Sheltering in place, social isolation, loss of income, loss of a loved one, are just some of the devastating effects since the COVID-19 pandemic began. It is against this backdrop of uncertainty that we spoke to Vivian Nuñez, a mental health advocate, writer and the founder of Too Damn Young, an online community and resource for teens and young adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one. We jumped into the deep end of the mental health conversation with Vivian, and asked her for her advice on coping strategies and how we can begin to prepare ourselves mentally as cities, states and countries around the world begin to ease their lockdown restrictions and cautiously reopen. May is Mental Health Month and considering what is happening in our world during this anxiety-filled time, there seems to be no better time than now to proactively prioritize our mental well being. Vivian shares that “figuring out your own fear and pain points and [identifying] where you're starting from will [allow you] to create a plan that's cohesive to what you need to tend to.” She also provides tips on how to re-establish friendships post shelter at home and her thoughts on how the pandemic will transform young people.

“I just wanted people to know their worth in the workplace” shared Dr. Akilah Cadet, as the Faalta team spent time learning about the work she is doing to drive this mission forward. Akilah is a champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and her consulting firm, Change Cadet, focuses on this. A Beyoncé aficionada, we connected over everything from what led her to start Change Cadet to qualities she admires about Bey to the *four-letter* word she can’t get enough of! In between, we glean nuggets of wisdom that she’s gained along the way. She is unapologetically herself and her candidness will surely remind you that frankness and vulnerability are not diametrically opposed.