Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Michelle V. Boodoo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dr. Michelle V., thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night, shocked, confused, and terrified, feeling that you just lost one of the most precious people in your life? As your body and mind return to reality, you quickly realize it was just a horrible dream. April 14th, 2022 was my defining moment because it was not a dream for me. My loss was the sweetest, caring, loving person I have ever known, my 25-year-old stepdaughter. Her name was Kathy, and she died by suicide.

At the time of Kathy’s passing, I was in Spain for two months with her dad doing renovations on our vacation home. One week before returning to the US, we received a phone call in the middle of the night that changed everything. My body went into shock, my mind started racing, and my emotions were uncontrollable. Why, why, why? I struggled to grasp why we were receiving a call like that. Hours ago, Kathy and I were texting, and she was excited about what I told her; she shared her usual emojis of happy faces and signs of love. A few days prior, we FaceTime for over an hour; I showed Kathy the kitchen renovations designed specifically for her because she loved cooking. My head and heart could not comprehend what was being said from the other end of that phone call.

After 40-plus hours of traveling, the plane landed in the US, and without words, my red puffy eyes and runny nose told a story of despair and loss. I still don’t know what caused Kathy to make her final decision, but now I understand she was suffering in silence, and no one knew, including me. Kathy carried the heavy weight of her mental struggles in secret, and I believe it was because of the stigma associated with mental illness. Kathy was either scared or ashamed to ask for help.

Since that dreadful phone call, it feels like someone is punching me in the stomach, and as I am keeling over in pain, there is no one in the room to ask why. For months I laid in bed overwhelmed with that physical pain in my stomach coupled with mental numbness. My mind was full of thoughts of Kathy, yet it felt empty. I knew I could not continue that depressive path, and Kathy wouldn’t want that for me either.

The persistent “why” questions hunted me though. Why didn’t I recognize Kathy’s illness and her desperate need for help? Why didn’t I grasp the depths of her depression? Why didn’t she reach out for help? In search of answers, I turned to my laptop and started researching. I quickly found an onslaught of information online about mental illness, depression, suicide, and suicide prevention. The more I read, the more I realized all the signs were there. Kathy showed clear signs of severe depression; however, I dismissed them as the typical ups and downs teens and young adults experience. How could this be my reality? How could this be Kathy’s reality? The signs were there; ALL the signs were there! Why had I failed to see those signs for what they were? Why had no one else recognized those glaring signs either?

Depression robbed me of one of the most precious individuals in my life. I could have prevented it if I had known that some of Kathy’s behaviors were symptomatic and indicative of severe depression. After this revelation, I made a personal commitment to raise awareness and help others suffering from mental health issues, specifically depression, social anxiety, bullying, and suicidal ideations. I firmly believe that by eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness, we can encourage individuals to seek medical assistance and find solace in the support of their loved ones. My mission is to normalize conversations about mental illness so that no one has to suffer in silence and suicide is no longer seen as an option.

On August 14th, 2022, four months after Kathy’s passing, I founded In Her Name, a non-profit organization to promote positive mental health by sharing information, tools, and resources to help individuals deal with mental health challenges. My heart still aches for Kathy, but I am motivated every day to do more on her behalf.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m trying to put into words a description of myself, and it’s proven to be quite a challenge. Ever since I lost my stepdaughter 14 months ago, everything in my life has been thrown into question. The goals I once had, and the lifestyle I embraced now feel somewhat empty without her. Her absence left a void that I constantly yearn to fill by staying connected to her in any way possible.

In this soul-searching process, I found myself contemplating what truly matters to me and how I can make a difference for those facing mental health struggles, just like my stepdaughter did. While I still enjoy a few things, like traveling, hiking, and reading, my primary focus has shifted towards maintaining my mental and physical strength and working tirelessly to break the stigma surrounding mental illness.

That’s why I took the leap and founded In Her Name, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive mental health. We share information, tools, and resources that can truly make a difference in the lives of individuals and their loved ones navigating the complexities of mental health challenges. Together, we can work towards a future where mental health is openly discussed and supported, bringing comfort and assistance to those who need it the most.

At In Her Name, we share valuable information online through our website and social media pages. Our content is carefully curated from reputable sources such as US federal government websites, renowned medical sources, health studies, and peer-reviewed articles. The information is up-to-date, relevant, and presented in an easily understandable and visually appealing manner. We aim to cater to teens, young adults, and their loved ones, ensuring everyone can access and benefit from the information.

Excitingly, we’re expanding our reach beyond the digital realm. Soon, we’ll host in-person events at colleges, high schools, and local organizations. These events will feature engaging presentations on various mental health topics for college and high school students. Our goal is to enhance their knowledge and understanding of mental health issues in a dynamic and interactive setting. But that’s not all. We’re also planning workshops that focus on equipping parents with the essential skills to support their children’s mental health. These workshops will provide practical strategies and resources that parents can utilize in their everyday lives. We understand the importance of empowering families and creating a strong support network for young individuals.

By combining informative presentations and empowering workshops, we hope to foster a well-informed, supportive, and equipped community to tackle mental health challenges together.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am the founder of In Her Name and I hold a Ph.D. in Education specializing in Leadership, Policy, and Changes in Education. I worked in higher education at various colleges and universities throughout my professional journey. During this time, I discovered my true passion was assisting students in securing the financial resources they need to pursue their educational goals. My last role at a university was as the Vice President of Student Financial Services, where I assumed responsibility for overseeing the financial aid departments across multiple campuses, including the main campus, the online campus, and the Graduate School.

During a long and fulfilling career in higher education, I found myself at a crossroads. In April 2022, I faced a heartbreaking tragedy when I lost my stepdaughter to suicide. This devastating event forced me to reevaluate my life’s direction. I soon realized my burning desire to help individuals struggling with mental health issues outweighed my previous focus on higher education. Four months after my stepdaughter’s passing, I founded In Her Name. Our mission is twofold. First, we strive to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. We firmly believe that open and honest conversations about mental health are crucial for creating a supportive and understanding society. Second, we’re dedicated to promoting positive mental health by sharing valuable information, tools, and resources. We aim to empower individuals and their loved ones and equip them with the necessary tools to navigate mental health challenges.

I’m incredibly passionate about the work we’re doing at In Her Name, and the essence of my stepdaughter drives me to make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health issues. I believe we can create a world where mental health is prioritized and everyone feels supported on their journey toward well-being.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek is a remarkable book that has profoundly impacted my personal and professional journey, especially in my newfound purpose in mental health. Among the many leadership books I’ve read, this one truly stands out. It has become a recurring favorite on my reading list, and I uncover new insights and inspiration each time I dive into its pages.

This book is more than just thought-provoking; it explores the power of purpose and its ability to drive success and inspire others. Sinek emphasizes the importance of great leaders understanding the “why” behind their actions. Sinek’s “Golden Circle” framework encourages individuals and businesses to reflect on their fundamental purpose and the reasons behind their existence.

What I appreciate most about “Start with Why” is its ability to challenge readers to identify their “why” within themselves. It prompts us to uncover and embrace our purpose in our personal lives or business endeavors. By doing so, we can create a life or business that is not only meaningful but also deeply fulfilling.

I highly recommend “Start with Why” to anyone seeking inspiration, clarity, and a fresh perspective on leadership and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inhernamekp.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inhernamekp/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InHerNameKP
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inhernamekp
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerNameKP