My name is Jess- and I shouldn’t be alive right now. At the age of 18, I attempted suicide due to a very broken mental health system. As a young child, I was sexually abused by my step father and never received the services needed to overcome my trauma. Now, 22 years later, I am an over comer. I am a wife. A mother. A leader. My passion is to advocate for mental health services in Kansas so no one ever experiences the inadequacy that could have cost me my life. Over ten years ago, I started the journey to take my life back and identify deep rooted trauma that was causing an impact in my life. During my journey, I encountered a broken mental health system that was difficult to navigate. Although I was met with obstacles, I kept moving forward even when I felt like I was walking through cement. This first hand account and experience allows me a level of understanding that can be utilized to help others get the services they so desperate need. If selected as the recipient, I plan to pursue my MBA to further my education and knowledge. Building upon my skills as a nurse and clinical advisor for mental health, I plan to expand mental health coverage in rural areas through increased provider networks, telehealth, and leveraging technology to ensure services are available. Additionally, I work with providers within the state to build collaborative care models bringing Primary Care and Mental health services together to care more holistically for patients. Women are challenged daily with stressors from the outside world. Being a mother, wife, Christian, nurse, while caring for myself proves difficult at times. It is difficult to know where to turn and with limited access this barriers becomes more of a mountain. Rural areas experiences even higher disparities as it is difficult to hire clinicians to care for rural areas. No one should have to travel hours away from home for the care they so desperate need. My passion in life is to be a servant leader and implementing strategies to serve others in areas that have such a great need. Mental health is a passion of my and being part of these initiatives is imbedded deep in my soul. Raising three daughters, advocating for women and ensuring they have the services they need to flourish is deeply important to me- not just for my daughters but for the daughters of every woman.

Mental health is crucial because it directly impacts your overall well-being, quality of life, and ability to function effectively. It influences how we think, feel and act, affecting every aspect of our daily lives, relationships, and decision-making. A positive state of mental health allows us to cope with life's challenges, build resilience, and maintain a sense of balance and fulfillment. As a working mother, wife, leader, and student, prioritizing my mental health is essential to ensure I can be the best "me" and manage the daily stressors associated with the many hats I wear. Here are some strategies I have implemented to maintain mental wellness: 1.I have made a commitment to exercise for a minimum of thirty minutes daily and prioritize a diet rich in nutrients. 2. I pay close attention to my thoughts, emotion, and behaviors. When I feel overwhelmed or my mental wellness feels threatened, I journal my thoughts to try and understand my feelings and possible triggers. 3. I practice stress-reducing exercises utilizing the Live Well app, meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness techniques. I also try to engage in hobbies that bring me joy. 4. I have started going to therapy sessions to help with building healthy boundaries in my life which helps me know when to say no so I don't feel overwhelmed with too many commitments. I also limit negative influences and am mindful of the people I surround myself with. I limit exposure to negative news and seek out positive and uplifting information. 5. I am mindful of technology and have set parameters for screen time to allow a "digital detox" to protect my mental health. 6. I practice gratitude every day which I include in my daily journaling. When I focus on the positive aspects of my life it cultivates a sense of gratitude for what I already have. I feel strongly mental wellness is a large component of overall well-being. We are created of mind, body, and soul and an imbalance in one area can create challenges in another. I remember a time during Covid I had hit a wall and felt like a sinking ship. This was one of the hardest times in my life, but also the moment I took my mental wellbeing seriously and began taking the necessary steps to overcome the feelings I had. We all have the power inside of us to change the things that no longer serve us which is what I did and it truly saved my life. I no longer just "exist" and struggle through life- I am living it and thriving in the process!