Couched In Color Podcast

In this second episode of Season 3 of Couched in Color, Host Dr. Alfiee interviews two members of Lady Gaga’s team from her Born This Way Foundation (based on her “freedom song” of the same name).

Born This Way was created in 2012 to support the wellness of young people and empower them to build a kinder, braver world.

The Executive Director, Maya Smith, and Communications and Creative Manager, Shadille Estepan, join us today to share powerful insights on mental health awareness for youth, and offerings that reduce the stigma and help them voice their concerns and stay connected for greater well-being.

Topics Include:

-COURAGE TO BE OPEN ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

-SAFE SPACES

-WHAT DO THE WORDS “BORN THIS WAY” MEAN TO YOU

-EMPOWERMENT

-INITIATIVES OF BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION

-CHALLENGES THAT GEN Z & MILLENNIALS FACE

ABOUT MAYA ENISTA SMITH:

Executive Director/Born This Way Foundation

Maya is the first Executive Director of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, which leverages evidence-based programming and authentic partnerships in order to work with young people to build kinder communities and improve mental health resources.

In this position, Maya engages a diverse array of partners across sectors to conduct innovative research, builds authentic youth-focused programming, and leads effective campaigns that foster kindness and advance the conversation around mental health.

With nearly twenty years of experience in the youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community development fields, Maya previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Mobilize.org and began her career as East Coast Coordinator for Rock The Vote.

In addition to her work with the Foundation, Maya is a proud member of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2022 and serves on the Bullying Prevention Advisory Committee (BPAC) for the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC). Maya grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, and is a graduate of Rutgers University. She currently resides outside of San Francisco with her husband, David, their two children, and their dog Kai.