My name is Alexis Hatter and I am a single mother who is currently enrolled into the University of North Texas, pursuing my Bachelor's of Science in Social Science with a concentration in Psychology and Social Work. I am deeply passionate about mental health advocacy, a passion rooted in the life and struggles of my sister, Kristina. Growing up in the Black community, mental health was often stigmatized or viewed as a taboo. We were not taught how to recognize the signs of mental illness, nor were we encourage to talk about our emotions. As a result, my family-and many others- missed the warning signs of the mental health challenges Kristina faced. After countless doctor visits and learning more about what mental health was, I found myself drawn to understanding it not just for my sister, but for the sake of others who feel unseen and unsupported. Many people either don't realize they are struggling with mental illness, or if they do, they don't know what resources that are available to them. My goal is to be an advocate for those people- to help them find clarity, support, and hope. To remind them that they are not alone. Mental health is not talked about enough, especially in communities of color. It is often frowned upon because of the stigma that surrounds it. The stigma is so strong that expressing vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness. Society tells us we should be able to "push through" without addressing our emotional needs. I've been in friendships and relationships where this mindset was normalized. I've seen mental illness misinterpreted as weakness, when in fact it was a silent battle no one knew how to name or support. I want to be the voice for people who feel voiceless. I want to remind people that is okay to admit that you need help, to take breaks, and to admit when you are struggling. We are human, we are full of emotion and those emotions play into our mental stability. We have to understand that our mental well being matters. We can't change the world and pour into others if we are silently suffering ourselves. By pursuing a career in mental health and social work, I plan to create safe spaces within my community, particularly for those who've felt overlooked or misunderstood. I want to help normalize the conversation around mental health, connect people to resources, and ultimately be a source of empowerment and healing.