I’m Marsha Lily. I live in Doylestown, PA. I’m a mother and a doctoral student pursuing my studies in educational leadership. My goal with this degree is to make a difference in the lives of children/youth with intellectual disabilities, trauma and other health challenges. I currently work as a Behavior Specialist assisting Children/Youth who come to the USA as refugees and foster children. I have a deep love for kids. I support the kids through their emotions and challenges in school and social life as they overcome their ACEs and the behavioral issues that come along with the trauma they’ve experienced. As a hobby, I’m a Recording Artist, Certified Event Planner and a Vlogger.
My platform is to promote mental health awareness, something that ties into our cultural roots. Mental health is essential to me because my friends and family have struggled with mental health issues at a point in their lives. Sadly, we are learning more and more about the rise of mental health illnesses like anxiety, depression, and PTSD among others. When I became a mother, I experienced Mental Health struggles of my own. My daughter was enough reason for me to find ways to cope, that included going to therapy and medication and I couldn’t be happier. Understanding mental health has definitely impacted my ability to communicate clearly what is important to me.
If I win the Miss Kenya USA 2023 pageant, I intend to use the platform to motivate young people and to educate them about mental health issues. The range of issues and disorders that go under the term “mental health” includes everything from eating disorders to suicide awareness. Most individuals will look like everything is well while they are going through a difficult period, whether it be with regard to work, school, family, or social life, until they can no longer pretend. Because depression has been portrayed as a stigma in our culture, many people may be reluctant to ask for assistance. I want people to understand that they shouldn’t compare themselves to others since they are unique just the way they are. I want to inspire children/youth to recognize the importance of their mental health and to understand that talking to someone is never an expression of weakness. Getting support is not improper in any way. It might ultimately save their lives. We are here for you. Lean on your loved ones. And most importantly, I AM HERE FOR YOU!
The youth are the future, so that is what I want to emphasize. Educating them and giving them access to all the resources for managing self-care and mental health. My aim is addressing the stigma associated with mental illness. And I’m currently doing so by giving several presentations, particularly to high school students of different diversity. I am aware of my desire to help people, and I am pursuing this passion through both my platform and my career goals.
“It is ok not to be ok ” is my motto throughout life.