We recently connected with Ladàna Young and have shared our conversation below.
LaDàna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Tell the story of how you came up with the idea for your film project. Paint the picture so others really understand the context, circumstances, the emotions, etc.
The idea for “For Kids Like Me” (#FKLMdoc) was born out of a deeply personal and emotional journey. My daughter, Anyé Young, authored the book “Teen Guide to Living with Incarcerated Parents,” which provided a raw and honest look into the struggles faced by children with incarcerated parents. Her courage and resilience inspired me to take this a step further and create a film that would amplify these voices and stories.
The context was one of profound change and challenge. When Anyé’s father, Cedric Young, was incarcerated, our family was thrust into a world of uncertainty and emotional turmoil. I witnessed firsthand the impact this had on Anyé. She went from being a happy, confident child to one who was insecure and angry. The emotional rollercoaster we experienced was heart-wrenching, and I knew that our story was not unique. There were countless other children and families going through similar struggles, often in silence.
Walk through how you knew this was a worthwhile endeavor – talk about the logic of why you felt this would work.
I knew this project was worthwhile because of the sheer number of families affected by mass incarceration. The statistics are staggering, but the personal stories are even more compelling. I felt that by creating a film, we could reach a broader audience and foster a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological impact on children. The logic was simple: storytelling is a powerful tool for change. By sharing these stories, we could humanize the issue and spark conversations that lead to empathy and action.
Explain the problem you are solving that no one else was solving, which is open conversation about mass incarceration from the point of view of the kids affected.
The problem we are addressing is the lack of open conversation about mass incarceration from the perspective of the children affected. While there are many discussions about the criminal justice system and its flaws, the voices of the children are often overlooked. These kids are the silent victims, carrying the emotional burden of their parents’ incarceration. Our film aims to give them a platform to share their experiences, hopes, and fears, and to highlight the need for support systems that address their unique challenges.
Explain your unique approach and what about this idea got you most excited as the caregiver of a teen who was suffering with mental health due to having her father in prison.
Our unique approach lies in the authenticity and rawness of the stories we are telling. We are not just presenting statistics or expert opinions; we are sharing real-life experiences from the children themselves. This approach ensures that the emotional depth and complexity of their experiences are fully captured.
What excites me most about this project is the potential for healing and empowerment. As a caregiver, I saw how Anyé’s personality changed from a happy and confident kid to an insecure and angry one. This transformation was painful to witness, but it also fueled my determination to create something that could help other children in similar situations. By giving these kids a voice, we are not only validating their experiences but also providing them with a sense of community and support.
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.
About LaDàna
LaDàna is a passionate advocate, strategic communicator, and the driving force behind MyFairyGodParents.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families. With a background in strategic communication, media relations, and project management, LaDàna has leveraged her skills to create impactful initiatives that resonate deeply with communities.
Journey into Filmmaking
LaDàna’s foray into the filmmaking industry was inspired by a deeply personal experience. Her daughter, Anyé Young, authored the book “Teen Guide to Living with Incarcerated Parents,” which provided a raw and honest look into the struggles faced by children with incarcerated parents. This powerful narrative sparked the idea for “For Kids Like Me” (#FKLMdoc), a film project aimed at amplifying the voices of these children and shedding light on their unique challenges.
Driven by a desire to create meaningful change, LaDàna embraced the craft of filmmaking as a medium to tell these important stories. Her journey into the industry was fueled by a combination of personal passion and professional expertise, allowing her to create content that is both emotionally resonant and socially impactful.
Products, Services, and Creative Works
Through MyFairyGodParents.org, LaDàna offers a range of products and services designed to support children and families. These include:
– Documentary Films: Projects like “For Kids Like Me” (#FKLMdoc) that highlight the experiences of children with incarcerated parents.
– Educational Resources: Books and guides that provide practical advice and emotional support for families dealing with incarceration.
– Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the impact of mass incarceration on children and promoting policy changes.
Problems Solved for Clients
LaDàna’s work addresses several critical issues:
– Emotional and Psychological Support: Providing resources and platforms for children to express their feelings and find community support.
– Awareness and Advocacy: Raising public awareness about the often-overlooked impact of incarceration on children and advocating for systemic changes.
– Educational Resources: Offering practical guides and tools to help families navigate the challenges of having an incarcerated loved one.
What Sets LaDàna Apart
What truly sets LaDàna apart is her unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise. As a caregiver who witnessed the profound impact of incarceration on her own child, she brings an unparalleled level of empathy and authenticity to her work. Her strategic communication skills ensure that her projects are not only heartfelt but also effectively reach and resonate with a wide audience.
Proudest Achievements
LaDàna is most proud of the tangible impact her work has had on the lives of children and families. The success of Anyé’s book and the development of the #FKLMdoc film project are testaments to her dedication and vision. These projects have provided a voice to those who are often unheard and have sparked important conversations about the need for support and systemic change.
Key Messages for Potential Clients, Followers, and Fans
– Empathy and Authenticity: LaDàna’s work is deeply rooted in personal experience, ensuring that every project is authentic and empathetic.
– Impactful Storytelling: Through her films and educational resources, LaDàna aims to create meaningful change by telling powerful, real-life stories.
– Advocacy and Support: Her initiatives are designed to raise awareness, promote policy changes, and provide much-needed support to children and families affected by incarceration.
– Community and Empowerment: LaDàna’s projects foster a sense of community and empowerment, helping children and families feel seen, heard, and supported.
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Learn more at MyFairyGodParents.org
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The journey of self-publishing my daughter Anyé Young’s book, “Teen Guide to Living with Incarcerated Parents,” was both challenging and rewarding. As a single parent, I was determined to support Anyé in sharing her story and providing a resource for other children facing similar struggles.
To bring Anyé’s vision to life, I had to get creative with fundraising. We organized community events, reached out to friends and family, and utilized online crowdfunding platforms. Despite these efforts, there were still significant costs involved in the self-publishing process. As a single parent, I made the decision to invest my own income to ensure the book’s publication. It was a financial strain, but I believed wholeheartedly in the importance of Anyé’s message and the impact it could have.
Once the book was published, the next challenge was getting it into the hands of those who needed it most. I leveraged my expertise in strategic communication and media relations through my consulting company, Above Prestige Public Relations. I personally took on the task of publicizing Anyé’s work, reaching out to media outlets and pitching her story.
Our hard work paid off, and Anyé’s book received significant media attention. She was featured on several prominent TV shows, including:
– WUSA9’s Great Day Washington: Anyé shared her story and the inspiration behind her book, reaching a wide audience in the Washington, D.C. area.
– Fox45 Baltimore’s Bmore Lifestyle: This appearance allowed Anyé to connect with viewers in Baltimore, discussing the challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents.
– ABC7News: Anyé’s feature on this platform further amplified her message, highlighting the importance of open conversations about mass incarceration and its impact on families.
These media appearances not only helped to publicize the book but also provided a platform for Anyé to advocate for children like herself. The exposure led to increased book sales, invitations to speak at events, and opportunities to collaborate with other organizations focused on supporting children of incarcerated parents.
Looking back, the journey of self-publishing Anyé’s book was a testament to the power of determination and the importance of sharing our stories. It was a challenging path, but seeing the positive impact on other children and families made every effort worthwhile. Through this experience, I learned the value of perseverance, the strength of community support, and the profound impact that one voice can have in creating change.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents has positioned me as a thought leader in my field. By tackling issues that are often overlooked and providing unique solutions, I have demonstrated forward-thinking and leadership. This has garnered attention and respect from peers, stakeholders, and the broader community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MyFairyGodParents.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamladana
- Facebook: @iAmLaDana
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/ladanayoung
- Twitter: @iAmLaDana
Image Credits
N/A