JEANCLAUDE BROOKS

Growing up in my small town of Haiti, I went from being one of 7 children with two parents to placing myself in an orphanage after a series of life-changing events. I eventually was adopted by a Caucasian family from Charlotte, North Carolina, where I was then raised in a white household. I spent much of my teenage and early adult years in limbo between being so grateful for the life that was provided to me in the States while also feeling guilty and questioning my identity as a black child in a white home. I eventually came to the realization that professional therapy could help me sort through my emotions, and I quickly became a mental health advocate. Today, I work to inspire others to own their story, take control of their mental health, and believe that they were put in situations for exponential growth and to become greater than they were ever destined to be. I believe that God put me on this earth and in every situation that I have encountered to add to my story and to inspire others to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.