2023 ANDREW ZIMMERN AWARD WINNER

Heidi Waithe was born on August 15th, 1976 in Trinidad. She was raised by amazing parents -- her biological mother‘s only child and her father’s 9th and final child. In 1978, Heidi moved from Trinidad to Brooklyn with her father and other mother, traveling back and forth until 1990, and then settling in New York.

As a child, Heidi endured sexual trauma, telling no one because she was afraid she would not be believed. She held this secret for years, its impact playing out through various forms of self-harm. 1992 proved to be an incredibly difficult year: Heidi lost her father and her family separated again, exacerbating unresolved trauma that resulted in destabilization, including the eviction and homelessness that followed. She survived multiple suicide attempts by overdose.

Heidi worked through managing her fear and mistrust of the mental health systems that were in place at the time. As a single mother with limited supports, she overcame homelessness in 1997 and sought treatment for depression. Through her own recovery, Heidi felt a pull to help others by utilizing her lived experiences. She is now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist at S:US’ Wellness Works Clinic in Brooklyn where she provides a unique perspective, helping others overcome hardships. With her personalized lens, Heidi counsels those in recovery and guides individuals navigating complicated systems, stimulating their own survival strengths.

In addition to being a mother of four, Heidi is the Corresponding Secretary of the 75th Precinct Council Board in East New York, Brooklyn; is Chaplain and Evangelist in her community; and she is pursuing her certificate as a Family Peer Advocate. She is a proud member of S:US’ Brooklyn Clubhouse, where she participates in member-driven comprehensive recovery and treatment services while developing a community with fellow members in recovery. Heidi presents at S:US’ New Hire Orientation on a regular basis where she imparts her knowledge to future peer specialists.

Heidi is a mentor and guide, and her authentic approach creates pathways for healing. She is now learning to see herself as positively and fully as people in her many communities see and experience her.