Founder & Executive director
My name is Aza A. Shukura. I am a Public Speaker, Visual & Performing Artist, Creative Writer, Educator, Producer, Director and Certified Mental Health/ Whole Health & Wellness Coach. More importantly, I am a grateful 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, no matter what happened yesterday. 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 was "Godless", unbelieving, miserable, angry and lost. Battling severe mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, substance use, shame, major depression, grief and more in the past. However, by the tremendous grace of OG (Only God), I now live to breathe life into every gift my higher power has given me 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)
Credentials
Certified Mental Health & Peer Support Specialist
Whole Health & Wellness Certified Coach
Youth- Mental Health First Aid Certified
Adult- Mental Health First Aid Certified
Suicide Prevention Certified
Experience
Educator- Special Education EBD (Emotional & Behavior Disorders)
Adult, Teen & Children Mental Health Support Services
Recovery program curriculum development
Performing Arts & Film (Writer, Director, Producer, Performer)
Public Speaking - Authenticity of Recovery Series
Education program development
Co-ed, Women, Youth & Young Adult group meetings
BPD Support groups and curriculum development
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 someone free.