( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Inspired by Her Own Experiences, Model and Student Founds Non-Profit Organization to Fight Bullying and Promote Mental Health Awareness
ENSPIRE Contributor: Claya Davis
As a successful model for NYFW, Hamptons Fashion Week, and Brooklyn Fashion Week, winner of the title USA National Ms. New York, and busy college student, Sydney Brett is already impacting others and taking the world by storm. However, after years of being bullied, Brett added the title of Non-Profit founder to her resume in 2017 when she founded “Stronger Than You Think,” an organization that supports anti-bullying efforts and mental health awareness through community workshops and an “Unfiltered Photoshoot” in which kids take part in a raw, unedited photo shoot and candidly talk about their experience with social media and how it impacts young people and their visions of beauty.
ENSPIRE spoke with Syndey Brett to learn more about her organization, activism, and goals.
What inspired you to launch this non-profit?
After being bullied for having dyslexia by not just students but teachers, too, I knew I wanted to make a difference and turn a negative experience into a positive experience.
How do you see bullying and mental health as being connected?
I think many that are bullied as a result of their experience may suffer from mental health issues and even then bully themselves.
What do you hope to achieve through your advocacy?
I hope to achieve more mental health awareness with affordable resources for everyone. People should be more accepting of others because you never know what someone is going through. Schools need to take an active role in listening to their students. And people should be “upstanders” not bystanders.
How can people help with your mission and get involved with your work?
We are always looking for volunteers, and host many events that are open to the public. Email standup@strongerthanyouthink.us if you want more information to get involved.
To learn more about Stronger Than You Think, access educational resources, and contribute to Brett’s activism, visit her website.
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