​Four years ago, I decided to create an award to commend people who are out there doing this work in the wellness community. As someone who knows what it’s like to feel invisible, it has always been important to me to acknowledge the passion of the people around me. 

​Addressing Disparities, Promoting Wellness, and Advocating for Change
​
In the landscape of healthcare, disparities in access and quality are all too common, particularly for African Americans. The African American Wellness Project (AAWP) stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to bridge these gaps and empower communities to attain better health outcomes. 

​Zaria Newbill is an award winning and one of the most recognizable black transgender advocates and activists living in the South. Zaria’s main geographical area of concern is the Middle and some parts of South Georgia. Where to this day there is no true representation or visibility of transwomen in many of these desert towns in rural Georgia. 

​As a 44-year-old anime girlie, seeing Megan Thee Stallion cosplay or watching KevOnStage entering his anime era makes my heart smile. For those who know me best, they know how crucial the world of anime has been to my life. Just like a long walk or maybe a favorite book, anime pulls me into a different realm and allows me to decompose, clear my head or focus.

As we kick off the start of the new year tis the season for renewed acts of self-care. Normally acts of self-care are scheduled around work hours, maybe a run beforehand to clear your mind, yoga after work to unwind or a weekend massage to release the tension of the week.