This week on UpNext, we had the pleasure to talk to Shantal Perez Vasquez, an emerging young leader who is a passionate advocate for mental health issues, especially the mental health issues of people of colour. She is also another thriving participant of this year’s Emerging Young Global Leaders Accelerator program North American edition.

The YGL program gave her a lot of inspiration and supported her to continue to unapologetically be her true self in both professional and personal settings. Through the personal branding workshop provided by Danica Nelson, she was reminded of the importance of strong self-awareness in finding a space to feel heard and valued in the world.

At the end of the 10-day accelerator, she created a business pitch for the “Inner You” Project. This project aims to provide a safe space for students from underprivileged schools to improve their mental and emotional health. Shantal recognized the lack of resources and funding in underprivileged schools and communities and their negligence of students of colour’s mental health. By organizing workshops for students on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and creative self-help methods, she wishes to provide them with practical tools to connect with themselves and become more aware of their emotions. 

Shantal shared with us her view on mental health and the inspirations she got from her own healing journey. She believes that mental health awareness and resources are crucial for the development of kids living in unprivileged neighbourhoods. This will support them to better manage emotions and gain more understanding of their inner self. Regardless of your socioeconomic status, everyone deserves their own healing journey.

Learn more about Shantal and her project by listening to this week’s episode: Discover the Inner You with Shantal Perez Vasquez. Available on Spotify.

This episode was hosted by Echo Jiang. It was edited by Zola Mirenge and engineered by Zenga McCurdy. Music by ⁠⁠Jonas⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay