“After my stroke, I decided that I would keep a diary of my daily improvements since I was home by myself,” said Hayes. “I tried to stop, but a voice kept urging me forward.”
Hayes decided to publish her book to inspire and encourage others in their pursuit of recovery and redemption. She has two other books in the works, and, as a result of the strokes, she typed them all with just the pointer finger on her left hand. This was even more of a challenge because she’s normally right-handed.
“I hope to reach people who are sick like me, who cannot speak out for themselves, to let them know that they are not alone in this desert called life,” said Hayes. “There is an oasis somewhere, just keep trudging on until you find it.”
“Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow: Surviving Three Strokes” By Leila Hayes BS, MA. Ed, MA ISBN: 9798385011391 (softcover); 9798385011407 (hardcover); 9798385011414 (electronic) Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author Leila Hayes is originally from Antigua. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Audrey Cohen College, New York, NY, an MA in Education from New York University, New York City, and an MA in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology, New York City. She worked for the Postal Service for 30 years and has taught high school English Language Arts for seven years. She has five children and currently lives in Mt. Vernon, NY. To learn more, please visit http://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/856562-courage-for-today-and-hope-for-tomorrow.
Community health centers in Texas will have access to enhanced group purchasing services thanks to a new partnership between CNECT and the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC).
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — CNECT, a leading national group purchasing organization (GPO), will serve as TACHC’s exclusive GPO partner and expand cost savings, value, and solutions for community health centers across Texas. CNECT, a wholly owned subsidiary of Health Center Partners of Southern California, has been serving community health centers for more than 40 years. CNECT’s team of over 60 employees provides tailored supply chain solutions to enhance the financial strength of its members.
“CNECT is proud to partner with TACHC and align our efforts to support Texas community health centers in their mission to deliver exceptional care,” said Sparkle Barnes, President of CNECT. “Our focus at CNECT is on enhancing supply chain resiliency, promoting supplier diversity, and providing GPO contracted solutions that drive significant savings and value to our members. This partnership will empower TACHC members to fully leverage our GPO services, equipping them with the tools needed to navigate today’s complex healthcare landscape and better serve their communities.”
The partnership between CNECT and TACHC will allow both organizations to leverage their strengths and offer an enhanced portfolio of contracts and services tailored to meet the unique needs of TACHC members, ultimately driving greater efficiencies and improving access to essential resources.
“We are thrilled to partner with CNECT to offer additional value to our community health centers in Texas,” said Jana Eubank, Chief Executive Officer of TACHC. “This collaboration will allow us to leverage cost efficiencies while ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care. By working together, we can optimize resources, streamline operations, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the communities we serve. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality health care for all Texans.”
TACHC continues to offer a variety of group purchasing programs to its members, who will now gain access to an additional 3,000 GPO contracts through CNECT, including top-tier discounts from more than 1,460 suppliers. In December 2023, CNECT was also named as the official GPO partner of NACHC Select, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).
About CNECT
CNECT is a national group purchasing organization (GPO) with more than 40 years of industry experience that provides its members access to discounts and services specifically designed to enhance their financial strength. Without compromising quality, we strive to leverage the lowest possible price on contracted services and products for our 10,000+ members. In FY23, CNECT members achieved over $166.5M in savings across a broad portfolio of over 3,000 contracts. For more information on CNECT, please visit www.cnectgpo.com.
About Texas Association of Community Health Centers
The Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) is a private, not-for-profit membership association committed to advancing equitable access to quality health care in Texas by supporting and advocating for community health centers (also known as federally qualified health centers, FQHCs, or health centers). TACHC is the federally designated primary care association for Texas. TACHC assists members in providing high-quality, comprehensive primary care and addressing the full spectrum of health center needs so they can focus on patient care.
About Health Center Partners (HCP)
Health Center Partners of Southern California is a regional primary care association of 16 member organizations including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Indian Health Services Organizations, both urban and sovereign, and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. In 2022, HCP’s members collectively served 658,020 patients, in 2.8 million patient visits, at 176 practice sites across San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial counties, with the fifth largest provider group in the region. HCP’s 2023 Health Impact Report
Los Angeles man Eric Borstein was diagnosed with a terminal illness four years ago. Next month he will walk 160 miles to raise awareness of his condition after responding to treatment.
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Los Angeles resident Eric Borstein will walk 160 miles from his home in Los Angeles to San Diego beginning Sunday, September 22 to raise awareness of his rare disease, pulmonary hypertension (PH).
After collapsing from massive right heart failure in 2020, Borstein was diagnosed with PH, a disease that causes high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. There is no cure for this debilitating and life-threatening condition. Four years later, he is marking the occasion with a 160 mile walk down the coast. While he has responded well to treatment and can accomplish walking nearly a marathon a day, this is not typical for most people who live with PH.
Before Borstein begins his journey on the 22nd, he and his family will host the first annual Where is EB? 5K to kick-off his walk. The 5K will begin at 9:00 am through 11:30 am, starting at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica. All are welcome for a morning filled with fun, light refreshments, in and support of those affected by PH.
Borstein hopes that sharing his story will bring together his network and the PH community to amplify awareness and further support research into improved treatments, a cure, and programs. He shared, “One of the things that I’ve always wanted to do, if I can help save one person’s life or if I can help motivate somebody to extend their life, then one day when I’m not here, I’ve done my job. When I was introduced to Team PHenomenal Hope, it just hit me. They’re helping people through the means that I’m actually doing on a daily basis. Anything I can do to get involved to help motivate other patients, I want to do.”
Team PHenomenal Hope board chair Dr. Harrison Farber shared, “We are grateful to Eric and his family and we are thrilled that he is representing our organization while he takes on this incredible challenge. Where Is EB? represents the strength, resilience, and unrelenting spirit of those living with PH, which embodies what we strive for at Team PH.”
Team PHenomenal Hope is a 501(c)3 organization, founded in 2012. They implement programming that focuses on improving the quality of life for those affected by all forms of PH, including removing patients from isolation, providing hope, and meeting unmet needs. Additionally they fund medical research into improved treatments or a cure for those who suffer from PH.
To register, learn more, or donate to this event, visit the event website at whereiseb.org. Questions can be directed to [email protected] or call 877-646-4673.
Achieve Health and Weight Loss, a national leader in virtual medical weight management, is bringing attention to a crucial aspect often overlooked in the pursuit of weight loss: body composition. While the number on the scale is often the primary focus for many, Achieve emphasizes that losing fat while preserving muscle is far more important for long-term health and overall well-being. This focus on body composition, supported by scientific evidence, sets Achieve’s holistic program apart in the weight management industry.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Achieve Health and Weight Loss, a national leader in virtual medical weight management, is bringing attention to a crucial aspect often overlooked in the pursuit of weight loss: body composition. While the number on the scale is often the primary focus for many, Achieve emphasizes that losing fat while preserving muscle is far more important for long-term health and overall well-being. This focus on body composition, supported by scientific evidence, sets Achieve’s holistic program apart in the weight management industry.
The Science Behind Body Composition
Recent scientific studies have highlighted the importance of body composition in determining health outcomes. Research has shown that preserving lean muscle mass while losing fat is crucial for maintaining metabolism, preventing injury, and supporting overall health. A study published in the Journal of Obesity found that individuals who focus solely on weight loss without considering body composition are more likely to lose muscle mass, which can lead to a slower metabolism, increased risk of osteoporosis, and decreased physical function as they age .
The Risks of Losing Too Much Muscle
Losing too much muscle during weight loss can have several negative effects, including:
Decreased Metabolic Rate: Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns more calories at rest. Losing muscle can significantly slow down metabolism, making it harder to maintain weight loss and increasing the risk of weight regain.
Increased Risk of Injury: Muscle mass is essential for supporting bones and joints. A reduction in muscle can lead to a higher risk of injury, especially in older adults.
Impaired Physical Function: Muscle strength is directly tied to physical function. Loss of muscle mass can lead to decreased strength and endurance, negatively impacting the ability to perform daily activities.
Achieve’s Holistic Approach to Preserving Muscle and Losing Fat
At Achieve Health and Weight Loss, we understand that true health and wellness go beyond just the numbers on the scale. Our comprehensive program is designed to help individuals lose fat while preserving muscle, ensuring that our members achieve a healthier, more sustainable body composition.
Remote Body Composition Monitoring
One of the unique features of Achieve’s program is our remote body composition monitoring, which allows members to track their progress beyond just weight. Using advanced body composition scales, members can monitor their fat percentage, muscle mass, and other key metrics from the comfort of their homes. This data is seamlessly integrated into our virtual platform, allowing our health coaches and medical team to provide personalized guidance tailored to each member’s unique needs.
“At Achieve, we believe that weight loss is just a number. What truly matters is improving body composition by losing fat and preserving muscle. Our holistic approach, combined with cutting-edge technology like remote body composition scales, helps our members achieve long-lasting, healthy results that go beyond the scale,” said Dr. Alex Foxman, Founder and Medical Director of Achieve Health and Weight Loss.
Standing Out in the Industry
Achieve’s focus on body composition sets us apart from other weight management programs that only emphasize weight loss. By prioritizing muscle preservation and fat loss, we help our members achieve a healthier, stronger, and more balanced body. This holistic approach ensures that our members not only look better but also feel better and maintain their results for the long term.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Alex Foxman, please contact the media relations team at [email protected].
About Achieve Health and Weight Loss:
Achieve Health and Weight Loss is a national leader in virtual medical weight management, operating in 38 states. The company is dedicated to providing a holistic, patient-centered approach to weight loss and health improvement. Led by Dr. Alex Foxman, a double board-certified physician in obesity and internal medicine, Achieve Health and Weight Loss empowers individuals to achieve long-lasting results through personalized care and evidence-based practices.
“At FourthWave, we envision a world where women receive an equal amount of venture capital as men. In order to get closer to creating equity in funding, we created a unique and cutting-edge leadership training program that includes 1:1 business mentorship and help with fundraising and pitch development for our cohort members,” said Cheryl Beninga, Co-Founder of FourthWave.
“Our 2024 cohort is an incredible group of women tackling some of the most important issues of our time, including unlocking immunotherapies for breast cancer, advancing water purification for industrial and municipal wastewater systems, utilizing AI to power solutions for STEM and ELA instruction, combating chronic absenteeism in K-12, helping high-risk patients with pelvic health issues, and leveling the playing field for small business lending,” said Beninga.
The 12 companies and their founders selected for FourthWave’s 2024 accelerator program are:
● Shweta Gandhi of Strived, an education technology company focused on the development of AI-powered data tools for turning complex educational data into clear insights for tailored instruction, particularly in STEM and ELA. Davis, California.
● Ladan Ghobad, PhD, of ENERtune, a cleantech company that developed an automated calibration tool that helps predict energy savings in building retrofits with higher accuracy and lower budget. Sacramento, California.
● Heather Rankow and Ashley Keyes of Rely, a real estate technology company that provides landlords with direct access to verified renters so that they can directly search for renters, mitigating their risk, decreasing vacancy time, and increasing profits. Berkeley, California.
● Rebecca Nguyen of ValleyMatch, a dating service for those looking for long-term monogamous relationships that don’t have time to filter out bots, scammers, and casual daters. Elk Grove, California.
● Dr. Nyeisha DeWitt and Mani Grewal of Wizearly, an education technology company that is developing next-generation attendance management solutions designed to combat chronic absenteeism in K-12. Oakland, California.
● Dominique Brun of DominoFX Group, an online marketplace that provides innovative lending products, access to programs for small businesses nationwide, and matches founders to the right funders. Sacramento, California.
● Penny Lane Case, Stefany James and Kylene Landenberger of Nexstera Tech, a climate tech company specializing in pin-pointing lithium battery risks in waste streams through AI-driven radar technology. San Luis Obispo, California.
● McCall Brinskele of Mense, a period care company with a mission to provide comfortable, safe, and most importantly, working solutions for people with periods. San Luis Obispo, California.
● Dr. Amy S. Yee of Cha Therapeutics, a medical research and technology company that seeks to unlock the potential of immunotherapies in breast and other cancers, Sacramento. California and Boston, MA.
● Kerstin Recker and Helen Grimshaw of PeliHealth, a medical health technology company that is aiming to be the first AI-driven platform to help prevent, treat, and identify high-risk patients with pelvic health issues. Miami, Florida.
● Sue Mecham of NALA Membranes, a cleantech company advancing water purification through the development of a new class of game-changing chlorine-tolerant membranes for reverse osmosis industrial and municipal wastewater systems. Morrisville, North Carolina.
● Tonya Turrell, of The Launchpad, the provider of the first and only B2B technology matchmaking marketplace that connects technology buyers to technology sellers who are precisely aligned. Orlando, Florida.
Applications for the 2025 FourthWave Accelerator Program will open in May 2025. More about the program and how to apply for next year can be found at www.fourthwave.io.
About FourthWave
FourthWave is a non-profit accelerator for women-led technology businesses founded in 2017 by Nancy Perlman, Cheryl Beninga and Tracy Saville. Headquartered in Sacramento – the fifth best city in the U.S. for women entrepreneurs according to SmartAsset. FourthWave formed a strategic partnership with the Carlsen Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Sacramento State in 2020. The FourthWave accelerator program provides founders with mentorship, leadership development and preparation for funding.
FourthWave is committed to changing the narrative around gender equity and believes a core part of the story is seen through an economic lens. Investing in women is one of the most effective ways to reduce inequality and increase economic growth. FourthWave envisions a world in which women receive 50% of venture capital funding.
The Super Patch Company will present its latest data showcasing the advances in the treatment for patients experiencing sleep or insomnia-related symptoms at the 27th European Sleep Research Society and the XXXII Sleep Europe Congress held in Seville, Spain from September 24-27, 2024.
TORONTO, ON, Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Super Patch Company will present its latest data showcasing the advances in the treatment for patients experiencing sleep or insomnia-related symptoms at the 27th European Sleep Research Society and the XXXII Sleep Europe Congress held in Seville, Spain from September 24-27, 2024. The data being presented adds to the growing body of evidence and represents continued innovation and advancement in Sleep Research that includes pivotal findings using Haptic Vibrotactile Trigger Technology (VTT).
Data being presented by Study Investigators will include results from the HARMONI Trial sharing patient outcomes and changes relating to sleep quality, sleep duration, quality-of-life components and the use of concurrent medications after using a non-invasive, non-pharmacological topical patch with VTT.
“For over a decade, we have been researching the effects of haptic technology for multiple therapeutic conditions and wellness applications. We are excited to share the most recent data about our Sleep Patch with Clinicians from around the world. Based on these results and ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we believe that our VTT patches could offer a viable alternative and be added to current approaches and treatments of non-invasive and non-pharmacological sleep therapies with minimal side effects.” said Jay Dhaliwal, Founder and CEO of Super Patch.
About Sleep Disorders
There are several diseases associated with sleep disorders and many current pharmacological approaches have
limited efficacy and significant side effects. In the US, 50-70 million people have chronic, or ongoing, sleep
disorders impacting quality of life and imparting a significant personal and societal burden. Sleep health is
important for overall physical and behavioral health, wellness, and safety. Identifying effective and safe alternative
treatments will provide options in how clinicians traditionally treat sleep disorders.
The biennial congress of the European Sleep Research Society “Sleep Europe” is Europe’s leading congress on sleep medicine and sleep research. Every two years, thousands of clinicians, researchers, scientists, students & trainees come together to learn the latest sleep science news and network with their peers. The Congress also brings together 33 national sleep societies across Europe, as well as networks and external societies, bridging the gap between sleep and other fields of medicine.
Combining evidence-based research with relatable personal stories, Rhodes-Levin gives us tools and a roadmap to help us understand why not to take the world and the other anxious people in it personally, how fear is underneath all anger, how the wounded child will try to run your life based on scary experiences and other vital concepts.
After reading this book, the reader will understand their anxiety, learn how to harness it, shift focus to what they love, and live the life they want.
The book is available now at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and all booksellers.
About the Author:
Laura Rhodes-Levin, LMFT, author of The Missing Peace: Rewire Your Brain, Reduce Anxiety, and Recreate Your Life (Rowman & Littlefield) is a licensed therapist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling and is known for her unique approach in the understanding of anxiety and anxiety disorders. She is also the Founder of The Missing Peace Center for Anxiety, a clinic that offers a variety of modalities, including Psychotherapy, Neurofeedback, Play Therapy, Olfactory Anxiety Reduction, Group Therapy, Movement, and more to help ease the nervous system and restore the brain, body, and mind to a place of calmness and relaxation.
REVIEWS:
Licensed therapist Rhodes-Levin delivers advice to help people “rewire” their brains and discover practices that will help alleviate anxiety. She uses a combination of her personal experiences, clients’ stories, and evidence-based research to support these bold claims. Each chapter begins with a synopsis, followed by a personal anecdote and what Rhodes-Levin terms the “anxiety user manual” section, in which she defines a particular facet of anxiety before offering up journal prompts, questions, and action steps…. There’s value in seeing the shared struggle, and Rhodes-Levin offers readers that companionship by showing up with and for them. With short chapters and some valuable tools, this title isn’t a substitute for therapy, but it does build a sense of community by chipping away at the stigma surrounding anxiety in ways that may appeal to readers who need a little extra support.
— Library Journal
Convinced that she was born with anxiety, Rhodes-Levin understands the power it can have over your life. After years of therapy and study, she finally feels freed from its grip. Anxiety is both genetic and learned, says the author, and it can be unlearned. The first step is identifying life events and family stories that trigger the feelings that manifest themselves as the “Wounded Child.” Secondly, Rhodes-Levin offers ways to combat these feelings, including asking for help, therapy, self-talk, spiritual beliefs, and setting healthy boundaries. Finally, readers are asked to imagine a life free of anxiety and filled with purpose. The chapters are brief and filled with examples from her life, direct talk, questions to ponder, and exercises to work through. Readers are encouraged to “build their own toolkit” and to create an “Anxiety User Manual.” Rhodes-Levin drew on her experiences and hard-won wisdom to found the Missing Peace Center for Anxiety, where therapy, yoga, meditation, massage, and other practices counter anxiety, depression, and trauma. Readers willing to put in the work will be inspired and comforted by her message.
— Booklist
The Missing Peace offers a valuable guide for individuals, professionals, or loved ones who want to understand the root causes of anxiety and learn healthier ways to face each day. By sharing personal stories, therapeutic methods, and practical action steps, Laura Rhodes-Levin leads readers through the healing process and counters the lies, fears, and hurts that can hold us captive in life. This book will help readers step away from “survival” strategies and find the PEACE they’ve been seeking, all while reminding them they’re not alone.
— Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Perennials
There’s something profoundly refreshing about The Missing Peace: Rewire Your Brain, Reduce Anxiety, and Recreate Your Life by licensed therapist Laura Rhodes-Levin, LMFT. It could be Rhodes-Levin’s Gen X sensibility or her propensity for honesty and self-disclosure. Whatever it is, her book is animated by a willingness to be real about exactly what has helped her and her clients successfully manage anxiety. For the spiritual and woo averse, be warned, there is talk of quantum fields. But even for someone who is more science-y, I found that the mix of these elements instructive. This book, out new this month, can help you build a user manual for anxiety-reduction with instructions dog-eared from those who’ve successfully made their way before you.
— Emily P.G. Erickson
Media Contact
Valerie Allen, Valerie Allen Public Relations, 1 (310) 382-7800, [email protected]
MADD Spearheads Awareness Efforts to Prevent Tragedies This Holiday Weekend
IRVING, Texas , Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) expects a spike in impaired driving deaths and injuries during Labor Day weekend, which ranks among the deadliest holidays on our nation’s roads and waterways. As Labor Day approaches, MADD cautions the public with a lifesaving message: Don’t drive impaired.
In 2022, there were 490 crash fatalities nationwide over the Labor Day holiday period — 39% of which involved a drunk driver, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Alcohol was also the leading factor in fatal boating crashes in 2022, causing 16% of all fatalities, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
MADD is working with law enforcement agencies across the country to increase sobriety checkpoints, which reduces drunk driving deaths by up to 20%, according to the U.S. CDC. These prevention efforts coincide with NHTSA’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
While impaired driving crashes increase over Labor Day weekend, this public health crisis plagues the nation year-round. 2 out of 3 people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. Every 78 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash in the U.S. Drunk driving fatalities have increased by 33% since 2019. According to NHTSA, more than 13,400 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2022.
MADD firmly believes impaired driving can be eliminated with lifesaving auto technology. The HALT Act, passed in November 2021, requires a new national safety standard for advanced impaired driving prevention systems in all new cars. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is tasked with establishing regulations for this technology by November 15, 2024 — a quickly approaching deadline. The law then requires car manufacturers to integrate the technology in new vehicles as soon as 2026. This technology will save more than 10,000 lives per year and prevent hundreds of thousands of injuries, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nonprofit leader in a movement to create a world where there are #NoMoreVictims of impaired driving. By working in collaboration with law enforcement to end underage drinking and all drunk and drugged driving, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50%, saving more than 475,000 lives. The organization is a vocal advocate for stricter sentencing, new laws, and new technology, including implementing the HALT Drunk Driving Act. MADD also has provided supportive services to nearly one million victims of drunk and drugged driving at no charge through local victim advocates and its 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit us at https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Updated Design: The new website showcases a contemporary, visually appealing design that reflects the dynamic spirit of our community and makes navigating our information and resources more engaging.
Improved Usability: With a more intuitive layout, the website allows users to easily find information about scholarships, research initiatives, student success programs, events, our impact, and ways to get involved.
Mobile Optimization: Fully responsive across all devices, the website ensures that students, donors, partners, and community members can access our site and resources anytime, anywhere.
A Message from APIA Scholars
“Our new website is a testament to our ongoing mission to provide better support and resources for our scholars,” said Dr. Noël S. Harmon, President and Executive Director. “We are excited to offer a platform that not only looks great but also makes it easier for students and supporters access the tools they need to succeed and to learn more about us.”
Explore the New Website
We invite everyone to visit our new website at www.apiascholars.org to explore our updated look and try the enhanced user experience.
About APIA Scholars
Based in Washington, D.C. and founded in 2003, APIA Scholars (Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars) is the nation’s leading non-profit organization devoted to the academic, personal, and professional success of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. We celebrate our community of students whose unique stories, rich cultures, and diverse perspectives equip them to be the leaders of tomorrow. Through scholarships, higher education research and policy, and institutional partnerships, APIA Scholars carries out its mission to educate, elevate, and empower a diverse community of 25 million strong and growing.
For more information about APIA Scholars, please visit us at www.apiascholars.org.
CONTACT
Wendy Wong
VP of Marketing and Communications
APIA Scholars (Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars)
By creating safe peer-led spaces for ongoing dialogue, #WeHearHer Chapters will continue to empower women beyond the conversation week and foster lasting change within local communities and workplaces. Individuals passionate about women’s mental health are encouraged to register to lead their own Corporate or Community Chapters. Chapter Leads will receive access to guided resources and support from SeekHer to host their own conversations during #WeHearHer Conversation Week and beyond.
“Women deserve workplaces where they can lead and thrive,” said Dr. Monica Mo, founder and Executive Director of SeekHer Foundation. “It’s time to shed the culture of silence and create a future where our voices are heard. Through our #WeHearHer Chapters program, we are empowering women to advocate for and champion open dialogue to co-create supportive environments that make a lasting impact on women’s experiences in the workplace and beyond.”
As an extension of the #WeHearHer Advocacy Council, a growing coalition of nearly 500 advocates, brands, and non-profits, #WeHearHer Conversation Week challenges the culture of silence that hinders women’s workplace success. The initiative calls on leaders and organizations to create supportive environments that foster open dialogue and empower women.
OLLY, a leading wellness brand driving social impact through women’s wellness and workplace mental health initiatives, is a long-time supporter of SeekHer Foundation’s work.
“Having open and honest conversations, both in and out of the workplace is crucial in creating environments where people feel like they can be their most authentic selves,” said Hanneke Willenborg, CEO of OLLY. “SeekHer is doing the important work of driving this goal forward, and we’re continually inspired by the work they do for women and destigmatizing mental health.”
Organizations and individuals are invited to participate and attend Shedding the Silence to Power Progress, a free virtual roundtable discussion hosted by SeekHer on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at noon PT. The roundtable will feature industry leaders discussing employee resource groups (ERGs) and organizational strategies to overcome workplace silence and accelerate progress toward a more inclusive future.
Visit seekher.org/wehearher to learn more about #WeHearHer Conversation Week and RSVP for the Aug. 28 event. Get involved by downloading the #WeHearHer Conversation Toolkit or hosting a #WeHearHer Conversation Circle.
About SeekHer Foundation
SeekHer Foundation is a non-profit organization on a mission to power more women for the greater good. By partnering with advocates and allied organizations, we’re bridging the gender gap of mental health through advocacy, research and support for women-led communities to shift cultural norms holding women back from their well-being and success. SeekHer is an advocacy project powered by WellSeek, a social impact collective that’s reimagining communities and workplaces to better support women’s mental health.