Run This World with Nicole DeBoom Podcast
Welcome to my Run This World Podcast! I’m a former pro athlete turned entrepreneur and life adventurer. I feature visionaries who are creating change in the world; people who will inspire you to create positive forward change in your own worlds. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs, athletes, experts in health and nutrition, and amazing humans with a message to share. It’s time to get out there and Run This World!
Listen on:
Episodes
Sunday Feb 06, 2022
Sunday Feb 06, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
"Awareness generally precedes progress." - Dr. Andreski
Today we talk to a psychiatrist who has been treating suicidal patients and survivors of suicide loss for 45 years. Dr Stephen Andreski shares a clinical perspective on the different angles of suicide.
Dr. Andreski, MD, is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, the former Medical Director of the Crisis Unit Capital District Psychiatric Center, & the former Director of Psychiatric Emergency Services at Albany Medical Center Hospital.
Notables include:
Why people attempt suicide: largely due to depression, a great sense of suffering, feelings of aloneness & that their situations are hopeless
Warning signs to note: Signs of depression, changes in behaviors, withdrawal from normal routines and community
Why do some people consider suicide a selfish act? Suicide is often a self-concerned act, but the attempter feels it's the opposite of selfish, as they feel the world would be better off without them.
Do you think suicides can be prevented? Not all people can be stopped from killing themselves even if they see a mental health professional.
Effects on survivors: Children of parents who die by suicide are 300-800 times more likely to attempt suicide
How have awareness and stigma changed: awareness is much greater than 45 years ago, and discussions are more common, but treatment may actually be harder to get.
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Sunday Jan 30, 2022
Sunday Jan 30, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
"Suicide is not about someone trying to end their life, suicide is someone trying to end their pain."
Adam Sud attempted suicide on August 21, 2012. He was 30 years old and he felt like his life was so difficult, he was so broken, so miserable, his suffering seemed so hopeless that he took a handful of pills and swallowed as many as he could. As his heart rate went up and down, he thought that was the last moment of his life, and he felt completely terrified.
When he woke up later, he had an unbelievable feeling of relief. He was glad he was still alive.
That was when he finally set forth a path to change. It started with a call to his family; a family he had effectively shut out and treated horribly, but who didn't hesitate to help.
Adam's story is powerful. His path today is a testament to the fact that we can change our lives even when they seem so hopeless and alone.
Notables:
Eating transformation: from piles of fast food every day to fully converted plant-based eater. Adam credits vegan eating for helping reverse many of the health problems he faced
Drug abuse: Starting with Adderall use in high school to treat ADHD, Adam spiraled to criminal drug behaviors over the course of a decade.
Family: Adam's story is a testament to the power of family. Adam blamed his dad (parents) for many of his problems. He admittedly treated them horribly, but they never stopped loving him and trying to help.
Rip Esselstyn's PlantStrong program: Adam shares the story of attending one of Rip's eating retreats at Whole Foods, and even though he didn't convert at that time, the experience was the foundation for a life metamorphosis.
Food as transformational "medicine:" When Adam entered a sober living facility, he got some great advice from his dad who said that he didn't know about the mental health diagnoses he had received, but he did know that some of the physical health diagnoses could be reversed. He told Adam to remember what he learned at Rip's retreat.
Make your new life habits as easy as possible to achieve: Adam created daily rituals that he could easily uphold to take away the guesswork and temptation.
And so much more.
You can find Adam Sud at @plantbasedaddict and check out his nonprofit @plantbasedforpositivechange - he is doing amazing things to help people!
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
I met Lizzie Larock at the Steamboat Springs Thrive Women's Leadership Conference. She did a talk called something like "how to live a perfectly imperfect life" - I knew I needed to meet her. But a funny thing happened before I stepped into her presentation - we talk about it at the beginning of this interview - sometimes if we just pay attention our new best friends are literally waiting to be connected to us through random associations!
Today we talk:
B minus work: Strive for mediocrity
Growth vs fixed mindsets for us and our kids
Codependency during spouse's issues
Positive psychology
Selling the shit that you no longer need
Twins
Stop living on the crumbs! Stop putting your needs last!
Ikigai - gotta listen for this one!
And so much more
Lizzie is a coach, keynote speaker and creator who uses creativity to help people eradicate stress, bend time, get out of perfectionism and uncover more meaning and purpose in their lives. She created the Life Feast online and in the wild program to infuse her student’s lives with curiosity, mindfulness, awe, and joy through the double lens of photography and positive psychology.
When Lizzie is not teaching workshops or embarking on creative adventures with her Life Feast students, you can find her sipping tea, hanging with her twins or performing her parodied mom life to 80’s rock songs.
Learn more about Lizzie, download her free photowalk guide, take the #smalljoys challenge or scope out the details of her Life Feast program at: thelifefeast.com.
And freebie alert for the Life-Feast-Curious!
Want to try a photowalk with Lizzie? A photowalk is a way to look for the good in life, a way to see life through a new lens, a creative lens, a lens that isn't only smudged with to do lists, mortgage payments, school pickups/drop offs, work deadlines and every other headache we might encounter in any given day. It's the creative catapult you never knew you needed to get out of your inbox and into your life. It’s even good for your brain! Download the free guide and behind the scenes video right here: https://www.larockstarcreative.com/small-joys-with-photowalk-guide
Sunday Jan 23, 2022
Sunday Jan 23, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Today we hear the perspective of a mom. Her name is Ruth Tepler-Roth. In 2012, Ruth lost her 21 year old son, Jonathan, to suicide. Ruth was devastated when Jonathan took his life. She felt so alone. She remarked at the time Jonathan died, treatment for mental health was in the Dark Ages, much like cancer treatment was in the 1950s. Over time Ruth has learned to share Jonathan’s story openly which is the only way we can break the stigma about suicide. For parents who are listening, this interview is so important because Ruth had no idea Jonathan was struggling with suicidal thoughts until he attempted suicide the first time. We may think we know what’s going on with our children, but we don’t always know until something bad happens. Ruth talks about warning signs but forgot to mention an important one, so she asked us to include it here. Many people who are suffering self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in their quest to end their pain. If you notice this sign or the others mentioned in this interview, intervene before it’s too late.
Notables:
When Jonathan first attempted suicide and was unsuccessful, they decided to keep it a secret. Ruth believes that keeping suicide a secret perpetuates the shame for everyone.
Hindsight warning signs: changes in friends, mood stability, sleeping and eating patterns, Jonathan and Steve both said ‘I am not a good person’, and they would get angry, which was unusual for them
Rejecting love: Jonathan got upset when Ruth said to him "You are my sun, moon and my stars." He would say, "That's too much for me. I am not going to live that long."
What makes it very hard to know if someone is suicidal is that many people, including Jonathan and Steve, were incredible actors. They didn't want people to know.
We must attack the stigma by making it acceptable to talk about mental illness and suicide.
Ruth still harbors resentment toward the doctors and clinicians. She questions the process in getting help. It was not easy, not cheap, and she felt that the medical professionals missed so many important things. They were fooled.
She also believes that schools are ill-equipped to help and manage students with mental health issues.
It was tough to get an initial mental health diagnosis which was eventually labeled bipolar 2.
When asked what she would say to Jonathan today, "What a loss. The world is poorer with you."
Ruth believes that the conversation is changing - a podcast like this wouldn't have existed 10 years ago - but those who need help are still generally underserved.
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
Trigger warning: This episode may include discussions about suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and self-harm. If these topics are sensitive to you, proceed with caution. It may also contain strong language and is intended for an adult audience.
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
Veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.
Suicide warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org).
Please be sure to share this podcast with anyone who needs to hear it right now. Thank you for listening.
You are listening to’Touched by Suicide’, a special podcast series inspired by the memory of Steve Tarpinian, a prolific figure in the sport of triathlon who positively impacted so many. Steve died by suicide in 2015.
Our goals are to raise awareness about and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues. And to let you know that you are not alone.
This series was sparked by Steve Tarpinian's surviving partner, Jean Mellano, is hosted by Nicole DeBoom and narrated by former professional triathlete, coach & event announcer, Michael Lovato.
Following is the Prologue transcription as narrated by Michael.
Due to the stigma that still exists with suicide, some suicide loss survivors feel ashamed talking about their loved one’s cause of death. They will not speak openly about suicide or the mental health issues leading up to suicide. When one takes their own life, there is a ripple effect that resonates to the clinicians, the co-workers, friends and family. Each week we will release an episode that offers a different perspective on suicide.
We believe that people suffering from mental illness are not necessarily defined by the disease. Their lives can be productive and filled with joy, laughter, and love. We hope to inspire conversation that will contribute to removing the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide. By doing this, we hope to help those who are struggling to find resources that may prevent them from moving forward with suicide. We also hope that if one is a suicide loss survivor, they will benefit from realizing they are not alone and they should not blame themselves for not doing more.
Suicide is much more prevalent than one would think. According the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over 47,000 Americans died by suicide in 2019.
No one is immune. The CDC believes that suicide has become a large and growing public health problem.
Attitudes about suicide are not likely to change for the better until we can speak as freely about it as we freely speak of cancer now. At one time cancer was stigmatized. Only when we can speak openly about suicide and mental health issues without shame or embarrassment will attitudes about suicide change for the better. The personal perspectives you will hear from our guests in the Touched By Suicide Podcast series, along with what I’m about to share, support the fact that change is happening, that suicide stigma has lessened since Steve passed away in 2015.
The power of celebrity has led to more open discussions about mental health and sucide. The families of those who took their own lives; Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain, Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington were not silent about the cause of their loved one’s death.
Many celebrities such as Carrie Fischer, Lady GaGa, Prince William, Demi Lovato and Michael Phelps have gone public and speak openly about their mental health struggles.
Suicide awareness has hit the mainstream. In 2017, Logic, a popular young singer, released a powerful suicide prevention anthem. The title of the song is the toll-free suicide prevention hot line: ‘1-800-273-8255'
Even though things have improved in the last several years since Steve passed, the stigma of suicide still exists. We have a long way to go.
When we lose people to suicide, their survivors often keep silent which further stigmatizes suicide. Today I have the honor of sharing the story of Steve Tarpinian. By celebrating his life and sharing views before and after his suicide, it is clear that awareness about suicide is changing. This is important because as one of our guests, Dr. Andreski, shares, “For most causes, awareness precedes progress.”.
Steve Tarpinian died by suicide on March 15th, 2015, the day after leaving an inpatient mental health facility. He was a beloved coach, swimmer, entrepreneur, friend and companion. Steve's vision established the landscape for triathlon on Long Island. However, his true legacy is the lives that he positively impacted while on his journey.
In his 20’s, Steve’s depressive episodes occurred maybe once or twice a year and lasted a day or so. As time went on, these episodes happened more frequently with longer durations. Steve would drive himself at a frenetic pace. He eventually became physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.
Over the years, Steve won many battles in his private war. He appeared to most as a very happy, trouble-free person who had it all figured out. Steve had a very successful business, was a great athlete and a great coach, and he was loved by so many. He was very good at hiding his inner turmoil.
Steve started slipping away in 2013 when he was in his 50s. His depressive episodes were occurring more frequently and were becoming longer in duration. He was a good actor since no one knew he was suffering so much that he would take his own life.
In his final months, his mind was consumed by indecisiveness, obsessiveness, and regrets about not following certain paths in his life. Steve lost interest in the things he always seemed so passionate about. In his final few months, Steve frequently became so indecisive that he could no longer effectively live his life. He lost all hope for things to change for the better. Steve finally made the irreversible decision to leave behind his pain. He completed suicide on his second attempt to end his life.
Steve’s legacy is not that he died by suicide. His legacy is one of kindness and compassion to others in spite of his own personal struggles. He was someone who impacted so many lives in a powerful and positive way. He gave so much to so many with no expectation of a return. Steve was not just a coach of sport, he was a coach of life. He was a gift to all of us and that gift was only ours to borrow.
When someone dies by suicide, the loss survivors are left with many unanswered questions. They are often wracked with guilt and struggle to openly share about their loved one’s suicide, largely due to the stigma surrounding it.
We need to be more open in speaking about suicide, even though initially, it may be too uncomfortable to talk about. Silence perpetuates suicide stigma.
In Dr. Andreski’s interview, he indicated that not all people who are suicidal can be helped, but many can be. Freely speaking about suicide and mental health issues without shame or embarrassment is important to help to reduce the stigma.
Touched by Suicide features perspectives from nine people.
Ruth Tepler-Roth is a mom who lost her son Jonathan.
Adam Sud attempted suicide and survived. He shares his story to help others who are facing the turmoil he faced.
Doctor Andreski [ann DRESS key] is a psychiatrist who has been working with suicidal patients and suicide loss survivors for over 45 years.
Michael Stewart is a son who lost both his father figure, Steve, and later his father, Mike to suicide.
Rip Esselstyn is a pro athlete friend and colleague of Steve’s who shares insights from the athlete mindset
Deb Savarese [SAV uh reese] is an athlete that Steve coached who will forever be impacted by him.
Mike Barone [buh RONE] is an employee, someone who knew Steve on a professional and friendship level.
Jean Mellano is the surviving partner of Steve, a man she still calls the love of her life. Jean is also the reason this series exists.
Kevin Hines attempted suicide at 17 years old by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He knew the second he left the bridge that he didn't want to die. He miraculously survived and today he dedicates his life to helping others who struggle with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
At times, we may feel helpless and not know what to say or do but there ARE some things that can be done to help those who are struggling.
Many people who contemplate suicide engage in behaviors that we can flag, if we know what to look for. These warning signs may help save lives. In every conversation, the power of hindsight is clear. Everyone involved in this project could identify at least one incident that would be considered a flag. Here are a few.
Contacting friends just to say ‘hi’,when it is not something they normally do. Typically this may happen when the person has made the decision to take their own life. They could be trying “to clean up their side of the fence” if there was a misunderstanding in their relationship or possibly just to say goodbye. Several of our guests received a phone call from Steve in the month or two before his death even though they had no contact with Steve for months.
Losing interest in the things they always loved to do
Pulling back from their social circles
Making a comment like their friends and family would be better off without them
And of course, previously attempting to complete suicide.
More warning signs can be found at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (Afsp.org)
Too many are still being lost to suicide; it is so much more prevalent than people realize. Because of its stigma, no one wants to talk about it. Although things are improving with respect to awareness surrounding suicide and mental health issues, ignorance about these topics abound. Comments like “suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem” and “suicide is a selfish act” have no place in our society and only further contribute to the stigma. Anyone who makes these comments has no idea of the mental anguish one who takes their own life may be suffering; that it is so painful, they fear living more than they fear dying.
When someone dies by suicide, it is common for the survivors to remain silent about the cause of the death of their loved one. When this happens, it perpetuates the stigma around suicide which makes it harder for people to reach out when they need help. Steve Tarpinian died by suicide. He also left a beautiful legacy of love and support to many people. By sharing his story and the stories of others touched by suicide, it is our goal to educate and to help people who are struggling reach out for the help they need before it is too late.
If you have a loved one who is struggling, reach out to them. A friend of Steve’s, Peter Ventura, said that when he learned of Steve’s struggles, he sought help from a friend who was knowledgeable about how to help a person with suicidal feelings. Peter was given the following advice: “You just have to be intrusive. Don’t just walk through the door. Kick the door down and be there for your friend.” As one of our guests says, “You do not have to have answers. Tell them you love them and that you do not want them to feel alone. You are there for them. Don’t try to “fix” them.”
I will wrap up with a huge thank you to Jean Mellano for making this series happen. And thank you to Steve Tarpinian for lighting up the world with your smile and changing so many lives for the better. We wish you were still here with us today.
If you or someone you know is displaying suicide warning signs, please call the suicide prevention hotline at 800 273 8255. Thank you for listening. Please share this podcast - you never know who may need to hear it right now.
Medical Advisory:
The Run This World Podcast & the Touched by Suicide series does not provide crisis, counseling or direct services. The information and resources contained on this site are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult a mental health professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Music credit: "Forgiveness" by Sensho from Upbeatt.io
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Sara Vaughn is one of my favorite people on the planet. She was first on this podcast in Sept 2016. We talked about what it was like to be a mom of 3 kids and race at the top of the American track circuit in the 1500m. I jokingly asked if she thought she would pop out another kid before the next Olympic Trials and she said that was not in the plans.
Fast forward 5 1/2 years. She now has 4 kids, just wrapped her 4th Olympic Trials in the steeplechase, and just 4 weeks ago, had a Huge breakthrough performance in the marathon with the 5th fastest debut marathon by an American woman ever! At age 35! At the time of this publication, Sara can officially announce that she finally signed the deal that she has been seeking her entire career - she is now officially with PUMA!
Sara is someone you will want to root for, if you don't already. Enjoy this conversation and when you're done, follow her at @smevaughn on Instagram and donate to help a young woman continue her education through the Vaughn Family Endowed Child Care Scholarship Fund here.
Note: Run This World is now LIVE & occasionally has sound hiccups 😁
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Amber Johnston is a semi-pro OCR athlete and fellow spondy warrior. Nicole found Amber not through the world of endurance sports, but on a 10k member facebook support group for spondylolisthesis. Amber had surgery 3 months before Nicole. Today they talk about what it means to be an athlete, to accept that sometimes you can't fix your body on your own, and all the blood, guts and glory that goes into having a life-changing surgery. Including but not limited to constipation, sex, drugs, Meal Train, accepting help, having down days, and the village you need to get you through it.
If you have gone through surgery or are considering surgery, this episode is a great one to help you both appreciate the process, prepare yourself for the future and help others who are going through a situation where they need some help now.
Note: Run This World is now LIVE & occasionally has sound hiccups 😁
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Thursday Dec 09, 2021
Run This World is BACK! Taking breaks is important. They allow us to start new things, to miss old things, and to deal with things that we‘ve put off. Nicole talks about all of the above. Aesop: Nicole‘s new business is up and running! Run This World is back baby! Body Talk: Nicole shares the story of her spine and the surgery that looms ahead Sponsored by AESOP a business that helps you preserve and share the stories of your life. Go to aesopnation.com for 10% using code RUNTHISWORLD
Friday Jun 11, 2021
Friday Jun 11, 2021
I had never spoken to a real life shaman before my conversation with Makhosi Hefisah Nejeser. I was pretty sure it would be a mix of "woo woo" and spirituality with some chanting and drums on the side. So wrong!
Makhosi is a down-to-earth, beautiful, open, vulnerable human being with a genuinely authentic storytelling style. As she opens up, you find yourself wanting to open up alongside her. That is the magic of the shaman. It's in her energy more than her words.
Makhosi became a shaman after pursuing the rat race that is the "American Dream" left her sick, tired and questioning everything about her existence. She sought a deeper meaning to her purpose on the planet and began studying shamanism in the US and Africa.
Today she guides countless people through the process of self-exploration to help them arrive at their true purpose. Check out her website and take her free Level of Consciousness Quiz.
Our conversation includes one nugget after another. Too many to list here!
In the intro, I mention that this is my last Run This World episode for a while. I want to be a "Summer Grader" with my daughter, to enjoy my first summer in Steamboat Springs. I'm not sure when I'll start up again or if 200+ episodes was a good run and it's time to move on. If you want to send me your thoughts on this or ideas on what you'd like me to do next, please do! Email me at nicole@nicoledeboom.com
I also mention how much I love my Xero Shoes. If you want to give them a try, here's my affiliate link. Order through this link - it helps me too!
And please sign up for my emails. I've been having a blast sending newsletters chronicling all sorts of craziness going on in my life, my brain, my world! Link here.
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Meet Neli Vazquez Rowland, the founder of A Safe Haven, a place where people in crisis can find the food, shelter, treatment, medical care, education, job training and job placement they need under one roof.
A first-generation American, the young Neli Vazquez Rowland, was a natural leader, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. For 13 years, as an investment banker, Vazquez Rowland lead several firms across the nation. It was during her time as an investment banker, Neli had to rise up to the challenging and emotionally-draining task of overcoming an issue of alcoholism in her family.
This incident fueled a strong belief in Neli that no family should have to suffer through an already-tragic situation and in 1994, she established A Safe Haven with her husband, Brian Rowland. An organization determined to join forces with the private and public sector to ensure an efficient and sustainable approach to battle poverty and homelessness, A Safe Haven was welcomed instantly by business, academia and public policy leaders for its innovative and ground-breaking approach to an issue that has long plagued economies.
Neli is a go-getter. Her energy is limitless. Her goals are expansive. And they all revolve around making the world a better place for everyone.
Be sure to sign up for their big fundraiser this year - the virtual Run / Walk to End Homelessness from July 17-24. Click here to start your own team & raise money to help others!
Notables:
For more Neli - Read her Books:
Neli's book "Healing" is powerful! Buy it now on Amazon!
Her memoir "An Elegant Solution" coming soon
The power of volunteering
Stigmas: especially surrounding homelessness and addiction
The "invisible" population
Her background and how a walk into her school every morning sparked the seedling for A Safe Haven
How A Safe Haven works: The actual flow of the organization
"Housing as Healthcare" - You can't begin healing until you have a roof over your head.
Nugget: Be optimistic. Don't give up. I believe that the vast majority of people are good. Love will prevail. (Lots of nuggets!)