Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharita Lang.
Hi Sharita, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Initially I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Sociology minor to eventually become a Psychologist. When I was about to register for graduate school I no longer felt the desire to be a Psychologist, but I knew I wanted to help people who face mental health challenges. After some research and soul searching I decided to get my Masters Degree in Public Administration.
While in graduate school, I worked as an Executive Director for a mental healthcare company and loved every minute of it. In that role, I was able to still help people with their mental health challenges, but in a different capacity. I was able to work in the environment I loved but in the role of bringing awareness to mental health issues and the stigma that comes with receiving treatment.
I have served on numerous non-profit and state boards, helping to bring awareness to issues such as mental health, child abuse and neglect, homelessness, childhood obesity, poverty, and childhood literacy. I am always grateful for the opportunity to be able to help others and make a difference in their lives and communities.
It’s been almost 15 years since I received my master’s degree in public administration, and I have been able to help multiple mental health agencies, and non-profits become a part of the mission to provide services and support to those who are affected by mental health issues and those who need help with other extenuated circumstances in their lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been smooth, but it has been rewarding.
Bringing awareness and garnering the support necessary to make a difference can be hard because not everyone sees the overwhelming need for a change and a solution to the problems that many people face daily.
Regardless of whether it is mental illness, abuse and neglect, or poverty we must address the issues and formulate solutions.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Confess Project of Metro Atlanta is a statewide organization that fosters mental health advocacy in the Black Barber and Beauty Industry by building awareness, breaking stigma, and increasing access to care within the communities they serve.
The Confess Project has the first and largest organization committed to building a culture of mental health for Black boys, men, and their families. We focus on empowering frontline heroes and sheroes in Communities across America. More specifically, we train barbers and stylists to be mental health advocates.
We are proud to begin expanding our reach to help more people by offering mental health advocacy training to those outside of the barber and beauty industry.
I want people to take the time to read about our organization and the services that we provide and join us on this journey. together, we can make a difference in mental health for everyone.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Always be open to meeting and talking with new people. A simple conversation can open up opportunities that you never knew existed.
I’m a people person, so meeting new people is easy for me. Once the conversation starts, I speak about my career, and people are inspired by the work that we do. Connections and relationships are born from that experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: Theconfessprojectatl.org
- Instagram: Theconfessprojectatl
- Facebook: The confess project Atl
