Ayanna believes that Project HEAL Ambassadors are the great leaders in Project HEAL’s mission to break down barriers to adequate eating disorder treatment. Raising awareness and funds for people who are struggling with an eating disorder will ensure people get the support they deserve.

She is excited about Project HEAL because she loves advocating for mental health awareness and is passionate about Project HEAL’s commitment to ensure that BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals get access to eating disorder treatment through their Treatment Equity projects.

Ayanna joined the Project HEAL family as a volunteer back in 2015 and has been a National Ambassador for five years, hosting fundraisers and speaking events to raise awareness of eating disorders. As a Mental Health Advocate, Ayanna was featured in a NY Times Article to help dispel misconceptions about eating disorders and encourage those who are struggling to seek help. Ayanna is also a Blogger and an Author; she has been featured on Project HEAL’s blog, she currently manages her own blog on Instagram, and self-published a book, An Old Teen. Ayanna’s writing is all about her personal eating disorder recovery journey and mental health awareness.

Ayanna is certified in Mental Health First Aid, where she is trained to provide initial help to young people struggling with their mental health and substance use disorders.

Ayanna received her BA in Psychology at Queens College and currently attends Columbia University School of Social Work. She plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker so that she can provide therapy and mental health services.

Her favorite ice cream flavor is caramel chocolate chip.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers