My name is De’Yani Dillard, and I am a rising sophomore at Dillard University studying Psychology in New Orleans, Louisiana. My ultimate goal is to become an Expressive Arts Therapist. Currently, I reside in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco, which is an underserved and under-resourced community struggling with poverty, community violence, and the ongoing issue of gentrification. Witnessing the effects of an underserved community on its residents and being determined to change outcomes for my family, friends, and neighbors, I am determined in pursuing a college degree and returning home to apply all that I have learned. Despite the median income for Black residents in my community being just $30,000 per year, it is far from the truth to believe that resources are limited and people hoard what little they have. In fact, one of the most valuable lessons I have learned about social responsibility is by observing individuals with limited financial resources giving back. My aim is to inspire others to heal in ways that resonate with them, serving as a model for healing. I have discovered that by providing youth with outlets for self-expression through the arts, they can seek wellness and overcome the hardships they face in their lives. As a Black woman navigating higher education, I encounter numerous challenges along my journey. However, it is important to acknowledge the power and potential within this pursuit. Through obtaining a higher education and combining it with activism, I can become an agent of change, spreading hope at every step of my path. There are key factors through which I will foster hope within my communities: Activism, Higher Education and Mentorship. Activism plays an important role in utilizing my higher education to instill hope, as it serves as the driving force behind social change and provides a platform to address systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. As a student at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), I have the opportunity to amplify Black voices and challenge prejudiced views. On the other hand, higher education equips people with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a broader understanding of the world. As a Black woman pursuing higher education, I possess a unique platform to uplift these tools and cultivate hope while effecting change. Education equips me with the means to challenge stereotypes, combat systemic racism, and inspire others through knowledge sharing. By utilizing these key tools, I can inspire others to pursue their dreams and guide young people in seeking change for themselves. My achievements will serve as an example to the limitless possibilities and significance of education. Through sharing my journey, including the struggles I have faced and the successes I have achieved, I can motivate others to create their own educational paths and overcome challenges. By merely existing and holding diplomas, I challenge stereotypes and empower Black youth to dream big, assuring them that they too can achieve greatness. As a Black woman armed with higher education, my journey provides an opportunity to inspire hope and drive change. By embracing activism and engaging in community involvement, I can challenge societal norms and empower others along the way. Furthermore, my educational accomplishments will demonstrate the power of education in breaking down barriers. Through mentorship, advocacy, and extending my activism beyond the confines of my campus, I can contribute to creating positive change in my community and with the people I hope to serve.

My name is De’Yani Dillard, a rising sophomore studying Psychology at Dillard University in New Orleans, LA. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and currently reside in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood, an underserved and under-resourced community plagued by poverty, community violence, and gentrification. The awareness of the impact of an underserved community and my desire to change outcomes for my family, friends, and neighbors fuel my determination to pursue a college degree and return home equipped with knowledge and skills. Despite the challenges of attending underserved schools and living in a financially impoverished community, the support of my family and our village has helped me thrive. Witnessing the tragic death of a child in my community due to gun violence, I have personally experienced the importance of mental health support, further emphasizing the role of our village in my college journey. Before attending Dillard University, I actively engaged in various leadership activities. Notably, I was a member of my high school's Black Student Union for three years before assuming the role of President in my senior year. One of the most significant projects during my time there was the initiation of my high school's first-ever Black History Month Summit in 2020. The summit brought together Black community members to speak about their work, challenges, and showcased performances. Additionally, I coordinated student panels that allowed students to learn from the perspectives of their Black peers. The empowering discussions during this summit provided a space for us as Black students in a predominantly white school to share our experiences, find resonance, and build solidarity. It was a transformative and healing experience that reinforced the support and community behind me. The success of our summit inspired other affinity groups to host cultural summits of their own, upliftment and celebrating their communities. Additionally, I co-founded an organization called The Radical Monarchs, a social justice and self-empowerment group for girls of color. Participating in this program for five years and eventually becoming an Alumni Monarch mentor, I had the opportunity to organize a vigil in 2020 to honor women of color who lost their lives to police brutality. This experience allowed me to address my pain and heal alongside my fellow Black Monarchs. These leadership experiences, combined with others, have solidified my purpose of dedicating my life to healing communities, including my own. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I hope to utilize art therapy to help others on their healing journeys. While pursuing my Psychology degree, I am eager to dive deeper into understanding human behavior and the science behind it. My struggle with anxiety and PTSD has sparked my curiosity about the workings of the mind, motivating me to break the generational silence surrounding mental health and treatment within the Black community. Drawing upon my traumatic life experiences, battles with mental health, and the skills I have acquired, I aim to lead and inspire others to prioritize their healing. I also hope to be a model for others, encouraging them to find healing in ways that resonate with their unique paths. In conclusion, my personal experiences within an underserved community, coupled with my leadership engagements and battles with mental health, have encouraged me to pursue a career in therapy. I am determined to contribute to the well-being and healing of individuals and communities, particularly within BIPOC communities. By pursuing a degree in Psychology and ultimately becoming an Expressive Arts Therapist, I aim to dismantle stigmas surrounding mental health and empower others to embark on their transformative journeys.

My name is De’Yani Dillard, I am a first-year student at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana studying Psychology. I chose to study Psychology so that I could pursue a career as an Expressive Arts Therapist. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and currently reside in New Orleans. Pursuing a career in therapy is not just a profession for me; it is a personal calling driven by a deep passion to make a difference in the lives of others. As a Black woman, I recognize the scarcity of mental wellness therapists from similar backgrounds, which fuels my determination to break barriers and contribute to the mental health field. In San Francisco I reside in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood, an underserved and under-resourced community that has been plagued by poverty, community violence, and now gentrification. Being aware of the impacts of an underserved community on it’s residents and wanting to change outcomes for my family, friends, and neighbors, is why I am determined to pursue a college degree and return home to use all that I have learned. Like many others, I have faced adversity, pain, and moments of despair. While pursuing my degree at Dillard, I am also an advocate for justice. In the most recent rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement, 2020 became critical in history. Police murdered numerous people, sparking a flame in people's hearts. It moved people to the streets to participate in the fight for justice, including me. 2020 was also challenging for me because while I struggled with the feelings around the injustices sprawled across the media,, I also witnessed the aftermath of a six-year-old’s murder from my back window. This experience challenged my mental well-being and now as a college student on a journey of healing from PTSD and severe anxiety I am more determined than ever to be the resource I wish I had when I was at my lowest. I have channeled my traumatic life experiences, my mental health battles, and the skills I have learned along the way to lead and encourage others to do the same. Experiencing trauma has deepened my empathy and understanding for those who have endured similar hardships. It has taught me the importance of creating a safe and compassionate space for individuals to express their pain, fears, and vulnerabilities. As a Black woman, I recognize the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, where cultural and historical factors intersect with personal trauma. This heightened awareness further strengthens my commitment to being a therapist who can provide culturally competent and sensitive care. Through therapy, I gained insight, resilience, and the tools to navigate my trauma. This transformative experience made me passionate to extend the same healing to others who are in need. My passion for pursuing a career in therapy stems from a deeply personal place, where my own experiences have propelled me towards helping others find healing and growth. I am aware of the scarcity of mental wellness therapists who share my background, and this motivates me to shatter barriers and provide culturally competent care to marginalized communities. By offering empathy, representation, and a commitment to addressing inequality in mental health care, I hope to play a vital role in transforming lives and promoting mental well-being.

My name is De’Yani Dillard, I am a first year student at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana studying Psychology. I chose to study Psychology so that I could pursue a career as an Expressive Arts Therapist. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and currently reside in New Orleans. Pursuing a career in therapy is not just a profession for me; it is a personal calling driven by a deep passion to make a difference in the lives of others. As a Black woman, I recognize the scarcity of mental wellness therapists from similar backgrounds, which fuels my determination to break barriers and contribute to the mental health field. In San Francisco I reside in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood, an underserved and under-resourced community that has been plagued by poverty, community violence, and now gentrification. Being aware of the impacts of an underserved community on it’s residents and wanting to change outcomes for my family, friends, and neighbors, is why I am determined to pursue a college degree and return home to use all that I have learned. Like many others, I have faced adversity, pain, and moments of despair. While pursuing my degree at Dillard, I am also an advocate for justice. In the most recent rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement, 2020 became critical in history. Police murdered numerous people, sparking a flame in people's hearts. It moved people to the streets to participate in the fight for justice, including me. 2020 was also challenging for me because while I struggled with the feelings around the injustices sprawled across the media,, I also witnessed the aftermath of a six-year-old’s murder from my back window. This experience challenged my mental well-being and now as a college student on a journey of healing from PTSD and severe anxiety I am more determined than ever to be the resource I wish I had when I was at my lowest. I have channeled my traumatic life experiences, my mental health battles, and the skills I have learned along the way to lead and encourage others to do the same. Experiencing trauma has deepened my empathy and understanding for those who have endured similar hardships. It has taught me the importance of creating a safe and compassionate space for individuals to express their pain, fears, and vulnerabilities. As a Black woman, I recognize the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, where cultural and historical factors intersect with personal trauma. This heightened awareness further strengthens my commitment to being a therapist who can provide culturally competent and sensitive care. Through therapy, I gained insight, resilience, and the tools to navigate my trauma. This transformative experience made me passionate to extend the same healing to others who are in need. My passion for pursuing a career in therapy stems from a deeply personal place, where my own experiences have propelled me towards helping others find healing and growth. I am aware of the scarcity of mental wellness therapists who share my background, and this motivates me to shatter barriers and provide culturally competent care to marginalized communities. By offering empathy, representation, and a commitment to addressing inequality in mental health care, I hope to play a vital role in transforming lives and promoting mental well-being.

My name is De’Yani Dillard, and I am a rising sophomore at Dillard University studying Psychology in New Orleans, Louisiana. My ultimate goal is to become an Expressive Arts Therapist. When talking about mental wellness, it is important to address the unique challenges faced by Black individuals. As a Black woman, I would center BIPOC's voices and contribute by amplifying sources that promote affordable and accessible mental health care or contribute as an Expressive Arts Therapist. Black individuals have historically faced systemic racism, discrimination, and trauma, which directly impact mental health. However, mental health within the Black community has often been overlooked, stigmatized, and untreated. Recognizing and prioritizing the needs of Black individuals is crucial to achieving equitable mental health care. I would advocate for the representation and participation of BIPOC individuals in mental care. This approach ensures that the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities are understood and included in initiatives aimed at improving mental health care. The price of mental health care is a significant barrier for many individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. To make mental wellness more affordable, I would advocate for mental health insurance coverage. This includes equitable insurance plans, early interventions, and coverage for therapy and treatments. I am passionate about mental health, committed to centering BIPOC voices and advocating for affordable and accessible mental health care for all. By recognizing the challenges faced by BIPOC communities and incorporating their perspectives into mental health initiatives, we can provide mental wellness and equitable care everywhere.