunities to stop having to do what I'm doing on this couch for $20 a pop. I want the bigger experience because in that world, that's what you value. You know, I didn't think about it at the time. And that's really sad to say. I thought I was being kind to them, you know, teaching them how to do their hair, teaching them how to make money, teaching them how to upcharge a customer or listening when they have a bad night… But at the same time, I'm watching them walk into these rooms with customers that I know what they're asking for. And I'm not stopping. I'm not warning them because in my head I'm thinking I'm making her tougher. She's going to have to go through what I went through and she's either going to have thick enough skin to get through it or she's not meant for this place. And then she's disposable to me. I don't care. I think it was the duality that I just… I didn't think about it. And that's so sad. You don't realize the damage that you're doing. I think I'm helping her by giving her drugs because she's had a rough night. I don't realize that I'm feeding this beast of addiction that's about to rear its ugly head.

In your own way, you think that you're helping, and you think that you're empowering them. But standing back now, looking at it, you're part of the catalyst of destruction that is to come. So I think that's why I work so hard now to be so transparent, even when it humiliates me, even when it doesn't put me in the best light, because there is a system. There is a system in these places. It's based on how they get you in, how they get you to stay, and how they get you to go from waitress to dancer… It's all systemic, and that's what I'm here to expose.

ALLIÉ: After all the trauma you endured and all the hell you went through, what finally made you say ‘enough’? What happened that made you stand up and speak out?

LEYNA: At the age of 19, one of the people that I had been trafficked to was a porn star, and a very, very well known one… probably one of the biggest ones to this day. And it traumatized me in such a different way, because he assaulted both my friend and me. We had been brought to another state, we were put in a hotel room, we had a driver… We were completely at the mercy of the club. And I remember him being brought into our room and dropped off… and all of the things that we had to do to protect ourselves from rape. And that's just mind boggling… still allowing a sexual assault up to a point, right, because I don't want to upset him or he's going to go back to my boss. That was a really big breaking moment for me. It was like a catalyst of the addictions and throwing away the hope that I had.

Many years later, somebody had sent me an article and said, “Did you see this? Did you see he got arrested?” Because we had tried to tell people throughout the years, and it was just kind of like, “Yeah, that's just how he is.” He was noticed in lawsuits for rape outside the court. And it was just so frustrating and rough. Because we're industry girls, we don't matter. But I remember reading about him assaulting a 15-year-old, and I just… I felt so broken. I felt so responsible to an extent. I wish that I had said something to somebody who would have listened. I should have kept saying something. And my daughter… I just remember in that article, they were asking if you had any information or if you've been a victim. My daughter had said, “Mom, tell them. Tell them what happened to you.”

I was so used to not being cared about or believed because of what I had done for a living. It was like, “You brought that on yourself.” I didn't bring that on myself. I didn't. There was nothing I did that night that invited that man into my room. And I knew if I didn't speak out, how could I look at my daughter and tell her to stand up against evil. So, I called the LAPD. I shared my story. And it was almost a parallel of the over 70 other women that had reported him within 24 hours of that article being released. I knew we were on to something. I got on the internet and started sharing… I was so afraid about what the industry was going to do. Was I going to be sued? Were the girls that I worked with going to hate me? I was so afraid that everybody was going to lash out at me. Some people did… People that didn't even know me accused us of just wanting money. But what I wanted was to see him go to prison for what he had been

‘THE WAY OF DEPRESSION’

Artwork by: Leyna Danelle

“The door is open, right? And you can walk out at any time, but walk out to what? Walk out to where? Walk out into a world that doesn’t want you there?”

LEYNA: (continued) getting away with, for what he had done to me, and for what he had done to my friend in the room that night. I wanted to see him brought down. And in doing that, so many women that I worked with came forward and spoke up. And I was just like, “I'm going to keep speaking, because they're not ready to. And I'm already here. I'm going to keep going forward.” And they were so supportive like, “Tell everybody, girl! Tell everybody what's going on, because I can't. So, you tell it for us.” And I just thought that was incredible. That's why I'm here now.

ALLIÉ: When it comes to the ‘what’ of all this, perhaps it’s best to start with the ‘why’ of it? Why not get out? Why not leave the industry and the trafficking that comes with it? Why get into it in the industry in the first place? Please share how it’s not just leaving a building, but losing so much more.

LEYNA: I think loyalty… that’s the best word to describe that, right? I grew up in the club. I mean, I went from being a high schooler to being 30 or 31. I'm here all the time. And I had celebrated every holiday there. I witnessed my friends’ kids births… You're so ingrained in this life and in this culture that you don't really have, in my experience, many outside friends. I didn't have friends from the outside world, not only because I didn't want them looking in, but you can't have these conversations about what takes place at the job. You can't laugh about the trauma that you're going through to try to make light of it in front of regular people, right? They just don't understand that.

I felt like I owed everything to the industry, even though these bosses, not all of the bosses but many of them that I encountered, are verbally abusive, just like mental abuse… And you're having a third of your check taken. Some clubs are holding your ID and your Social Security card, and it is full on traf ficking. It’s labor trafficking with some of the stuff that is taking place within these walls. But I feel like by leaving, I'm abandoning everything that I know. And I can't go out into the world because the world doesn't accept me. I had tried to get jobs and felt just so shut down and so defeated because as soon as you try to be transparent and say that you’re trying to get out of dancing, they just wouldn't… They wouldn't even consider you. So again, I go back into this hole. And in my experiences, I've tried to get out. I've tried to speak about it. I had tried to speak to my partner and say, “I don't want to do this anymore. I hate my life. I feel like they want to die.” And I remember him telling me, “If all you have to do is just dance on somebody for $1,200 a night, I don't see the big deal.” So I don't have support in any direction that I go, you know? And when you leave, you're not just leaving a building. The door is open, right? And you can walk out at any time, but walk out to what? Walk out to where? Walk out into a world that doesn't want you there? Walk out into friendships where women give you the side eye because they're concerned about you hitting on their husband. Walk out into a family that's embarrassed… I didn't have the support system outside of the support system there (at the club). And so the idea of leaving everything behind was terrifying. It was knowing that if I leave everything behind, the club itself can shut the doors. And when that happens, there's no backup plan. There's no other place that I can go that's just safe, right, in my mind where I'm not safe but I think I'm safe. I'm in the illusion that I'm safe because I work for a corporation, and leaving that world behind is terrifying. I often compare it to domestic violence… When you leave you lose everything. You fall further into addiction, depression, and anxiety. You have no one, and you're wearing this giant scarlet letter on you wherever you go. The world is defining you by that and shutting doors in your face. So, why try why leave?

I think it’s important for people to hear these girls are not there because they love sex or they love being sexy… They're there because they're part of a cycle. They're part of a system. They have children. They have families to support, and they don't know anything else. So, you can't just pull them out and throw them into the world. They don't know how to manage money. They are coming out with drug addictions, alcohol addictions, and domestic violence. And they're coming out to a world that is not sitting there with open arms, right? So, they think it's safer to stay, but it's not. That's the truth. It's not safer. That's the illusion… because one day you'll get too old, they'll throw you out, and that's it. You're done. It doesn't matter if you've given your whole life to them. You think you're special, but you're disposable too.

LEYNA DANELLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS ADVOCATE

AwareNow Podcast

DANCING THROUGH DARKNESS

Exclusive Interview with Leyna Danelle https://awarenow.us/podcast/dancing-through-darkness

ALLIÉ: For those still trapped in an industry they don’t know how to escape, what advice do you have, Leyna? For those who want something different but don’t know where to begin, where should they start?

LEYNA: There was no one like me to go to when I was leaving. There wasn't anybody that I knew that had got out successfully at that point. The ones who had been successful getting out didn't come back to visit. They ran out the door and ran away. They didn't talk about it.

I will never ever judge a sex worker for being a sex worker. I understand what it took for them to get there. I understand whether it was through mental manipulation, physical abuse, through trauma, through addiction, whatever it is that brought you to that point, right? Everybody has a moment when they just say, “I'm done.” And they try to leave. They try to quit. Like with any addiction, you try to stop. And often what happens is you try to leave and then you come back feeling like you're failing. So, you keep giving up on the idea of getting out, and I would just say, don't give up on getting out.

If you have to work there, if you have to be there, start planning. Have a backup plan. Have an exit strategy. Learn about money. If you can set some of your stage tips aside in a secret place, do it. Do it so you have something to go forward with, right? Because one day you're going to wake up and you're going to say, “I can't do this anymore.” It's going to be a bad customer reaction, or maybe you've just been there too long. Your mental health, your family is failing, or whatever it is, there's going to be a moment. But don't quit giving up on getting out. I mean that.

It took me probably like eight solid tries and then the final straw was I had to break my neck. I don't want to see anybody break their neck in a car accident in order to leave. I broke my neck. I couldn't work. And even then the club was like, “Hey, come in your wheelchair.” I mean, you're a commodity, right? You are.

You are important and you matter, but you do not matter to the people that you're working for. And there are those managers that care about you, but the business structure as a whole, does not have you in their long-term plans. So create a plan for yourself. Create an exit strategy. Save money if you can. I understand if you can't. I mean that wholeheartedly; I get that. Maybe take a class if you can, look at a trade, or anything that you can think of to say, “When I go, I can walk into something, because I know I'm walking out alone. I know I'm walking out into a world that's not gonna understand… I can't put this on my resume. I can't tell people what I've done.” But you can take all of that one day, and you can use it to help other people get out. That's your resume, right? That's your testimony. And I think it's so important. If you fail the first time, don't fall back into the pit. Just keep trying to get out. When you're ready, trust that instinct and keep trying as many times as it takes until you’re free. ∎

TAP/SCAN TO LISTEN

While

DR. TODD BROWN FOUNDER OF THE INSPIRE PROJECT & CO-FOUNDER OF OPERATION OUTBREAK

INSPIRE PROJECT’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY DR. TODD BROWN

WHEN HEROES SUCK

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that we probably have all experienced admiring a public figure only for them to screw it up. Whether it’s uncovering something from their past or the person saying or even doing something horrific, what do you do? Ignore it? Should you trash all their work and never speak of them again? Is there a middle ground? Even more so, what if it is your child’s idol? How do you navigate that? If you’re like me, you probably never received the parent manual in the mail, so parenthood is very much building the plane while flying, as they say.

To be honest, the lives of creative icons such as Pablo Picasso, J.K. Rowling, and Michael Jackson have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape, illuminated by their immense talents and the complex interplay between their personal lives and their works. These people are celebrated for their exceptional contributions to art, literature, and music, and rightfully so. But they also encapsulate the profound struggle to reconcile the contradiction between their works and the complexities of their humanity.

For instance, Picasso, with his revolutionary artistic vision, epitomized the relentless pursuit of innovation and creative expression. His groundbreaking artistry redefined the very essence of visual representation, inspiring generations. Yet, behind the canvas, Picasso's personal life was entangled in a web of relationships, straight-up abusive romances, and emotional complexities. Not to mention, he paid someone to steal sculptures from the Louvre successfully. The vibrant strokes of his artistry were absolutely in sharp contrast with the abusive nature of his interpersonal connections, showcasing the paradox of brilliance coexisting with personal strife.

In literature, J.K. Rowling enchanted the world with the magical universe of Harry Potter, captivating billions (with a ‘B’) utilizing her storytelling prowess. Her imaginative realm became a haven for readers worldwide, a testament to her ability to craft narratives transcending age and culture. However, the acclaim garnered by her literary genius was also accompanied by public scrutiny and controversy, as her personal views and statements sparked debates and divided opinions, by being transphobic. The challenge of balancing the sanctity of her creative realm with the complexities of her personal beliefs is now a poignant struggle.

Even more so, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, revolutionized music and dance, leaving a permanent imprint on popular culture. His exciting performances and iconic music elevated him to unparalleled fame and in fluence. I mean, at one point, the guy had an estimated 30,000 people outside his hotel to catch a glimpse of the superstar during one of his tours. Yet, Jackson's life was marred by relentless media attention, legal battles, and controversies, like pedophilia, that, to say the least, overshadowed his musical genius. The boundary between his public persona and private life blurred, highlighting the immense challenge of preserving artistic brilliance amid personal turmoil.

Among numerous other creatives, these people illustrate the intricate dance between artistic brilliance and personal complexities. The relentless pursuit of creative excellence often takes a toll on their personal lives, as the demands of their work collide with the need for privacy, emotional well-being, and genuine human connection. The contrast between the artistic persona and the private individual remains a repeated challenge for those thrust into the spotlight. The scrutiny of public opinion, the demands of creative innovation, and the nuances of personal existence create a delicate tightrope that these luminaries navigate with varying degrees of success and struggle.

“Their stories serve as a reminder that behind the extraordinary accomplishments lies a profound complexity, an interplay of brilliance and vulnerability that defines the human experience.”

However, this struggle underscores their humanity. While they are icons in their own right, they are also people, and as we all know, people generally aren’t good or bad but a mix. For us to portray them as mythical figures without flaws is, well, flawed. We need to look at them as individuals grappling with the same dilemmas as anyone else but with more of a platform to declare things for good and open their mouths and insert foot. Their stories serve as a reminder that behind the extraordinary accomplishments lies a profound complexity, an interplay of brilliance and vulnerability that defines the human experience.

While they are human and we all make mistakes, can we genuinely utilize the death of the author strategy? Is that strategy a switch or a dial? Maybe understanding their why would help our views of their what. In all honesty, I can say that Michael Jackson’s talents and accomplishments blow me away, but the alleged pedophilia is stomach-churning. I’m no fan of Picasso’s work, but I get that he is a visionary. I also am not sure how to separate his abuse of women from his art. I can hear people now, ‘Hey, it’s J.K. Rowling’s opinion. She’s entitled to them.’ Those people aren’t wrong, but what happens when not only do their opinions reinforce harmful stereotypes, but they use their large platform to amplify those opinions? What if it results in assaults or even death of someone on the receiving end of those opinions?

Hell, I don’t have the answers. I think about it and try to navigate the craziness of it all. While people like Pablo Picasso, J.K. Rowling, Michael Jackson, and other titans remind us of the balance between brilliance and personal struggles, I guess we must weigh out the damage they may have caused versus the good they have done. Hopefully, one day, that damn parents’ manual will arrive, and directions on how to handle this stuff will be in there. Until then, we will have to keep trying to do what we can not to screw up our kids any more than their idols may. ∎

DR. TODD BROWN

Awareness Ties Columnist

www.awarenessties.us/todd-brown

Brown is a winner of multiple education awards, including the U.S. Congressional Teacher of the Year Award, U.S. Henry Ford Innovator Award, Education Foundation Innovator of the Year, and Air Force Association STEM Teacher of the Year. Dr. Brown is the creator and founder of the Inspire Project and cocreator of Operation Outbreak, which was named the Reimagine Education Award for Best Hybrid Program in the world. He is also an Education Ambassador for the United Nations and an Educational Ambassador of the Center for Disease Control (CDC). www.IamAwareNow.com

AARON BAKER AUTHOR, SPEAKER AND FOUNDER OF ADVERSITY

Photo Courtesy: Aaron Baker

OFF ROAD WITH AARON BAKER

FROM QUADRIPLEGIA TO ADVENTURE PREPARING FOR THE ADVERSITY INTO ADVENTURE WORLD TOUR

As I sit here, reflecting on the remarkable journey that has brought me to this moment, I can’t help but feel a surge of gratitude mixed with anticipation. Twenty five years ago, I never would have imagined that I’d be preparing for a world tour. Yet, here I am… a recovering quadriplegic, husband, father, and soon-to-be adventurer, set to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

From Adversity to Adventure: A Journey of Recovery

My journey to this point has been anything but easy. A spinal cord injury left me paralyzed from the neck down, forever altering the trajectory of my life. But through the unwavering support from my loved ones, and a little grit passed down from my kinfolk, I've rebelled against the odds to reclaim control over my body and my destiny.

Recovery wasn't linear; it was fraught with setbacks and moments of despair. But with each passing day, I found solace in the small victories—the twitch of my toe, the flicker of movement in my arms—enough to hug my mother. Each one a testament to the strength and tenacity of the human spirit.

A Dream Rekindled: The Adversity Into Adventure World Tour

When I first dreamt about the Adversity Into Adventure World Tour, it felt like a spark igniting within me—a flame of possibility amidst the darkness of uncertainty. The prospect of cycling the globe with my family, living the words that I speak, and sharing that spark of hope with others, resonated deeply with me— stirring a renewed sense of purpose.

But preparing for such a journey presents its own set of challenges, especially considering my physical condition.

Physical Reconditioning: Building Strength, One Pedal Stroke at a Time

Living with, and managing a spinal cord injury is a challenge in and of itself, preparing to pedal a special-built tricycle around the world demands a whole new level of focus on physical conditioning. I have applied all my knowledge about human movement science, performance, and paralysis recovery into my daily cross-training routine—each session pushing me closer to the level of strength and mobility needed for the journey ahead.

From intensive strength training to stationary and road cycling sessions, I embrace every opportunity to rebuild my body and reclaim my abilities. With each milestone reached—a few more muscles activated, a few more miles ridden —I grow increasingly confident in my ability to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Mental Resilience: Harnessing the Power of Heart & Mind

Preparing for the Adversity Into Adventure World Tour isn’t just about physical conditioning—it is about cultivating a flexible, movement based mindset. Meditation, visualization, and mindfulness practices are essential tools in my arsenal, helping me navigate the inevitable doubts and fears that arise along the way.

I remind myself daily that the true adventure lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself—in the moments of triumph and tribulation, in the bonds forged with fellow travelers, and in the lessons learned along the way. With each passing day, my spirit grows stronger, fueled by the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable.

A Journey of Love and Support: My Wife, My Rock

Throughout this process of preparation, one constant has remained—a source of unwavering love and support that has sustained the vision. My wife, Katie, has been my rock, my cheerleader, and my con fidante, standing by my side through it all.

Here I am… a recovering quadriplegic, husband, father, and soon-to-be adventurer, set to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

AARON BAKER AUTHOR, SPEAKER AND FOUNDER OF ADVERSITY INTO ADVENTURE

Photo Courtesy: Aaron Baker

BAKER AUTHOR, SPEAKER

FOUNDER

Photo Courtesy: Aaron Baker

AARON

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TAYLOR RAU

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

A JOURNEY THROUGH DARKNESS

Taylor Rau’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. After losing her sight, Taylor has navigated numerous challenges, transforming her perspective on life and reshaping her goals and aspirations. Through the use of innovative technologies and tools, she continues to thrive, advocating for greater accessibility and social inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

ALLIÉ: Could you share the story of how you lost your sight and your journey of adapting to your loss of sight, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

TAYLOR: I always struggled with a little bit of vision loss. In my left eye, I have been blind since birth. All that they knew was that I had a nystagmus. They weren't sure what else was causing that, but they didn't think it would progress. During the summer, rather late spring of 2021, I was working in the medical field still, when I started noticing my right eye was going. I wasn't able to read blood pressure charts or do vital signs correctly, so I had to leave the field. Now, it was very rapid that particular summer where every few days I'd wake up and the vision would be blurrier, or my peripheral vision would sort of cave in a little bit more. That would just be the norm. For me, with the right eye, it was very rapid. I was diagnosed as legally blind the following April. So it's still pretty new for me… I think one of the biggest challenges has been leaving the medical field just because that was always my dream. I was in school to be a

In a way, I think it opened my eyes a lot.

TAYLOR RAU

BLIND DISABILITY ADVOCATE

“…I’m just heavily reminded that I am disabled, and the world is not built for me and others like me.”

TAYLOR: (continued) nurse. That was something I always wanted to do. I wanted to be a caretaker. So, that was something I really had to grieve, and then trying to find what other things I wanted to do and how else I could give back in another type of role than just direct patient care.

ALLIÉ: How has living with a disability reshaped your perspective on life and influenced your goals and aspirations?

TAYLOR: I would say more recently now, in speaking with my husband, I feel like this has opened not only a lot of doors for me to educate people, but to help other people that are going through the same thing. I've made some great connections. I’ve been able to get other people involved in services that they should be getting, but didn't know that they were there. I’m not only just thinking about things that are not accessible for the blind or visually impaired. I go over a sidewalk, I notice that someone with a wheelchair or mobility aid can't get over this sidewalk. And you start to think about every other disability in different ways and how certain things aren't accessible. So in a way, I think it opened my eyes a lot. Years ago, my mindset probably was not that, and probably not close. And most people aren't because they don't deal with it every day. So I feel like it has made me more aware of other people. And I feel more considerate in a way with what they may need. That's a little different. And that is one thing that I really enjoy.

ALLIÉ: Can you describe some of the technologies or tools that have been particularly helpful for you in navigating daily tasks and activities?

TAYLOR: One thing I will say through my years of trying to get it, I finally got the OrCam MyEye. That has been a wonderful tool. For anybody that struggles with visual impairment or blindness, it’s perfect, because the apps are not always perfect. It will read text. You don't have to directly even look at it, because that can be dif ficult. It'll describe a person. So, you can program it to be like, this is my husband, Joe, or my colleague… It'll describe what a building looks like, if the table's in front of you, and different things like that. Another favorite of mine is a speci fic cane tip. It's called the Omni-Sense. I don't have it with me because it's getting repaired, but it is essentially two wheels that roll both ways. Anybody with Michigan sidewalks or who understands the pain of getting caught on a crack and getting jabbed in the stomach, that'll roll over everything. So, that is a cane tip of mine that I always love showing people.

ALLIÉ: Your cane accessory of choice, yes?

TAYLOR: Yeah! You have a little wardrobe for your cane for the different seasons.

ALLIÉ: Let’s switch topics from ‘sticks’ to ‘society’. In what ways do you feel society can better support individuals with disabilities like yours, both in terms of accessibility and social inclusion?

TAYLOR: In day-to-day life, I forget that I'm technically legally blind. I forget that I'm disabled all the time. It's just who I am. It's how I live. But when I reach accessibility issues in society, that's when I'm just heavily reminded that I am disabled and the world is not built for me and others like me. I think one big thing we need to get over is the awkwardness of just talking about it. The most helpful someone has ever been in a customer service role or a doctor or something like that has just been to ask, “What can I provide? What can I do to make this experience easier for you?” It’s just little things like that. It’s not expecting that I'm going to bring a caretaker to help me fill out paperwork. I mean, that even happens at family events.There'll be a game that I can't particularly play. So, I think just being okay asking those questions, but also having the courage to look it up yourself as well and educate yourself. We need to stop ignoring it. People think that if we just ignore it, it'll go away. And in a weird way, a lot of the people in the disabled community almost have that mentality… Keep your head down, just put up with it. And I don't want that to be the experience for the next generation.

Exclusive interview with Taylor Rau https://awarenow.us/podcast/shifting-perspectives

ALLIÉ: Agreed. Nothing is solved by ignoring.

TAYLOR: Exactly. We need to have those awkward conversations. You may stumble and say something where you think you put your foot in your mouth. That's gonna happen.

ALLIÉ: That's such a great point, and to say that's okay… It's okay to get it wrong.

TAYLOR: Yes! I tell people all the time that I love to educate. “I am giving you the open window now that we know each other. Ask me questions… I'm not going to get offended.”

ALLIÉ: Despite the obstacles you've encountered, what are some of the most fulfilling experiences or achievements you've had since losing your sight?

TAYLOR: One is just a simple one in particular that stands out… I met a very kind lady at a restaurant. I'm a very chatty person, and I just happened to overhear her conversation about her husband who has been struggling with severe visual impairment for several years. He had no orientation or mobility training (which is training with your cane). He had no assistance through the bureau, no assistive technology, and he was not even aware of where to get those things. And 30 to 45 minutes later, I had her set up with a bunch of contacts in ways for him to reach out. A week later, I got a message that he had been accepted through the bureau for the blind and he was going to start O&M. It was that news and just a thank you. That was a big one for me.

And then recently, my husband and I have a goal to get GoodMaps used in some of the bigger hospitals such as Corewell Health, which has been wonderful. They've been so open to our ideas. Just getting those people to respond and be willing to hear, even though it takes a long time, all it takes is that one person to give you that time of day to hear it… and that feels like a big accomplishment.

ALLIÉ: An accomplishment, in circling back to where we started the conversation today… Regarding your dream of being in health care and being a caretaker, through these conversations that you're having it seems you are able to still live out that dream, just in a different way. Yeah?

TAYLOR: Yes. And that's the same sense I get. I immediately turn into that same caretaker role. I'm still able to do it. And I still have that same passion for it. And that is something that I hope to continue doing both in my spare time and hopefully as a career one day. Because I am very… Well, it can be hard to speak up for yourself, but I'm very good at speaking up for others. ∎

TAP/SCAN TO LISTEN

Photo Courtesy: PRCS

‘UNSUGARCOATED’

COLUMN BY AALIA LANIUS

A BEACON OF HOPE HONORING THE RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT

In the tapestry of human history, amidst the tumult of wars, disasters, and crises, there shines a beacon of hope and compassion—the Red Crescent Movement. As we commemorate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8th, I would like to pay tribute to this remarkable organization and the countless lives it has touched and transformed, especially in Palestine.

For over a century, the Red Crescent Movement has been a steadfast guardian of humanity, guided by the principles of impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service and unity. Born out of the crucible of con flict and suffering, it emerged as a beacon of light amid the darkness of war, offering solace, aid, and solidarity to those in need, regardless of race, religion, or creed.

Founded on the principles of the Geneva Conventions, the Red Crescent Movement embodies the noblest aspirations of humanity—to alleviate suffering, preserve dignity, and uphold the sanctity of life. Its emblem—a simple yet powerful symbol of a red crescent on a white background—has come to represent hope in the face of despair, compassion in the midst of chaos, and resilience in the wake of devastation.

As the world has its eyes on Palestine, the iconic Red Crescent symbol cannot be missed as we witness the valiant work of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which adheres to the same fundamental principles and standards of humanitarian action upheld by the Movement.

As a member of the Movement, the PRCS works closely with other National Societies, the ICRC, and the IFRC to provide humanitarian assistance and support to Palestinians in need, particularly in times of con flict, emergencies, and crises, such as they’ve been experiencing both before and since October 2023 in Palestine.

The PCRS is a lifeline for civilians caught in the crossfire, providing essential medical care, food, shelter, and protection. Its ambulances traverse the most perilous terrains, evacuating the wounded and delivering vital supplies to besieged communities.

In recent months, we have borne witness to harrowing scenes of devastation and heartbreak on the frontlines of today's humanitarian crisis in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Amidst this turmoil, the PCRS remains an unwavering ally to the most vulnerable, with its volunteers—unsung heroes of humanity—boldly venturing into con flict zones, risking, and all too often, sacrificing their lives to save others.

It has sparked outrage around the world to watch footage of PCRS ambulances being purposefully struck repeatedly, targeted by Israeli forces. Most notably, is the murder of Yusuf Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun, both PCRS volunteers, attempting to save the life of 6-year-old, Hind Rajab.

According to a detailed Washington Post report, for 3 1/2 long hours on Jan. 29, the cellphone in frightened Hind’s hands was the closest thing this innocent child had to a lifeline. Alone in the backseat of a car outside a Gaza City gas station, she was drifting in and out of consciousness, surrounded by bodies, as she told emergency dispatchers that Israeli tanks were rumbling closer.

From the operations room of PRCS, roughly 50 miles away in the city of Ramallah, the team on duty was doing their best to save the child. Paramedics were on their way, the dispatchers kept telling her: “Hold on.”

Photo Courtesy: Jaafar Asgtuyeg/AFP/Getty Images

“It serves as a testament to the indomitable power of humanity to unite in the face of adversity, extending a compassionate hand to those in need, and championing the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of circumstance.”

The paramedics were driving to their deaths. Hind’s name and delicate voice is known around the globe since the release of the tragic recordings of her last hours of life, as she begged for someone to save her. Her, nor the brave Yusuf and Ahmed were spared.

In the months since the conflict began, PCRS volunteers have been murdered and over 200 of ambulances have been targeted and destroyed, most while they were occupied with personnel and patients. I’ve seen videos of volunteers in the midst of transporting wounded children, only to come under fire from Israeli shelling.

In the wake of such unfathomable loss and relentless adversity, the valiant efforts of the PCRS persist amidst unimaginable challenges, operating amidst the direst conditions in Gaza and under constant threat in the West Bank. As the Gaza Strip grapples with the systematic decimation of its healthcare infrastructure—a devastating facet of the ongoing genocide perpetrated against Gazans—the PCRS stands as a beacon of resilience, deserving of our unwavering support.

Beyond its tangible contributions, the Red Crescent Movement and the PCRS epitomize the spirit of solidarity and compassion that transcends borders and boundaries. It serves as a testament to the indomitable power of humanity to unite in the face of adversity, extending a compassionate hand to those in need, and championing the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of circumstance.

Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars in Gaza, killing mostly civilians with over 70% of the casualties being women and children, according to UN reports. In this pivotal moment, the Red Crescent Movement and the PCRS require our collective heroism and solidarity to sustain their vital work.

As we honor their legacy on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, let us not only celebrate their remarkable achievements but also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to their noble principles. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder with their volunteers and staff—beacons of humanity amidst turmoil—and pledge to bolster and fortify the Red Crescent Movement, ensuring that its luminous beacon continues to shine brightly in the darkest recesses of the world, guiding us towards a future imbued with compassion, justice, and hope for all. ∎

AALIA LANIUS Producer, Award-Winning Writer & Host

www.awarenessties.us/aalialanius

AALIA LANIUS is an International Multiple-Award Winning Novelist, Executive Producer, Publisher and host of the award-nominated globally top-rated social good show, UNSUGARCOATED with Aalia. As founder of UNSUGARCOATED Media, a 501(c)(3) media enterprise, Lanius is creating social impact through storytelling while building community, providing education, and ending isolation for trauma survivors. Aalia's role extends to leadership as a creative, and she is considered a thought-leader in approaches to media, believing that artists are pioneers of the human mind with great potential and responsibility to positively in fluence society through proper representation and accountability.

BARBARA ANDERSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ARTS ON

AVE NYC

Photo Credit: Arts On The Ave NYC

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BARBARA ANDERSON

STREETS ALIVE WITH ART THE STORY OF ART ON THE AVE NYC

Barbara Anderson is the Executive Director of Art On The Ave NYC, a communitybased nonprofit organization founded by school teachers in the summer of 2020. Dedicated to the elevation of local artists and the revitalization of neighborhoods, Art on the Ave uses both vacant storefronts and existing businesses to create street-facing exhibitions for all to enjoy.

ALLIÉ: For those unaware of Art On The Ave NYC, Barbara, what is it?

BARBARA: Art on the Avenue NYC is a community-based organization. I don't say that lightly; community is very important in that. We support local artists, and we do that by transforming vacant retail spaces into street-facing art galleries. In doing so, we promote and increase access to art for everybody. So essentially, that's what it is.

ALLIÉ: What inspired you and your fellow school teachers to establish Art On The Ave NYC, and how has the

BARBARA ANDERSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ARTS ON THE AVE NYC

Photo Credit: Arts On The Ave NYC

“… the people who stayed and were making a huge impact and difference were artists.”

BARBARA: As with many other organizations that were founded during COVID, I would say that COVID inspired Art on the Avenue NYC, but not just COVID. It was also the spring when we saw all the Black Lives Matter protests. We were in our classrooms, and then from one day to the next, we were not in those classrooms anymore. We were in our living rooms, and we were having to deal, as social studies teachers and English teachers, with trying to communicate with our students. In my case, it was middle school students. My daughter was working with high school at the time. We were dealing with all of these issues and questions and how to approach them in a way that was sensitive to their ages, to what they were going through in the different cities they were living in. Because at this point, a lot of our students had dispersed. My daughter lives in a different country, so art is always a way that you can start a conversation. And I think that really resonated during that time. I was looking at a lot of photographs. We were analyzing a lot of photographs, and it seemed like a great way to have discussions about things that people were going through, whether it was wearing masks, which was a debate, or what happened to George Floyd, and what are we protesting, and how do we protest? And all of these things, it seemed that art was a good way to start dif ficult conversations. So that was in our minds. I was a very happy school teacher and always have been a very happy school teacher, so I certainly wasn't looking for a huge project to start. But staying here in New York and seeing the city completely clear out—at least certain neighborhoods cleared out, while other neighborhoods didn't have the capacity to clear out—what really resonated and struck me was the fact that the people who stayed and were making a huge impact and difference were artists.

When you went out on the streets and saw a store that was boarded up, the store was boarded up to protect merchandise and windows. That board didn't say anything except, "This is bad, this is terrible, get away." And the artists painted on those boards all around the city. To me, that was powerful because, you know what? There was a message there now, and it just really struck me that art does have that impact, and it does have that power to communicate a message. You could stand there and think about the message and walk away, consider it, maybe it'll come back to you a week later. You can walk by it, it's your choice, but at least there was something there. And it was the artists who did that. It was artists who probably don't go to galleries, don't have gallery representation, who aren't in galleries. Those artists kind of cleared out too. So the galleries were closed. There was not much for them to do in New York, but street artists were here, and artists who just, you know, said, "Okay, well, anything can be a canvas, and I'm going to go out and I'm going to tell a story out there on the streets." That was a big factor in my wanting to do something helpful through art.

ALLIÉ: Could you share some examples of how Art On The Ave has positively impacted both local artists and the communities where the exhibitions take place?

BARBARA: Well, from that very first exhibition during COVID, the impact was immediate. It was before we even had any art in the windows. Just the idea that someone was going to try to do something, I think, really struck people and captured their imaginations. And so the calls we got from members of the community saying, "We love it, whatever happens, we want to try to help." We had groups of people who said, "We're going to help. We're going to go and get the non-vacant stores, the businesses that are still operating, to show art to let us do that for you." And so they went off and contributed in that way. We had people reach out and say, "Hey, you know, we heard that you want to record the artist statements. How are you going to do that?" Well, as teachers, we had mastered Zoom. So we thought, we'll just do it on Zoom, or we'll just do it through their phones. They said, "No, we do podcasts. We're going to do that for you." So, you know, all kinds of people came forward and said, "Let me help." From restaurants, "We're going to offer hot chocolate." It was November. "Anyone who's doing a walk and takes a picture of the art will get a hot chocolate." Everybody kind of... that was the first one. But that continued, and continues now.

We have people up in Inwood who are constantly coming by and saying, "Thank you for putting this here. Thank you. We don't have enough art that we can see like this at the street level. We are really appreciative." We had one young

Photo

BARBARA ANDERSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ARTS

Photo Credit: Arts On The Ave NYC

“Art has power. It has the power to make you feel anything.”

BARBARA: (continued) man, a gentleman actually, who said to us that his teenage son had come home and said— and I remember this story because I saw that 14-year-old looking at the art—and the grandfather came back and he said, "My son said, I thought I lived in the bad part of the neighborhood, but then I saw the art, and we don't." And so that, you know, that makes us really happy. But people are just coming. We have daycares coming in just taking a walk around the neighborhood, and they come in and see art. That's a beautiful thing. So it's just that idea that not everybody has to be a collector that goes to Chelsea to go to the galleries on Thursday. That's wonderful. But there are people walking on the street that don't know they're collectors. It just never even crossed their mind that they might be. But they stand in front of a piece, and it speaks to them, and then they see it again the next day. And so, they eventually say, "Oh, I'm really impacted by this. I want to have it for myself." So that's one of the many wonderful things that we do. And we bring our kids too. We do workshops. We do all kinds of things.

ALLIÉ: Utilizing vacant storefronts and existing businesses for street-facing exhibitions is a unique approach. What challenges did you face in implementing this strategy, and what have been some of the most rewarding outcomes?

BARBARA: Well, the challenge, the big challenge, always is convincing the property owner to let us use the space. We are not asking to lease the space. We sign a licensing agreement, which is very different. We give them all the positives. You know, if the space rents two weeks into an exhibition, we remove the art immediately. So we know all the right things to say, and we know that it's a win-win situation for them, for us, for the artists, for the community. There's really no reason to say no. And people say, "Well, why do they say no?" They say no because anything new is a hassle. Anything that has not been done before is an annoyance or, you know, "I just don't want to deal with it." So the biggest challenge is to get the space, even though the space is there. And there is an abundance of it. So that's the biggest challenge. Another challenge is, you know, funding. Funding for every nonpro fit is a huge challenge. And I will not deny that I am not the best. I can do the project. I'm not the best fundraiser. You know, I work largely alone. I have a great group of vendors, and the artists are fantastic. My daughter is great, but she lives in a different country. So I'm often caught in the weeds of a project. I'm not out there fundraising as well as I probably could be. So that's always a challenge. But we're managing, and we are getting, you know, more exhibitions are happening. And what are the positive outcomes? The positive outcomes are many, but one of the best is the biggest challenge being property owners not wanting to give us the space. Well, once they do, then they never want us to take the art away. They want us to do other spaces. They say, "Well, you know, can you use this space now? Can you stage it for us?" So the positive outcome is that from only doing neighborhood exhibitions when we started, we now have a completely separate program of artists' residencies in the city, with nine spaces across the city where the owners have actually said, "No, that was wonderful. Will you continue to use the space until it rents?" And so we put an artist in the space. Sometimes they work in pairs to keep it as active as we can, and they use it as their studio, as their workshop. We use it as a space to bring that community in to see art and to do workshops.

ALLIÉ: Your words, Barbara, "I can sit at home uncertain about the future, or I can try to do something positive." In these uncertain times, why was art your ‘something’ of choice?

BARBARA: I think because… art has power. It has the power to make you feel anything. It just has that power, and I think that it shouldn't be a thing of privilege. It’s like we talk about education. I really feel like art is everybody's right. And not everybody, I don't feel, necessarily has access. I'm not saying everybody needs to become an art collector. I don't think everybody needs to necessarily even be an art appreciator. But it should be there, and it should be easy because it's universal. Because it's something that has always existed. Those concepts, you know, it's timeless, it's universal. Just put it there and then let people choose whether they want to engage with it or not. But it is powerful because it does make people feel something. You can look at a piece, and you can have two people—and I watch that—two people who don't know each other, who meet on the street and are standing in front of the same piece of

BARBARA ANDERSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ARTS ON THE AVE NYC

Photo Credit: Arts On The Ave NYC

“…there is an entire community of Art on the Ave artists that really come out for each other.”

BARBARA: (continued) art, and those two people might have completely opposing views about so many things. But they both chose to stand in front of that piece, and you don't know what's going through their minds because I'm often standing across the street just trying to get a shot of people looking at art. But when you actually see those two people who walked in opposite directions, you don't know what they're thinking, and they're standing in front of a piece, and they start a conversation. I love that. And I don't know what's being said, and maybe they're sharing something, and in some way, it brings people together.

I've talked a lot about property owners. I talked about the community, but I haven't talked about the artists… People say to me, "Do you miss the classroom?" because I was very, very much a passionate teacher. And yes, of course, I miss the classroom, but I have this group of artists that I have come to know. And we work with many, many artists. And then there's a core that really stand out in the sense that they believe in the mission as well. And so they support us, but they also support each other. And they make it all worthwhile every day for those reasons. So, Sage Gallon is one of them, but there is an entire community of Art on the Ave artists that really come out for each other. And that is also a hugely rewarding thing to be a part of. ∎

PERSONAL STORY BY DEBORAH WEED

THREE BLUE DOTS

How do you envision a dynamic life when you’re sitting on the sidelines? Whether it be due to a physical or emotional challenge, sometimes it feels as though one is perpetually benched. Over thirty years ago, I got one of the most valuable lessons of my lifetime, from my wisdom filled, Yoda-like Dad.

It was during a time of utter turmoil. I was newly divorced, living at my parent’s home with my four-year-old son, dealing with a health challenge, while navigating a serious case of PTSD. All my life, I was gifted with the ability to empower others.

Yet, as I watched my friends live their lives with gusto, it felt as though my life didn’t matter anymore. On one of my nightly walks around the block with my dad, I told him how I felt. His eyes had a mischievous glint to them. I instinctively knew he was up to something. When we got back home, he asked me to get a bowl of water and some food dye.

“I want to demonstrate the power of a catalyst. Put three drops of the blue dye into the bowl of water,” instructed Dad. I did. All the while wondering what this had to do with anything.

“Now watch closely,” he said, as he took his finger and swirled it in the water. I watched as the water became totally blue. “Here’s the fun part. I want you to separate the three drops of blue from the clear water. Even if it takes all night.” “Dad,” I said with exasperation, “that’s impossible!” “Exactly!” A Cheshire grin covered his face.

“You shared that you were on the sidelines of life. It’s impossible and here’s why. You are like those three blue drops. Every person who you’ve empowered, inspired or encouraged has three drops of you in them. Whatever they do, you’re part of the impact they have on the world. And, whatever you do — they are part of that too.”

This made me think of how many lives I touched, then how they may have impacted others. Was I part of that? Was I entitled to celebrate their victories in the same way that I celebrate my own? Then I acknowledged all the people who have helped me along the way. They are an integral part of my success.

No matter what life has thrown you, if you’ve contributed to another person’s life in any way, you are a catalyst. It is impossible to remove a catalyst from the outcome. If that assumption holds true, it is IMPOSSIBLE to be on the sidelines of life. If you really think about it, you’re three blue drops are everywhere you look. Envision that! ∎

BLUE DOTS

Written and Narrated by Deborah Weed

https://awarenow.us/podcast/three-blue-dots

LACY

Photo Courtesy: Lacy Nicole

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LACY NICOLE

FROM SHAME TO SPARKLE

ADVOCACY, TRAUMA, AND OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

Lacy Nicole is a survivor & childhood trauma expert who has created Shame to Sparkle Foundation that focuses on advocacy & mental health resources, specifically in the space of trauma & PTSD for those in need. After being diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases & infertility due to endometriosis, Lacy decided to shift her perspective to help others who are combating shame.

ALLIÉ: Our lives are made up of all sorts of moments. Lacy, can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that sparked your passion for advocating for survivors of childhood trauma and those battling PTSD?

LACY: I kind of grew up with a lot of privilege here in Orange County, but I grew up with a very traumatic upbringing. I grew up in a household of addicts and a lot of uncertainty that comes along with that. So, if you have grown up with any type of addiction in your house, I empathize immensely. When you grow up in that type of environment, you learn how to self-soothe on your own without the necessary tools. You learn how to be hypervigilant of your surroundings,

LACY NICOLE PHILANTHROPIST, MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE & FOUNDER OF

Photo Courtesy: Lacy Nicole

“Trauma is complex and not something simple like seeing a therapist once or twice.”

LACY: (continued) In my early 20s, I was a victim of a horrific crime. I was taken by a gang, and following that, I learned that you have to be your own advocate. I had to testify alone. I didn't have a family unit or people backing me like the people who were with me did. I remember feeling a lot of shame, guilt, and sadness. I ultimately got really ill. I was diagnosed with seven autoimmune diseases. I was kind of bedridden and was told I would never be able to have children, never walk correctly, and never have any type of normalcy in my life. I felt shackled to that diagnosis.

I took charge and started speaking through our court systems and victim advocate programs because I thought maybe my sad story could help someone else. I felt empowered by that. We all go through things, and hearing other people's stories helped me learn that we shouldn't feel ashamed of our past or shackled to the bad things that happened to us. We can help other people by sharing our truth. That's kind of my non-villain origin story.

ALLIÉ: You mentioned the word "shame" a moment ago. Your foundation, Shame to Sparkle, focuses on providing mental health resources and advocacy for trauma survivors. What inspired you to create this foundation, and what impact do you hope it will have on the survivors it serves?

LACY: I started doing philanthropic work at a young age. I always immersed myself in nonpro fit foundations. I'm an only child and didn't really have a parental unit. I always felt like if I could help other people, maybe I would be enough or lovable. I know that thought process isn't necessarily accurate, but it was what I had. I learned a lot about fundraising and nonprofit work.

When I was speaking on many panels for victims of trauma, I realized there aren't many resources speci fically for trauma itself. Trauma is complex and not something simple like seeing a therapist once or twice. It's a years-long battle, especially if your trauma stems from childhood or home. That's generations in the making. I wanted to create a space where we can normalize these discussions and the verbiage surrounding trauma. Most people don't know what CPTSD is—Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's not just about being in a war or a catastrophe; it can be about enduring long-term emotional abuse. Many women don't know these terms and are taught to keep a brave face. I want a space where we can normalize it without feeling like a victim.

ALLIÉ: You've been involved with the Children's Oncology Support Fund, working to provide less toxic treatments and alternative therapies for children with cancer. How has your own journey with health challenges, including autoimmune diseases and infertility, influenced your dedication to this cause?

LACY: I believe that whatever you believe in—God, the universe, energy, spirituality—we are handed things that ultimately help us later. For me, having all these illnesses taught me a lot. I learned to be my own advocate, not to take no for an answer, to get multiple opinions, and to see many doctors. It became a full-time job. When my daughter was born with a rare genetic disease, I advocated for her diagnosis and proper care because of my mindset. A percentage of children with her ailment end up with cancer. I've seen a lot of children's oncology floors and wanted to dedicate my resources to a cause that helps parents and children battling cancer. The financial toll on families is immense. My friend Thomas Pierce, an incredible producer in LA, is the founder of COSF. We're only two and a half years in, and our last gala raised almost $3 million for the Children's Hospital of Colorado.

ALLIÉ: Dealing with shame can be incredibly challenging. Can you share a bit about how you personally cope with feelings of shame?

LACY NICOLE PHILANTHROPIST, MENTAL

Photo Courtesy: Lacy Nicole

AwareNow Podcast

FROM SHAME TO SPARKLE

Exclusive Interview with Lacy Nicole https://awarenow.us/podcast/from-shame-to-sparkle

LACY: Shame is something we all feel. It's such a loaded word because it's so prevalent and hinders us as a society. We don't realize the hold this word has on us. Shame limits our ability to succeed, to wish others success, and to feel worthy. Shame isn't born with us but is handed to us without our permission. It might come from our parents' limiting beliefs, financial stress, bullying, body image issues, or many other sources.

My approach to combating shame involves returning to the perfect little being we were born as and letting go of others' false beliefs and dirty feelings. We live in a shame-based society, where not having the right hair, body, car, or career can make us feel inadequate. If we can drop that and return to our true selves, we'll do better as a whole. Easier said than done.

ALLIÉ: Being both a survivor and an expert in childhood trauma, what advice would you give to others who may be struggling with their own trauma or trying to support someone who may be struggling?

LACY: Advice isn't one-size-fits-all because what works for one person might not work for another. For example, cognitive therapy doesn't work for me at all. So, the suggestion to "see a therapist" has never helped me, and I felt broken… For those struggling with childhood trauma, I recommend inner child work. It might sound hokey, but writing a letter to your younger self or honoring the child within you can be powerful. If someone speaks to you unfairly, instead of reacting with anger, imagine they are speaking to five-year-old you. Did anyone protect you then? You can protect yourself now.

I print out a picture of little me every few months and write a letter to her on the back, saying, "You're safe now. You deserved simple things like dinner on the table." It's not about blaming our parents but acknowledging that we deserved better and can provide it for ourselves now. Mourning and releasing these feelings is better than holding onto anger and resentment.

For PTSD, the approach is specific to the person and their experiences. Ketamine therapy at Cedars changed my neurochemistry and helped me. EMDR is another great resource, though it's not my favorite. There are many resources online, even on YouTube. Taking a few minutes in the morning to watch a video on PTSD therapy can be helpful. Our brains change, and we need to be gentle with ourselves. ∎

On instagram, follow Lacy Nicole (@lacyoc) and Shame To Sparkle (@shametosparkle).

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MICHELLE GONZALES REED

MOTHER OF DAJON

‘BEYOND STIGMA’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY NATIONAL SHATTERING SILENCE COALITION

THE SYSTEM COST MY SON HIS LIFE

A PERSONAL STORY BY

MICHELLE GONZALES

REED

If you knew Dajon, you loved him. Even from a young age, Dajon loved to sing, model, write music and movie scripts. He aspired to be an actor. His radiant smile along with his dry humor were his trademarks. His love for life and others was evident. He was especially close to me, his mom, but loved his entire family. Even when the severity of his mental illness symptoms were at their worst, Dajon would still deliver sandwiches and blankets to the homeless.

Dajon was described by his classmates in junior high and high school as someone who was there for everyone, always trying to help solve their problems; a counselor and friend. He didn’t like others to be sad because what they didn’t know was that he had been sad for so long. Dajon had been sexually assaulted by a trusted family member from the ages of four to eight, disclosing the trauma to his mother when he was eighteen years old. Dajon had also endured being bullied in elementary school for several years. When I tried to make it stop, the bullying became worse. It continued until Dajon gave up on trying to make it stop. Out of fear he stopped telling me the truth.

By the time Dajon was in the ninth grade, it became evident that he was developing a serious brain disorder/mental illness—lacking close friends outside of his immediate family, having excessive and persistent social anxiety, incorrectly interpreting events, dressing and speaking in peculiar ways, becoming suspicious of others. He began to question my loyalty. In this state he also began to believe he had special powers such as telepathy.

I took him to a specialist for psychiatric treatment but his symptoms became progressively worse. By the time Dajon was eighteen years old, a series of involuntary holds for him began (referred to as “5150” in California), and he was unable to finish high school. The first 5150 involved Dajon trying to jump from an eleven-story building. He was visiting his sister in San Francisco and became verbally aggressive when he ran for the window. Someone grabbed him and he was then admitted to the hospital for approximately ten days.

His depression and psychosis worsened and before long, Dajon was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He began misusing substances in an attempt to drown out the voices. This was the beginning of a string of 5150s. A cycle of refusing medication, not being able to care for himself, and being dangerous to himself and others ensued. Typically, he was prematurely released with his symptoms not fully under control, and without real stability.

I continued to advocate for him, calling the police for welfare checks, and making over seventy-five calls to 911 in about sixty days. Officers would come out and ask Dajon the standard criteria questions: “Are you a danger to yourself?” “Are you a danger to others?” “Do you have food and shelter?" Dajon knew how to answer all of these questions correctly and would be released every time.

Finally, the sergeant for the district in which Dajon lived called me and asked me what the problem was. After I explained the situation, the police department got a social worker involved and Dajon was placed in the Exodus Recovery Center with psychiatrists who understood how severely mentally ill he was. As his mental illness worsened, Dajon developed anosognosia, lacking insight into his illness. He completely lacked any awareness and began refusing treatment.

Getting help for loved ones in this condition is difficult in California. Recent changes to the gravely disabled law such as the Senate Bill 43, Care Court Act, which allows a family member to begin a conservatorship, falls short of being a solution for several reasons. Not all counties are required to adopt the law, and for those who have, there are often delays in enforcement.

As the law currently stands, a superior court judge determines whether an individual needs hospitalization. This can undermine the treating psychiatrists’ orders, leaving many severely mentally ill who are gravely disabled at high risk. Dajon made it to the final court hearing and was placed on a temporary conservatorship.

I lost my beloved son Dajon Reed at the age of twenty-four. He was struck and killed by a train at 4:30 A.M., less than nine months after a Fresno Superior Court Judge released him from a temporary conservatorship. This went against the psychiatrist's recommendations that he be held on a permanent conservatorship for at least one year. I’m grateful that my Dajon never went to prison and was not homeless. But many times when his psychotic symptoms were severe, he would threaten to go to Los Angeles because he believed actors and actresses were talking to him through the television and telling him to come there.

Working for county and prison systems as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I have witnessed individuals cycle through emergency rooms, prison, and the streets without ever getting the help they needed. Authority figures tell parents that if they want their adult child to get treatment (referencing conservatorship), then the parent needs to allow homelessness. This places the individual at greater risk of being victimized, worsens mental health, and only continues the cycle until the parents are granted conservatorship or the loved one dies. The system is so out of balance that it cost this mother the life of her beautiful son. ∎

NATIONAL SHATTERING SILENCE COALITION

Nonprofit Consultant, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist www.nationalshatteringsilencecoalition.org

We are the voices for those living with and dying far too young from serious brain disorders (SBD). Our nonpartisan alliance of family members, individuals suffering from SBDs, professionals in the trenches, and caring people, all united to ensure brain illness, health, and criminal justice systems count those with SBDs, and their families in all federal, state, and local policy reforms. It was our founder, Jeanne Gore, who casted the vision for achieving social, political, and healthcare changes for compassionate and equitable treatment for ourselves and our loved ones. We dedicate this site to her and the lasting effect of her gracious and generous life. We continue to raise awareness and progress with this monumental fight to ensure proper approach and treatment of those with SBDs. Become a member today and help us move the needle and shatter the silence. www.IamAwareNow.com

ANDREW DOUGLASS CEO OF INNOVISION & FOUNDER OF PARALLEL

Photo Courtesy: Parallel

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW DOUGLASS

THE PARALLEL STORY

BREAKING BARRIERS ON A JOURNEY OF INCLUSION

Andrew Douglass is the Co-Founder and CEO of Innovision, a live & virtual event and experiential marketing agency. He has worked with global and national mega-events, brand activation and major sporting events for the past 30 years, including the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. In 2016, he founded Parallel, a disability lifestyle brand which champions ‘no limits living’ and aims to enable disabled people to live life to the fullest in mainstream society. He also created the world’s first fully accessible mass participation event – the multi-award-winning social enterprise, Parallel London.

ALLIÉ: Andrew, your journey from organizing mega-events like the London 2012 Olympics to founding Parallel, a disability lifestyle brand, is truly inspiring. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that ignited your passion for disability inclusion and drove you to create Parallel?

ANDREW: I think there were 2 key moments, which converged at the same time. Firstly, my dad was diagnosed

ANDREW DOUGLASS CEO OF INNOVISION & FOUNDER OF PARALLEL

Photo Courtesy: Parallel

“We can bring to life an ethos of ‘no limits living’ that people of all ages, health conditions and abilities can share and celebrate together.”

ANDREW: (continued) At the same time, one of our biggest clients - Red Bull - asked me for a bit of a favour. Red Bull had helped launch a spinal cord research charity in Austria, called Wings for Life. They wanted to set up the charity in the UK and needed some help and support with creating some localised flagship events they could own and support; together with some production and planning support with their global event, World Run, in the UK.

Not only did I learn a lot about spinal cord research, I also met many brilliant people with disabilities, I would never have ordinarily met. It really made me question why at that moment in time I didn’t really have any disabled friends and further opened my eyes and ears to many social problems experienced by the disabled community; the majority of whom become disabled. I started to become really passionate about disability inclusion and social enterprise, so I combined the two and created ‘Parallel’.

ALLIÉ: Parallel Windsor is not just an event; it's a manifestation of your vision for a more inclusive society. What specific impact do you hope Parallel Windsor will have, both locally and globally, in terms of breaking down barriers and promoting no limits living for people with disabilities?

ANDREW: It will come as no surprise that I am a passionate advocate of live events and their visceral power, when applied in the right way, to create positive life-long memories and advocacy. So, by creating Parallel Windsor, as a national event at scale, my aim is to put disability lifestyle at the heart of the experience and make this experience cool, dynamic, uplifting, innovative and fun. In doing this, we can bring to life an ethos of ‘no limits living’ that people of all ages, health conditions and abilities can share and celebrate together. We can then help to positively change attitudes and behaviours towards disability by sharing, promoting and amplifying film, stories, imagery and lots of other content that can change perceptions.

So, essentially we’re creating a lens into what an inclusive and accessible society could and should look and feel like. We can also apply this globally and my hope is to create or franchise other Parallel events across the world that can help champion disability lifestyle, whilst creating meaningful and lasting social impact.

ALLIÉ: As the CEO of Innovision, you've navigated the complexities of event management on a grand scale. How has your experience in organizing major events informed the way you approach creating accessible and inclusive experiences through Parallel? Are there any key lessons you've learned along the way?

ANDREW: There are so many lessons and I am still learning! However, the big lesson for me that I would like to pass on is not to be daunted by the diverse complexity of disability and how this can be applied to live events. I have a great deal of empathy for event organisers or promoters who want to make their events more accessible and inclusive, but are so overwhelmed by the apparent complexity or afraid of upsetting people, they take the easy option of doing nothing.

Photo Courtesy: Parallel

ANDREW DOUGLASS CEO OF INNOVISION & FOUNDER OF PARALLEL

Photo Courtesy: Parallel

“If you want to make your event more inclusive or accessible, don’t be afraid to reach out to the community.”

ANDREW: (continued) My key insight I would like to share is that few people ever say ‘no’ if you ask for advice. If you want to make your event more inclusive or accessible, don’t be afraid to reach out to the community.

I would also say that it is almost impossible to be fully accessible and inclusive from the outset. Cost and resources are invariably the biggest barrier. Focus on a specific area, which is achievable. Do this really well and embed this into event management plans. Then move onto another aspect of accessibility and inclusion the next time and repeat the process.

Another big lesson is a common mantra in the world of disability, ‘If you don’t know, you won’t go.’ For many people with a disability, it requires a lot of forward planning and assurance that some important basic facilities are in place; such as parking, accessible loos, medical provision, quiet spaces etc. So, if you have made provision for disabled access in any way, do make sure this is clearly advertised and communicated.

ALLIÉ: Purple Sock Day is a brilliant initiative to raise awareness and promote participation in disability inclusion efforts. Could you share some stories or examples of how Purple Sock Day has catalyzed change or inspired individuals and communities to embrace disability inclusion in meaningful ways?

ANDREW: I had been thinking about the International Day of Disabled People, which takes place annually on 3rd December, for some time; and how we could help move this day of observance from the margins of the disabled community into mainstream society. I hatched the idea to create a simple act of mass participation that almost anybody could take part in. I thought putting on a pair of socks, which represented disability (in the UK, purple is the colour most associated with disability), wasn’t going to take anybody too far out of their daily routine, and could provide a very simple call to action to buy our purple socks, wear them on 3rd December and share pictures across social media.

This achieves two things. Firstly it engages everybody, the general public, businesses, charities, the public sectorand of course, the disabled community. Secondly, we ring-fence 50% of the proceeds from the sales to support budding disabled entrepreneurs or enterprises.

I think what we have achieved in a relatively short space of time - we are currently planning for Season 4 - is to help create an annual campaign to raise positive awareness of disability inclusion, which is starting to receive national recognition and participation. Furthermore, we ensure our socks are of high quality and sustainable, so people continue to wear them beyond the 3rd December. This acts as a constant reminder of disability inclusion, which I hope literally gives everyone an extra spring in their step. I am eternally grateful to our sock partners, BAM, who make all their clothes out of bamboo.

We have also helped create some significant social impact. Notable examples include using some of our funds to help launch a disabled owned talent agency, Love Disfigure Talent, supporting Special Olympics GB’s Unified Business Programme, which helps young people with learning disabilities into supported employment and helping to provide free online business education to aspiring disabled entrepreneurs.

ANDREW DOUGLASS CEO OF INNOVISION & FOUNDER OF PARALLEL

Photo Courtesy: Parallel

“I saw the challenges we faced bringing Parallel London to life as a metaphor for the daily challenges faced by the disabled community and I was never going to give up. ”

ANDREW: (continued) Everybody who has bought our socks, whether this is one pair or a thousand pairs, can be sure they have made a tangible difference and directly contributed to unlocking the potential of our disabled business talent; and from a social impact perspective, this is such a powerful and unstoppable force.

ALLIÉ: Parallel London, the world's first fully accessible mass participation event, has garnered numerous awards and accolades. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in conceptualizing and executing an event of this magnitude, and how did you overcome them to ensure its success?

ANDREW: I think with any new idea or innovation, it is often met with negativity, purely on the premise that if it has never been done before, then there must be a good reason. My biggest challenge was convincing charities, sponsors and key stakeholders across London that a mass participation concept that combined multiple distances with no cut off times, allowed everybody, regardless of their ability and use of mobility aids, to start together and integrate a distance that was designed for neurodiversity was going to have popular appeal. Furthermore, up until this point, nobody had really thought about the potential of the recipients of charity being a source of fundraising for the charities that had made this provision. I call these beneficiaries becoming benefactors - it is so powerful.

I also wanted to make Parallel London a celebration of disability lifestyle, so adding a fully accessible festival into the mix also broke with the traditional format of a mass participation event and of course, with this came more barriers.

To put this into context, I first pitched the idea of Parallel London at SportAccord in 2011. The first Parallel London took place in 2016. To overcome the many challenges we faced required patience, resilience and determination. For me, it also became personal - I saw the challenges we faced bringing Parallel London to life as a metaphor for the daily challenges faced by the disabled community and I was never going to give up.

ALLIÉ: Disability inclusion is undoubtedly one of the most pressing social issues of our time. In your opinion, what are the key factors driving progress in this field, and what role do you envision Parallel playing in shaping the future of disability rights and inclusion, both in the UK and beyond?

ANDREW: My goodness, there are so many complexities and challenges, many of which require policy change and political will. Others challenges are deep rooted in our education systems, literature and films. We grow up innocently consuming subtle, yet negative, stereotypes of disability that become part of our national psyche. For example, the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen first wrote The Ugly Duckling in 1843. As parents, many of us

Exclusive Interview with Andrew Douglass https://awarenow.us/podcast/the-parallel-story

“I really want brands to embed disability inclusion into their brand values, rather than just seeing disability as an occasional campaign platform.”

ANDREW: (continued) still read this story to our kids and it is also read in schools. But, if you really stop and think about the ending, it seems by only becoming beautiful and looking like everybody else can you truly be accepted by society… and don’t get me started on the portrayal of James Bond villains!

I see our role at Parallel being a creative and dynamic catalyst for change; throwing our beautifully polished pebbles into the societal millpond to create some waves and positive energy.

One example is engaging household brands to invest in our events and campaigns. I firmly believe that if we can get the really cool guys to stand shoulder to shoulder with disability lifestyle, this is such a powerful cultural force that can help re-shape attitudes and behaviours towards disability and disabled people - much more than any government or charity sponsored campaign.

Furthermore, I really want brands to embed disability inclusion into their brand values, rather than just seeing disability as an occasional campaign platform. Helping to create a tipping point between culture vs campaign for global brands would be a great legacy for our work. ∎

Learn more about Parallel Windsor: www.parallellifestyle.com And get your socks for Purple Sock Day: www.parallellifestyle.com/purple-sock-day

IAN BROCK

FOUNDER OF DREAM HUSTLE CODE

Photo Courtesy: @ian__brock

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH IAN BROCK

THE NEW NERD

DREAMING BIGGER & HUSTLING HARDER WITH CODE

Ian Brock is the founder of Dream Hustle Code, a nonprofit that empowers black and brown youth with the tools needed to become producers of new technology, and not just be consumers. With programming that’s grown to include after-school coding leagues, tours to Silicon Valley and virtual tech field trips, the goal of Dream Hustle Code is to close the wealth and opportunity gaps that exist in underrepresented and underestimated communities. Ian works to empower young people to dream bigger, hustle harder, and be writers of their own life code.

ALLIÉ: Let’s begin with introductions. You being Ian Brock, founder of Dream Hustle Code, and me being Allié McGuire, co-founder of AwareNow. I would like to know about your introduction to code. When and how were you first introduced to coding?

IAN: So my whole entire journey started back when I was eight years old. This was back in 2013. It's funny because the reason I got into tech was actually because of a basketball player. My mom came across this video on Facebook

IAN BROCK FOUNDER OF DREAM HUSTLE CODE

Photo Courtesy: @ian__brock

“Hearing from somebody that not only looked like me and somebody I could actually relate to, that’s what really got me started in my journey in technology…”

IAN: (continued) how every single kid should learn how to code. Now, mind you, I was only eight. I didn't really care about that. All I cared about was having fun with my friends, getting good grades in school, and playing basketball. But, while I was watching this video, I saw people like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. At that time, I didn't know who they were, nor could I really care less about what they were talking about. What grabbed my attention was the fact that I saw two-time NBA champ and now Hall of Famer, Mr. Chris Bosh, and I heard him talking about his experiences with computer science and tech and how he would code in high school. Hearing from somebody that not only looked like me and somebody I could actually relate to, that's what really got me started in my journey in technology in the first place. Had I never seen this video, we would have never started Dream Hustle Code, and I wouldn't even be here today having this interview with you.

ALLIÉ: You make a really good point there. It’s not only someone who looks like you, but someone who has the same sort of interest as you, somebody who you can relate to and identify with.

IAN: Absolutely. It's like one of your superheroes. It’s people that you look up to, right? It's easy for somebody to influence you, especially when you look up to them. So, luckily it was right down the right path in technology. It allowed me to create this company here.

ALLIÉ: So, here’s the thing. A lot of kids fear going to school and being called names, ‘nerd’ being one of them. You, Ian, proudly claim and coin the name ‘New Nerd’. What does this title mean to you and why are you proud to own it?

IAN: It's essentially who I am, right? Everyone, as you mentioned, when they think of the word nerd, they think of somebody with big bulky glasses who's always in the book and super smart, but very awkward and not a social person. But ‘New Nerd’ is a combination of both worlds and showing kids, yes, it's cool to be smart. You can learn how to code, you can be good with math, you can love to read, but you can also have fun. You can love sports, you can love fashion, you can love music, you can love video games, you can love partying and have fun. Again, it's the combination of the best of both worlds, but it's essentially who I am. I love reading, I love educating myself, I love financial literacy, coding, all these different things, but I love having fun too. I'm a gamer, I love playing video games, I love playing sports. My dream was to go to the NBA at one point when I was little, right? I love fashion, I love music, I love partying and concerts, and so it's essentially who I am. That's why we came up with the phrase ‘New Nerd’ to really just showcase to kids that we're taking that old idea of what a nerd is and reshaping it into something new.

ALLIÉ: Let’s talk about your nonprofit, Dream Hustle Code. What’s your mission here?

IAN: The whole entire mission of Dream Hustle Code is to get kids to have a bigger vision of what's possible for themselves and in their future. Our whole idea is how can we help kids not only do that, but become the best versions of themselves. We do that through three different ways: technology and computer science, personal development, as

IAN BROCK FOUNDER OF DREAM HUSTLE CODE

Photo Courtesy: @ian__brock

Exclusive Interview with Ian Brock https://awarenow.us/podcast/the-new-nerd

IAN: (continued) well as financial literacy. All three of those pillars are the three pillars that made up who I am today. I started tech when I was eight years old. I started learning about personal development through my dad, watching motivational videos or listening to it on his Blackberry. Eventually, I read ‘Think and Grow Rich’ when I was eight, and then learned about financial literacy when I was six, such as income versus expenses, assets and liabilities, all those different things. Essentially, what we want to do, our goal, and what we're doing right now is building a pipeline to take kids who have had no experience in any of these areas, get them exposure, train them, and eventually either pipeline them into a job opportunity or help nurture their ideas for whatever companies they may want to create in the future. It's essentially giving kids not only hope, but also a plan on how they can create the future that they want.

ALLIÉ: For those afraid of pursuing a career in technology because they feel there are more unknowns than knowns, what advice do you have?

IAN: I would say, is the risk of you not knowing what could happen worth missing out on? Let me explain that deeper, right? What is the best possible outcome with you diving into the tech space? Think about it. It could be you creating a new company. It could be you being the head of the top of your class at a whole corporation. But what if that does happen? Are you willing to miss out on that opportunity simply because you were too afraid to take that first step? That's the question you have to ask yourself. I mean, you never know what could happen. The best things in life are on the other side of fear. So whatever you're afraid of, understand it's not real. Fear is just false evidence appearing real. People say that all the time. I get it. I was there one time in my life where I was just afraid of taking that first step. But the only way to get past that fear is to just do the thing that you're afraid of. So if you're afraid of taking that first step, just do it. Reach out to somebody, a mentor on LinkedIn. There are plenty of different resources. There's too much information out there for you to fail. So why not take that risk, take that first step, and step into your greatness? Who knows? Not only can you change your life and your family's life, but you might go on to inspire someone else to do the same. ∎

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SIMONE SHARMA FOUNDER OF YOUTH GROW YOUTH (YGY)

‘GLOBAL GOOD’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY

TANITH HARDING

YOUTH GROW YOUTH FEATURING SIMONE SHARMA

Simone Sharma is an 18-year-old student and Founder of Youth Grow Youth (YGY). She embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at 16, launching YGY to make global resources and opportunities more accessible to the youth. Through their online platforms they have successfully impacted and helped over 60,000+ youth globally avail opportunities from internships to volunteering to mentorships from professors and alumni of several reputed institutions, to Ivy-league webinars all free of cost.

TANITH: As a young girl, you dreamed of becoming a doctor, but now you're pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business at the University of Bath. What led you to this path?

SIMONE: My early ambition to be a doctor was driven by a desire to make a positive impact on others' lives. As I matured and explored different fields, my passion shifted towards business and entrepreneurship. This path at the University of Bath enables me to combine my interest in creating meaningful change with my mission of empowering young people through Youth Grow Youth (YGY). This degree offers me a broader perspective on driving change and innovation.

SIMONE SHARMA FOUNDER OF YOUTH GROW YOUTH (YGY)

TANITH: You launched Youth Grow Youth when you were just 16 and have achieved so much in that time. What were your original ambitions for YGY and what has it been like watching it accelerate?

SIMONE: When I first launched Youth Grow Youth (YGY) at 16, my vision was rooted in providing support and opportunities to young people who, like me, were searching for avenues to grow both professionally and personally. Having faced challenges in accessing resources and opportunities myself, I was determined to create a platform that would bridge these gaps for others. My goal was to establish a global network that could connect youth to a diverse range of resources and opportunities, paving the way for them to thrive and succeed in their chosen paths. Watching YGY accelerate and expand beyond my initial expectations has been an incredibly rewarding journey. From a small personal project, YGY has grown into a vibrant community driven by dedicated volunteers who share my passion for empowering young people worldwide. The organization's evolution has surpassed my dreams, as we’ve touched countless lives across the globe. Witnessing our impact expand and seeing the tangible difference we make in the lives of so many young individuals is both inspiring and humbling. It's a journey that motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and striving for even greater success for YGY and the youth we serve.

TANITH: Of the 60,000+ youth that YGY has impacted, nearly 25,000 were underprivileged students and those in government schools in India - how does it feel knowing you have impacted so many young lives?

SIMONE: Our mission at Youth Grow Youth (YGY) has always been about making resources and opportunities accessible to all young people, regardless of their background. Knowing that we've been able to support nearly 25,000 underprivileged students and those in government schools in India fills me with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility. Today, nearly 40% of the world's population consists of young people, yet many lack access to the resources they need for personal and professional growth due to factors such as their background, caste, or color. It's heart-wrenching to see this inequality, especially when it often goes unnoticed.

As a young person, you deserve every chance to reach your full potential, no matter your starting point. This conviction is the driving force behind YGY and my passion for empowering young people worldwide. It's both motivating and humbling to know that we're making a tangible difference in so many lives, but it also reminds me of how much work still lies ahead to truly level the playing field.

TANITH: You have been recognised for your work with several awards including Harvard Innovative Fellowship, She Inspires - Young Achiever and a Global Youth Award last November. How does it feel to receive international recognition for your work?

SIMONE: Receiving international recognition for our work at Youth Grow Youth (YGY) has been an incredible honor and a beautiful validation of our mission. These accolades, such as the Harvard Innovative Fellowship, She InspiresYoung Achiever Award, and the Global Youth Award, not only celebrate our achievements but also highlight the impact we’re making on a global scale.

Being recognized on international platforms is deeply humbling and fuels our motivation to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible. It serves as a reminder that our efforts to create accessible resources and opportunities for young people worldwide are truly making a difference. This recognition encourages us to continue striving for excellence and amplifying our impact.

These awards are also a call to action, reminding us of the immense responsibility we carry towards the youth we serve. They inspire us to work even harder, knowing that we have a signi ficant role in shaping the future for the next generation. As we celebrate these achievements, we remain committed to empowering young individuals and forging a path toward a more inclusive and equitable world.

TANITH: In addition to the incredible work you are doing through YGY I recently discovered you are also an amazing poet! How important is it to for you to find time for this creative outlet?

SIMONE: Poetry has always been a special outlet for me, allowing me to explore my thoughts and emotions in a unique and personal way. I've been opinionated and expressive since I was young, often leading to situations where

SIMONE SHARMA FOUNDER OF YOUTH GROW YOUTH (YGY)

SEBASTIAN ELGHANIAN & JONATHAN SHOOSHANI CO-FOUNDERS OF JOON

‘PEQ

PERFORMANCE’ EXCLUSIVE COLUMN BY SONJA MONTIEL

JOON THE HEARTBEAT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL VISION

“The winning formula is when you get your customers to buy into your purpose, not just your product. This deeper connection is what drives customer loyalty and long-term success.” – Sebastian Elghanian

Sebastian and Jonathan grew up as neighbors in Los Angeles. At the age of eleven, playing basketball on a regular basis, they were unaware that they would create something meaningful for individuals and companies worldwide. Although they wouldn’t know until much later in life, their story begins here, in the place they call home.

Entrepreneurship wasn’t just a buzzword in their neighborhood; it was a way of life. “Our streets were a living marketplace, every corner echoing with the spirit of innovation. Entrepreneurship was and is embedded in the DNA of the people,” Sebastian reminisces.

For Sebastian, a pivotal figure emerged early on. His PE coach, Coach Bill Smith, remained his basketball coach from primary school to high school, teaching lessons about life and business through the game. Sebastian recalls Coach Smith saying, “We’re going to build a family here, a microcosm for what you build in the future for your companies, families and communities.” Every technique and strategy that Coach Smith shared with his players was related to how life presented different paths to pivot, turn, adjust and create new paths towards the direction they were heading towards. Coach Smith offered Sebastian a way to practice the craft of envisioning what’s possible.

Jonathan’s epiphany struck in the halls of academia. Amidst the maze of political science and pre-med textbooks, he realized that his path was not his own. It was time to carve a new trajectory. “I dove into the world of health and wellness, letting my personal discoveries guide my academic journey,” Jonathan shares. His education transformed into a tapestry of disciplines, each one integrating and bringing him closer to his entrepreneurial destiny.

Their paths converged post-college, as they discovered that their individual quests forged a shared vision: to revolutionize wellness through innovation. Their first venture, Avo, was a bold step into the world of behavioral science and wellness rewards. “We were a bit naïve to think we could start a digital bank from scratch, but we had to go through the learning lessons of this venture,” Jonathan shares. Despite its eventual closure, it was a crucible that tempered their partnership into something unbreakable.

The creation of JOON was a direct product of lessons learned from Avo. The vision for Sebastian and Jonathan didn't change. Instead, they invested in resources to understand their current and future customers better. With their new knowledge, they shifted their focus to the employee benefit space across all industries.

JOON is not just a platform. It’s a versatile tool accessible to companies of all sizes, enabling them to invest easily in their most important asset—their people—thereby boosting employee engagement and wellbeing. Employers can now curate an allowance, be it $25 or $100, granting employees the autonomy to invest in what truly enriches their lives. JOON’s genius lies in its simplicity and automation, making wellness accessible and effortless.

We must listen with our hearts.

ELGHANIAN & JONATHAN SHOOSHANI CO-FOUNDERS OF JOON

SEBASTIAN

AwareNow Podcast

JOON

Written & Narrated by Sonja Montiel https://awarenow.us/podcast/joon

The platform’s distinct edge comes from three core differentiators:

Seamless Automation

JOON’s card connection technology streamlines the experience for both employers and employees.

Customized Wellness

Every company has the flexibility to customize their offerings to fit the unique needs of their staff.

Continual Learning

JOON’s educational resources are a treasure trove of knowledge, from financial savvy to the art of sleep optimization.

For Sebastian and Jonathan, the art of envisioning is the entrepreneur’s most potent tool. “It’s the fuel for our passion,” they assert. “When you can see the future and your place in it, you're more willing to make those hard decisions and do the hard work. This belief is what brought us together.”

The essence of JOON is encapsulated in its name—a Persian term that embodies care and affection. It’s a story that begins with a cab ride and a conversation that would pivot the course of Sebastian’s life, and Jonathan’s. To uncover this beautiful story, a visit to their website is a must.

For now, I leave you with words of wisdom from Sebastian and Jonathan: “We’re helping companies reshape the landscape of care, and transform access to healthy lifestyles for people everywhere. To do this, we must open our ears and eyes to our current and potential clients. We must listen with our hearts.” ∎

Learn more about JOON: JOON.io

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jshooshani & www.linkedin.com/in/selghanian

SONJA MONTIEL

Co-Founder of PEQ Performance Consulting www.awarenessties.us/sonja-montiel

SONJA MONTIEL (MA Education) is a cofounder of PEQ Performance Consulting LLC and cohost of “The DH Effect” podcast. She and her partner, Hilary Bilbrey, guide individuals, families, and teams to consistently reach successful outcomes through positive and emotional intelligence strategies. During Sonja’s 23 years working with thousands of teens and young adults worldwide, she began to witness many societies creating an unhealthy hyper-achieving culture that misguides our young people in their pursuit of living a life of fulfillment. Sonja is changing that narrative highlighting educators around the world who dare to think differently about education. (www.peq-performance.com)

www.IamAwareNow.com

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CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN PROJECT MANAGER OF AWARE (ADULTS WITH AUTISM RECYCLING ELECTRONICS)

Photo Credit: Clay Grueber

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

BRIDGING AUTISM SUPPORT & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Christopher Brennan is the project manager of AWARE (Adults With Autism Recycling Electronics). This program is operated by Comprenew, a company that strives to protect businesses, people and the environment from the threat of improperly disposed electronic devices, while fostering job readiness and computer literacy among at-risk populations in our community. As a person living with autism, Christopher is passionate about his work that serves and supports others on the spectrum.

ALLIÉ: Could you share with us your personal journey and how it led you to become involved with AWARE and Comprenew? How has your experience as a person living with autism influenced your approach to this project?

CHRISTOPHER: Well, I've worked a handful of electronics-related jobs in the past, particularly one role with disaster restoration on devices damaged in fires, floods, lightning strikes and the like, and another role doing the wiring and electrical work for industrial CNC machine assembly. When I look back at my career and how it relates to Comprenew, though, I think the experiences that've helped me most come from the four years I spent with public libraries across

In our first year alone, we’ve brought this philosophy into practice with 78 tons of electronic waste broken down and returned to the manufacturing cycle rather than a landfill.

CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN PROJECT MANAGER OF AWARE (ADULTS WITH AUTISM RECYCLING ELECTRONICS)

Photo Credit: Clay Grueber

“An unfortunate commonality to the experiences of many people with disabilities in the workforce is that many workplaces tend to be designed in ways that can ignore, exclude, and even push away those who experience the world differently.”

CHRISTOPHER: (continued) deal of coordination happening behind the scenes to create the kind of cooperatives that link all these libraries together. I really strive to carry those values of empathy and collaboration forward within the AWARE team, especially as we've expanded out to develop partner programs with those sharing our mission.

When I was first introduced to Comprenew through the listing for this job, it seemed like a perfect synthesis of those professional experiences and my own lived experience as an autistic person. While it's impossible for me to speak to the experiences of everyone within the autistic community, I had enough firsthand knowledge to anticipate potential barriers and provide valuable insight on issues such as sensory stimulation or information overload. Many of the closest relationships I've had throughout my life have been with other neurodivergent people, and I've learned so much through the great fortune of being able to hear their experiences and match some of my own struggles to theirs.

An unfortunate commonality to the experiences of many people with disabilities in the workforce is that many workplaces tend to be designed in ways that can ignore, exclude, and even push away those who experience the world differently. I have experienced this myself, and was determined to do things differently with the AWARE team. This mission is something very close to my heart, and I try to bring the principles of servant leadership to every aspect of this work. I want to make sure my people have their voices heard and their needs considered, and I want to show other businesses the potential that exists with our community if we are given an environment that welcomes us.

ALLIÉ: AWARE provides job readiness and computer literacy among at-risk populations, particularly those living with autism. With this mission, what wins have you found and what challenges have you faced?

CHRISTOPHER: My biggest wins come with the people I work with. Whenever I sit down with members of the team to ask how things are going and give them a chance to offer their feedback, I hear how much more comfortable they've felt here versus other jobs, and I see that in the quality of their work and their attitudes with each other. We've had zero turnover, continual growth, and I've been able to start developing some cross-training opportunities to make sure Comprenew is providing our employees with as much professional development as possible. The partner programs, too, are astounding to me. I love every chance I get to visit the schools and see the true expertise and determination on display from everyone involved.

Of course there have been challenges… When I was hired at Comprenew, the AWARE team was little more than an idea and a budget. It's been a lot of hard work over this first year to build out every aspect of the program, and there have been great changes along the way. We expanded the work area twice over to now cover almost a third of the warehouse floor, we are always looking for what tools and methods could make the work easier to access and perform, and the list of focus materials that we sort things by has tripled in size from what it started as. All of that change and transition can be taxing on the individual, even as it makes things better for everyone overall. If there's one thing I really strive for among all of this change, it's to stay in touch with the team every step of the way, and make sure we never lose sight of how any decision will impact their day to day.

CHRISTOPHER BRENNAN PROJECT MANAGER OF AWARE (ADULTS WITH

RECYCLING ELECTRONICS)

Photo Credit: Clay Grueber

Photo Credit: Clay Grueber

SOLUTIONS

Exclusive Interview with Christopher Brennan https://awarenow.us/podcast/sustainable-solutions

CHRISTOPHER: (continued) When someone understands why something needs to happen, and then they're doing that thing day in and day out, they are able to innovate upon the procedure. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people on the AWARE team develop techniques I never would've thought of, and then passed that to their coworkers to make everyone more efficient. Too many companies lose sight of the fact that employees doing the work are often the expert voices you need to listen to. It's incredible what people are capable of if we give them the tools they need and trust them to make their own decisions.

ALLIÉ: I imagine that collaboration and community involvement are crucial for the success of initiatives like AWARE. How have you fostered partnerships with other organizations or businesses to expand the reach and impact of the program?

CHRISTOPHER: Absolutely. We began this initiative with partnership as a fundamental component, and I can't overstate how grateful we are to organizations like Beyond26, Hope Network, and MOKA who helped us in our initial hiring efforts, and especially Bluestar Recyclers in Colorado, another electronics recycler who led an initiative to employ people with disabilities and has in many ways been the inspiration for Comprenew's own AWARE team. Their founder, Bill Morris, was able to visit us as we were laying down the team's foundations and offer some key wisdom, among which was the idea to work with schools in our area to offer specialized job training and opportunities. From that recommendation we've developed an incredible relationship with Kent ISD's Empower U campuses, working hand-in-hand with them to create electronics classes for young adults to learn valuable skills and develop experience which they can later bring into Comprenew as full employees of the AWARE team. Our work with them over the past year has been absolutely tremendous, and we have since been able to develop a second partner program with Grandville Public Schools' Adult Transition program. Beyond that, we've also been working hard to develop a larger presence among local agencies and organizations such as the Disability Advocates of Kent County- I helped with their recent mock interview event and it was such a delight to see how much good can be done when a community comes together for a common purpose.

ALLIÉ: What advice would you give to others looking to initiate similar projects in their communities?

CHRISTOPHER: Believe and listen. Believe in what you are seeing across every industry welcoming people with disabilities and discovering the vast potential that has gone too long unrecognized, and listen to those people when they tell you what they need and how they can be at their best. This is a time in history where we truly have the opportunity to pull together parts of our society and work towards a common purpose, and the only way we are going to do that is by really communicating with each other and learning about the strengths we have and the struggles that accompany them. We have to stop letting differences divide us, bring everyone to the table, and develop the dialogues that will lead to thoughtful, inclusive action. Only together can we make a world that's better for everyone. ∎

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Photo Credit: Kutay Ertürk

breaking barriers

Through the many lenses of vision, voice, and perspective, may you find your break through…

Creativity. Connectivity. Community.