Founder & CEO
My name is Aza A. Shukura, born in Atlanta GA (Grady Baby). I am a Public Speaker, Visual & Performing Artist, Screenwriter, Producer, Director, Educator, National Mental Health & Recovery Reform Advocate. More importantly, I am a thankful person living a beautiful process of growth through the light every day. That means that I live in a constant state of improvement and progress. It means that I get the privilege of being a blessing in another person's life, in a way that I was once so desperate for during my dark days. Days when I felt worthless, unbelieving, miserable, angry and lost. Battling severe mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, substance use, shame, major depression, extreme grief, and more. However, by the tremendous grace of OG (Only God), I now live to breathe life into every gift I was given the privilege to have.
Education, Credentials & Experience
Education
University of North Carolina Charlotte: Africana Studies - BA
University of Ghana: African Diaspora Theory -Abroad Studies- Ghana, Togo, Benin
Harvard Medical School: CE-General Psychiatric Management for Borderline Personality Disorder (GPM-BPD)
Credentials
Certified Peer Specialist - Mental Health (Renounced)
Certified Whole Health & Wellness Coach (Renounced)
Certified Adult & Youth- Mental Health First Aid
Certified Suicide Prevention Training
Experience
National Recovery Reform & Peer Rights Advocate
National Recovery Abuse Prevention Training Creator & Facilitator
Federal Recovery Exploitation Data Analysis Survey Prototype Developer
Federal Oversight & Policy Proposal Developer (Per request)
BPD Alliance Advocacy Council & BPD Support Services
Congressional Contribution for BPD Awareness Resolutions
The Inaugural Parent Advisory Council - Silence the Shame Inc.
Black Women Film Network Inc.
Performing Arts (Writer, Director, Producer, Performer)
Educator- Special Education EBD (Emotional & Behavior Disorders)
Youth Program Development - Academy of Authenticity
Adult, Teen & Children Mental Health Support Services
Recovery Program Workshops & Curriculum Development
Public Speaking - Authenticity of Recovery Series
Lived Mental Health & Recovery Program Experience
Recovery Out Loud
There are millions of people suffering in silence every day. Afraid of the burdens of their past. Afraid to speak their truth. Afraid of judgement. Afraid of facing their mistakes. Afraid of not being heard and understood. Ashamed, embarrassed and holding in all that constantly eats at them. I live my recovery out loud. Your Authenticity truly does have the power to set you free.