Notes on Resilience Manya Chylinski

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Have you ever marveled at the resilience of those who tirelessly advocate for others, even amidst their own personal adversities?

In this final episode in our series, Advocating for Resilience, Maryann McEvoy offers an unfiltered glimpse into promoting change while navigating the complexities of government systems. We discussed her own personal trauma,  the profound impacts of empathy-driven leadership, the challenges of confronting legal and corporate giants in the fight for human rights, and how our own experiences can inform and revolutionize the way we lead and engage with our teams during difficult times.

We also talk about the building blocks of trauma-informed communities, including the innovative initiatives in Pennsylvania that are a model for fostering healing and resilience from the grassroots level.

The episode is a masterclass on how a single voice, driven by authentic purpose and conviction, can lead to change. And it offers a wealth of insights for anyone looking to cultivate a culture of compassion and resilience within their own lives and organizations.

Maryann McEvoy is the Executive Director at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Advocacy and Reform , and elected member of the Executive Steering Council of HEAL PA, a coalition of close to 300 trauma experts within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania working to implement the Trauma Informed PA Plan.

You can connect with Maryann on LinkedIn or on the websit of Heal PA.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.
Share your feedback about the podcast._______Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor
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When your world crumbles, how do you find the strength to rebuild?

In this new episode in our series, Advocating for Resilience, Reggie Reed shares a narrative of personal loss and the effort to transform grief into advocacy. He tells us about how he confronted the murder of his mother and the indictment of his father to become a beacon for others wrestling with feeling voiceless.

We discuss the insights into the resilience and leadership that can be born from the depths of despair, the power of sharing one's story, charting a path forward when the script is unwritten, and the catharsis of seeing your deepest struggles resonate with others. Reggie pays homage to Nelson Mandela's ideals, and his own journey mirrors such perseverance.

Reggie Reed is an author and an accomplished professional in the pharmaceutical industry. He holds a Master’s Degree in business and global marketing. In his first book, The Day My Mother Never Came Home, Reed recalls the events surrounding the unsolved murder of his mother and the subsequent indictment and trial of his father 32 years later.

Learn more about Reggie on his website or Facebook, or email him rlreedbooks@gmail.com
Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.
Share your feedback about the podcast._______Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor
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What is the role of community and advocacy in the journey toward healing?

In the fourth episode of the series, Advocating for Resilience: Empowering Mental Wellness, we talk with Sarri Singer, a terrorism survivor and founder of Strength to Strength. Her own experience—feeling isolated upon returning from her attack while abroad—was the catalyst for her commitment to change, and her story shines a light for those looking for hope in dark times.

We talked about the unique psychological landscape of terrorism-induced trauma and how organizations like Strength to Strength provide critical peer support, offering a sanctuary for those grappling with the aftermath of such unspeakable events. We also discussed the disparities in victim support among different nations and the uphill battle for policy reform. The heart of our conversation: the power of shared stories and a common narrative of survival and strength.

Sarri Singer is the Founder and Director of Strength to Strength, focusing on bringing together victims of terrorism together from around the world and assisting with long term psychological needs. Sarri has addressed audiences throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and Israel and continues to share her unique insight into the ongoing struggle for victims of terror in Israel and around the world.

On June 11, 2003, Sarri was on Bus 14 in Jerusalem when an 18-year-old Palestinian terrorist dressed as a religious Jew boarded and blew himself up. 17 people were killed, including all those seated and standing around her, and over 100 people were injured. Sarri was hospitalized for two weeks and then returned to New Jersey to be with family. Her story became high profile. She appeared on television stations such as CBS, FoxNews, CNN and radio interviews and has spoken before members of Congress in Washington, D.C. and politicians in New York and New Jersey.

You can learn more about Strength to Strength and contact Sarri on the website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.
Share your feedback about the podcast._______Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor
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Have you ever considered the true essence of being an advocate or the resilience required to champion change?

In the third episode in the series, Advocating for Resilience: Empowering Mental Wellness, we talk with social worker and advocate Whitney Marris about the vital role of advocacy in fostering mental wellness and community strength. Together, we take a close look at the challenges advocates face and the triumphs that come with amplifying voices for societal betterment. Whitney shares insights about the power of advocacy beyond policy and the importance of self-care to sustain our commitment to meaningful change.

We also examine the concept of trauma-informed change, the roles various individuals play in advocacy, from storytellers to strategists, and the collective effort it takes to heal and build resilience. We also discuss the importance of setting boundaries and creating support systems among fellow advocates, acknowledging that the full impact of our efforts may not be immediately visible but trusting in the long-term change our work contributes to. Tune in for a profound exploration of resilience, advocacy, and the communal journey towards healing.

Whitney Marris, LCSW is committed to fostering resiliency and holistic well-being for individuals, organizations, communities, and systems to various roles. They are the Director of Trauma-Informed Practice and System Transformation with the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) and a trauma therapist in private practice in the DC Metro Area. They are also an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, and a consultant trainer and coach guiding organizations and systems of care seeking to implement trauma-informed, healing-centered change. When not engaged in change work, you will find Whitney throwing pottery, getting lost in a book, or spending time in nature with partner, Alex, and Schnoodle, Jennifer.

You can learn more about CTIPP at their website, on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and you can email Whitney at whitney@ctipp.org.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.
Share your feedback about the podcast._______Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor
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Sometimes, a single voice can ignite a movement.

In the second in the series, Advocating for Resilience: Empowering Mental Wellness, we talk with Bobby Temps, whose petition for mental health education changed the landscape for England and Wales.

Join us as we discuss the intersection of personal passion and advocacy, revealing how individual experiences can lead to transformative policies and a society more in tune with mental well-being. Bobby and I unpack the emotional cost of advocacy and the critical nature of self-care and community support to sustain our efforts. If you've ever felt the burnout of fighting for a cause close to your heart, this episode will resonate deeply, offering insights on balancing drive with rest and realism.

Join us for a heartfelt exploration of the tenacity required to push for systemic change and the intricate dance of resilience, compassion, and trauma-sensitive leadership.

Bobby Temps is a mental health advocate, podcaster, model, and producer. Learn more about Bobby on his website, and by listening to one of his two podcasts:
Mental  In which Bobby and guests break down mental health stigma and discrimination. Dating Games  The place to hear comedians and other funny people discuss the realities of modern datingGo to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.
Share your feedback about the podcast._______Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor
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In the first of our new series, Advocating for Resilience: Empowering Mental Wellness, we talk with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley to explore the transformative power of advocacy and uncover the roots of resilience that have shaped her remarkable journey. Ayanna's narrative is a testament to the strength that emerges when one feels truly seen. Our conversation explores the joy that can be found in policy-making and life itself, as we dissect the critical role of mental wellness advocacy and Ayanna's dedication to amplifying the voices of those closest to the pain.

Navigating the intricate landscape of trauma and mental health is no simple task, yet it's one that requires our immediate attention and action. We discuss the importance of trauma-informed environments, the unwavering support children need, and the responsibilities of public service.

There is immense potential for our communities to thrive through compassion and active engagement. This episode is an invitation and inspiration for those ready to contribute to this essential mission and make a meaningful difference.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) is an activist, a legislator, a survivor, and the first woman of color to be elected to Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Throughout her career, Congresswoman Pressley has fought to ensure that those closest to the pain are closest to the power - driving and informing policymaking. 
As Congresswoman for Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District, she has been a champion for justice and healing: reproductive justice, justice for immigrants, consumer justice, justice for seniors, justice for workers, justice for survivors of sexual violence, justice for formerly and currently incarcerated individuals, and healing for those who have experienced trauma. She has also turned her experience living with alopecia into action, becoming a leading voice fighting to raise awareness and support for the alopecia community across the nation. 
Congresswoman Pressley currently serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Prior to being elected to Congress, she served on the Boston City Council for eight years and was the first woman of color elected to the council in its 100-year history.

Learn more about the Congresswoman on her website or follow her on X (Twitter), Instagram, or Facebook.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.
Share your feedback about the podcast._______Producer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor
Support the Show.