Today we’d like to introduce you to Trazana A. Staples.
Hi Trazana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. I hold a Master of Environmental Law and Policy Degree from Vermont Law School, Bachelor of Science degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Management and Human Relations, and an Associates of Science Degree from Xavier University in Criminal Justice. In addition, I am an alumnus of Class 31 in the Neighborhood Leadership Institute Cleveland. I am a longtime advocate for healthy food, food security, community, and environmental sustainability. I am also an author, songwriter, and ecopreneur.
On October 3, 2017, I survived a massive cryptogenic stroke accompanied with aphasia, and it was all due to life stress. Due to the stroke, I lost all of my material possessions and could not continue employment. I did, however, maintain my will to live and improve my condition. Integrative wellness practices continue to help me achieve better every day and regain some of my mobility and cognitive deficits I suffered due to the stroke. To reinvent myself, I am fulfilling my passion to help support and teach communities about stroke awareness, mental health, and chronic health conditions that plague our community by teaching the benefits of integrative health practices by incorporating a healthier lifestyle in our daily lives. Thus, I began a nonprofit organization, Trazana A. Staples Alternative Stroke Recovery Fund in 2019.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth at all, but I continue to thrive every day. I vowed to myself to never give up! With perseverance, love from family and friends, I am improving my cognitive and physical health every day to inspire others to not give up on themselves.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Since my stroke, I was forced to retire from the community organization where I was an executive director. Trazana A Staples Alternative Stroke Recovery Fund gave me the opportunity as founder and president to continue my passion to help others. We contract with integrative and complementary wellness practitioners, businesses, and other community organizations through grants and donations. We have developed a workshop series called Intergenerational Wellness Partners. Through grant opportunities such as the Avondale Capacity Grant, Greater Cincinnati United Way, Black Empowerment Grant, and public donations, the Intergenerational Wellness Partners Workshops are free to the community.
So far, in 2019-2020, we have served the community of Avondale during the COVID-19 Pandemic with Walk With Me and SOACT (Serving Older Adults Through Changing Times). In 2022-2023, we served The Village of Lincoln Heights with the Heights Movement. Currently 2024 we are serving Madisonville with Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Natural Woman Magazine, and Cincy Black Travel Guide.
I also have a dynamic board of directors who are helping me carry out this mission. Our motto is “Healing our Communities One Neighborhood at a Time.”
We currently are re-branding our organization’s name and mission statement so that everyone understands we are inclusive for everyone regardless of health condition.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The lessons I have learned came before COVID-19 and it has helped me through the pandemic. I continue to use them now and my life lessons are, “Your health is your wealth!” Mental health is very important, especially since COVID-19. Mental health affects everyone. Stressing or worrying about anything will literally make you sick and can cause a stroke, amongst other illnesses. Take the time out now in each moment to smell the roses and admire the beauty of life because yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here yet, and right now is all we have. Love yourself so much that you can love and help others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.trazanastaples.com
- Instagram: trazanastaples
- Facebook: TrazanaAStaples3
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/trazana-a-staples-melp-a32b669
- Twitter: @TrazanaNaturalE
- Youtube: @1trazana
