We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tay Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tay , appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in my career came when I transitioned from working in traditional counseling roles to becoming the DEI Program Coordinator at the Ruth Ellis Center. It wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. That role placed me right at the intersection of advocacy, equity, healing, and real-time community impact.

But the moment that truly shifted my trajectory wasn’t a meeting, a promotion, or an award. It was being with the young people and hearing how my presence and ideas helped them to understand their worth and ability.

That stuck with me.

It affirmed that showing up fully—as myself—wasn’t just acceptable; it was necessary. It made me realize I wasn’t climbing a ladder. I was building bridges.

From that point on, I made a commitment: to center authenticity, community voice, and healing in every space I enter. That clarity led me to fully engaging in my organization, Manifest Thirty-One, and stepping confidently into spaces like corporate social responsibility and mental wellness—not as separate paths, but as interconnected expressions of the same mission: to see people, to serve people, and to remind them they’re not alone.

Lesson learned?
The moment you realize your lived experience is a qualification and not a limitation, everything changes. Your presence becomes your power.

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?

I’m Ta’Janae “Tay” Lee—a passionate creative, mental wellness advocate, and community-centered leader with a deep love for people, healing, and impact. I work at the intersection of mental health, personal development, and creative expression, and I show up in every space with authenticity, warmth, and intention.

My journey into this work wasn’t linear—it was led by purpose. I started out deeply invested in understanding how people communicate, lead, and heal. That passion led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Michigan State University, followed by two master’s degrees—one in Counseling and the other in Nonprofit/Public Administration—both from Central Michigan University. I’m currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Psychology at The Chicago School, focusing on global mental health, healing systems, and sustainable change.

Over the years, I’ve blended my academic foundation with lived experience and calling. I now lead and support initiatives focused on emotional wellness, safety, intergenerational healing, and community building. Whether I’m facilitating workshops, creating space for hard conversations, or developing wellness-centered programs—my goal remains the same: to help people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

What problems do I help solve?
I support people and organizations in creating emotionally safe, equitable, and affirming environments. I help normalize mental health conversations, offer tools for healing and wellness, and create creative experiences that foster trust and transformation.

What sets me apart?
I lead with heart and strategy. I bring a unique blend of empathy, professionalism, and creativity to everything I do. My work isn’t transactional—it’s transformational. I listen deeply, move intentionally, and show up as my full self: soft, steady, and strong.

What I’m most proud of:
I’m proud of the spaces I’ve helped build and the lives I’ve supported. I’m proud of showing up fully in rooms where I once felt I didn’t belong. And I’m proud of never letting a title define me, but instead, letting my purpose guide me.

What I want you to know:
I’m here to impact. Whether I’m teaching, speaking, capturing, or creating, I move with deep care and compassion.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Honestly? Showing up with consistency, care, and character.

I’ve never been focused on popularity—I’ve always been more interested in being present and purposeful. I believe my reputation was built on the energy I bring into every space: people know I’m going to show up prepared, passionate, and people-centered. Whether I’m leading a workshop, coordinating behind the scenes, speaking on a stage, or connecting with individuals one one on – my heart is always in it.

I also think my transparency plays a big role. I don’t pretend to have it all together. I share the lessons I’ve learned, the growth I’ve had to do, and the ways I’m still evolving. That honesty builds trust—and in this work, trust is everything.

So if I had to sum it up, I’d say my reputation was built by being anchored in purpose, and committed to serving people well.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely—but I would give myself more grace along the way.

I wouldn’t change the path I’ve taken because every twist, pivot, and stretch led me here: to purpose, to healing, and to impact. The work I do today—blending mental wellness, community care, and creative expression—isn’t just a profession, it’s a calling. It’s deeply personal. It’s a reflection of who I am and who I’m becoming.

If anything, I’d remind my younger self that it’s okay not to have it all figured out at once. I’d tell her that evolving is part of the assignment and that the things that feel like detours often carry the deepest wisdom.

So yes, I’d choose this path again—and I’d walk it with the same heart, just a little more gently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ManifestThirtyOne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manifest_thirtyone?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Manifest-Thirty-One-100068421803223/?locale=mt_MT
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tay-lee-ma-llpc-b43113a9/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@manifestthirty-one6172

Image Credits

Heart of The City Photography | Shawn Lee Studios