10/25/2024
Tonight at the Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Hollywood was an unforgettable experience. I had the incredible honor of meeting Selena Gomez again and expressing my deep gratitude for the fund's ongoing support of Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL). Selena’s dedication to mental health and self-acceptance through the Rare Impact Fund is truly inspiring, and it’s heartening to see her mobilizing $100 million in contributions to ensure all young people have access to mental health care, stigma-free support, and resources that honor their unique backgrounds and experiences.
At TEL, we believe that education is the catalyst for social change, and that transforming education transforms the world. Educational leaders have the power to create school environments where mental health is prioritized, but they often lack the support they need to foster their own well-being. That’s why TEL works alongside a diverse community of principals, equity specialists, and mental health professionals to make mental health a core aspect of every school.
We know that when teachers struggle with their own mental health, it directly affects the academic, social, and emotional outcomes of their students. Principals of color, in particular, are more likely to leave their jobs due to mental health challenges brought on by racial discrimination. TEL is here to nurture the resilience of these leaders so they can continue their transformative work in schools.
In this pivotal moment, we need leaders who are deeply rooted in self-awareness, healing, and collaborative leadership—leaders who will build just, compassionate communities for all. By investing in their well-being, we’re creating safe, loving environments where every child can thrive.
Together with the Rare Impact Fund, we are paving the way for positive change in schools and communities across the globe.
A huge thank you to the entire Rare Impact and Rare Beauty team—Elyse Cohen, Raquel Mata, Judith Martinez, MSc, Anijah Lezama, Lauren Peterson, and MacKenzie Kassab—for their dedication to this vital mission. Your commitment to this work is paving the way for brighter futures for our youth. I’m also incredibly grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with fellow grantees and mental health advocates in the Rare community, including Konscious Youth Development & Service, The Ever Forward Club, The Jed Foundation (JED), and Tramaine EL-Amin of The National Council for Mental Wellbeing. It's a privilege to be surrounded by such passionate change-makers.
