We were lucky to catch up with Eboni Phidd recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Eboni thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an anecdote or story from your schooling/training that you feel illustrates what the overall experience was like?

My schooling and training experiences have been transformative, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to serve my community effectively. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health with a concentration in Health Science and Technology, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding health and wellness. Currently, I am pursuing two master’s degrees: one in Theology and Religious Studies, which I plan to complete on my birthday, April 26, 2025, and another in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. These fields align perfectly with my mission to promote mental health awareness and holistic well-being.

My studies have taught me to combine academic rigor with practical application. For instance, my theological studies have deepened my understanding of purpose and resilience, while my mental health counseling coursework has provided tools to support individuals navigating emotional and psychological challenges.

My military experience in the Louisiana Army National Guard has also played a crucial role in shaping my approach. The discipline, adaptability, and leadership skills I gained through military training have been invaluable in running my nonprofit, A Walk with Britt, and managing its partnerships and community outreach efforts.

One of my proudest achievements has been securing a volunteer contract with LSU Athletics. This partnership was the result of persistence, clear communication, and a commitment to demonstrating how our mission aligns with LSU’s values. The contract allows us to raise funds while engaging community members in meaningful volunteer opportunities at LSU games. It’s a win-win partnership that has expanded our reach and strengthened our ability to support mental health initiatives.

From my academic studies to military training and nonprofit leadership, my journey has been defined by growth and purpose. These experiences have not only prepared me to advocate for mental health but also to lead with empathy, discipline, and resilience.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Eboni Phidd, and I am the proud founder and director of A Walk with Britt, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health awareness and support. My journey into this work is deeply personal—my older sister, Brittany, tragically passed away on my 24th birthday during the COVID pandemic. Her loss profoundly changed my life and inspired me to channel my grief into a mission to support others. Brittany also left behind two wonderful boys, Bentley and Brayden, my beloved nephews, who remind me every day of the importance of family and resilience.

While I currently reside in Louisiana, I moved here during my junior year of high school because my dad was active duty military. I’ve traveled and lived in various states, but I proudly claim North Carolina as my home. These experiences of moving and adapting have shaped my perspective on life and the importance of community.

At A Walk with Britt, we aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health by creating safe spaces for people to connect, share, and heal. Our organization provides a variety of services and resources to the community, including events like the Art of Mental Wellness, and volunteer opportunities. We also offer creative products, such as mental health journals and candles inspired by emotional well-being.

Additionally, we’re passionate about outreach initiatives like our Bundled Blessings event, where we distribute cold-weather essentials to the homeless. We thrive on community involvement, partnering with businesses, volunteers, and supporters to make a tangible difference.

What sets us apart is the deeply personal nature of our mission. This isn’t just work—it’s my heart and soul. Through A Walk with Britt, I strive to honor my sister’s legacy and make mental health resources accessible and stigma-free.

What I want people to know about A Walk with Britt is that we’re here for anyone seeking support, looking to volunteer, or wanting to be part of a movement dedicated to mental wellness. Together, we can create a community where conversations about mental health are normalized, and help is always available.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One pivotal moment in my life and career came during my transition from my first business, Fine and Fit, to founding my nonprofit, A Walk with Britt. For two years, I ran Fine and Fit, where I sold fitness apparel and provided personal and group training, primarily catering to moms. I created solutions for moms who couldn’t always get to the gym due to the lack of affordable daycare options, which many gyms don’t provide. While I loved helping women achieve their fitness goals, I eventually had an epiphany: fitness begins in the mind.

I realized I could train people all day long, but if their mindset wasn’t in the right place, their bodies wouldn’t follow. This realization coincided with a deeply personal event—losing my older sister, Brittany, on my 24th birthday during the COVID pandemic. Her passing was a turning point for me. It made me realize how critical mental health is, not only in fitness but in every aspect of life.

This led me to pivot away from fitness training and dedicate myself to mental health advocacy. I founded A Walk with Britt to honor my sister’s memory and to help others address the mental and emotional challenges that often go unnoticed. While I am proud of what I accomplished with Fine and Fit, the shift to mental health advocacy has been the most rewarding decision of my life. It allows me to make a more profound impact by addressing the root of many challenges people face—their mental well-being.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that not everyone will support you, even if they’re family or close friends. For a long time, I believed that people who love you—whether they’re relatives or friends—would automatically rally behind you, especially when you’re building something meaningful. But I quickly learned that’s not always the case.

When I started my nonprofit, A Walk with Britt, to honor my sister’s memory and advocate for mental health, I assumed my family and friends would be my biggest supporters. I thought they would share posts, attend events, or even just offer words of encouragement. However, I realized that some people, even those closest to you, won’t show up for your journey, and that’s okay.

This realization stung at first, especially when I saw acquaintances or strangers supporting me more enthusiastically than some of the people I considered my inner circle. It forced me to reevaluate my expectations and boundaries. With family, I reminded myself that while I couldn’t choose them, I could choose how I let their actions—or lack thereof—affect me. With friends, it was different. If someone couldn’t even like, comment, or reshare something I poured my heart into, I decided it was a sign they weren’t aligned with my growth or purpose.

The backstory here is tied to my personal and professional journey. Losing my sister Brittany and channeling my grief into this nonprofit was a deeply vulnerable and personal process. Every event, post, and initiative felt like a piece of my heart being shared with the world. To not have the support I anticipated from certain people felt isolating at first. But ultimately, it became empowering.

This lesson taught me to focus on those who do support me—whether they’re lifelong friends, new connections, or people who simply believe in my mission. It also freed me from wasting energy on trying to convince others to care. Now, I choose to surround myself with people who genuinely show up, and I embrace the fact that my journey doesn’t need everyone’s approval to be meaningful or successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.awalkwithbritt.org
• Instagram: @awalkwithbritt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19qb5Kc1Qp/?mibextid=wwXIfr