There is no denying the past few years have been challenging for so many of us. Balancing the changing work and family dynamics and navigating the fluctuating economy and job markets have added stress to all of our lives. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and we are spotlighting someone dedicated to providing services for those in need, Dr. Tandala Kidd the Health and Education Manager for Interfaith Community Services (ICS).
Tandala emphasizes the importance of viewing mental health as an integral part of overall well-being. To promote equity in mental health, she advocates treating mental health issues with the same importance and attention as physical ailments. Encouraging open conversations about mental health reduces stigma, normalizes seeking help, and emphasizes the significance of ongoing recovery efforts. To support these efforts, ICS offers Community Health Outreach Workshops including Mental Health First Aid Certification and Honoring Our Lives – Advance Care Planning Conversations.
She also stresses the need for self-care, highlighting that happiness and mental health are intertwined. Tandala reminds us that self-care can be as simple as taking time to play with your kids, watch an uplifting movie, or even dancing in the moonlight. By embracing equity and prioritizing mental well-being, individuals can unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
To better embrace equity, Tandala highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between equality and equity. Equity requires us to see individuals as they truly are, embracing their unique experiences and perspectives. Tandala believes that each person has the power to positively impact someone else's life. By extending a helping hand, even to just one person, we contribute to a more equitable and compassionate world.
“If one person could help just one other person, how much better off would we all be?”
Tandala's journey is marked by dedication, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of uplifting others. With over a decade of service at Interfaith Community Services (ICS), she has played diverse roles, leveraging her expertise and passion to empower individuals and create meaningful change. Tandala's vast experience, coupled with her educational achievements, including a Doctorate in Management in Organizational Leadership and an MBA, has forged her path dedicated to empowering others.
Reflecting on the women who have empowered her life, Tandala acknowledges her mother's role in shaping her self-sufficiency and independence. Additionally, the women she worked with during her early career as a paralegal provided the confidence and support she needed to pursue greater aspirations. Tandala recognizes the transformative impact of people helping people and emphasizes the significance of nurturing confidence and encouraging others to dream bigger. She is grateful for Bonnie Kampa, the former CEO of ICS, who believed in her potential and gave her an opportunity to make a difference.
When asked about her advice for young women beginning their careers, Tandala encourages them to be bold, outgoing, and unafraid of setbacks. Rather than perceiving setbacks as failures, she encourages viewing them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Tandala urges young women to assert their knowledge and power, reminding them that their voices matter. By challenging the status quo and embracing their leadership potential, women can inspire positive change and dismantle barriers that hinder progress.
Thank you, Dr. Tandala Kidd, for all of your work in our community to #embraceequity and encourage #mentalhealthawareness!