My name is Ahteana Jones, and my journey with mental health has been shaped by trauma, loss, survival, and ultimately, purpose. Growing up in underserved and unsafe neighborhoods in Los Angeles, I witnessed poverty, violence, and systemic neglect that deeply affected my mental and emotional well-being. I didn’t have much guidance or support, so I often had to figure life out on my own. But even as a child, I knew I wanted to become a leader — someone others could look to, someone who would be remembered not for what I endured, but for the change I created. In recent years, I’ve experienced unimaginable loss, first, my only brother, who was killed by gun violence at just 19 years old, and then my father, who was hit and killed by a drunk driver the night of his retirement party. He was my anchor, my biggest supporter, and losing him sent my world into free fall. I became a single mother trying to raise a child while navigating grief, depression, and financial instability. There were nights I couldn’t sleep, days I went without food, and even a time when I was homeless couch-hopping, sleeping in my car, and doing whatever it took to keep going. Through every dark moment, I leaned into my faith. When I had nothing else, I had God. My faith became my foundation, the steady light in the chaos. It reshaped my beliefs about strength and purpose. I began to see that everything I had been through wasn’t just pain, it was preparation. I was being molded into someone who could lead with empathy, speak from experience, and serve others from a place of truth. These struggles transformed the way I build relationships, especially with my son, my mother, and the youth I now mentor. I strive to be the guide I never had. I lead with compassion, patience, and honesty because I know how much it means to feel seen and heard when you’re going through the dark. My experiences have made me more emotionally available, more grounded in my values, and more committed to lifting others up. My mental health journey has also clarified my aspirations. I’m currently pursuing certification as a Harley-Davidson motorcycle technician — not just to work in a trade I love, but to use motorcycles as a bridge to connect with at-risk youth. I’ve founded my own nonprofit, Become the Change Inc., where I plan to create hands-on training programs that combine mechanical skills with life skills, peer mentorship, and emotional support. I want to build spaces for healing and transformation, the kind of spaces I wish existed when I was younger and lost. I don’t just want a job. I want to build a legacy rooted in faith, resilience, and purpose. I want to use everything I’ve been through to help others find a way forward. My mental health journey hasn’t broken me, it’s built me into the leader I was always meant to be. With gratitude, Ahteana Jones