Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

S.P.E.A.K: Supporting People Emotionally and Kinesthetically LLC is inspired by the communities that I've lived and served in. As a black woman born in the southside of Chicago and serving as a therapist and school counselor in Atlanta, Ga, I've witnessed and experienced spaces where my voice and the voices of others were diminished. S.P.E.A.K inspires others to feel safe in self-expression in various forms, such as movement, art, and music, embracing mental health, creativity, and empowerment.

How do you stay motivated?

My motivation is rooted in my family and my ability to regulate my emotions through spirituality and discipline. Discipline requires consistency and understanding of what is required despite one's feelings and personal disposition. I understand my purpose and vision through S.P.E.A.K, which requires more of myself and being an example through testimony and vulnerability for my clients and community.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With this generous award, I can provide free mental health training to schools in underserved communities so that educators can understand trauma-informed approaches to education and pilot programs within schools to create trauma-informed classrooms. Additionally, I would like to expand my social media presence and mass-produce socio-emotional learning (SEL) books for schools and therapy products, which include journals to use during therapy sessions for clients and other consumers.