About
My name is Aza A. Shukura and I am a Public Speaker, Visual & Performing Artist, Creative Writer/Screenwriter, Educator, Producer, Director, Certified Mental Health/ Whole Health & Wellness Coach, UNC Charlotte Graduate with a BA in Africana Studies and abroad studies at the University of Ghana. More importantly, I am a grateful person in the process of being "RECOVERED". That means that I live in a constant state of improvement and progress, no matter what happened yesterday. It means that I get the privilege of being a blessing in another person's life, in a way that I was once so desperate for during my dark days. Days when I was "Godless", unbelieving, miserable, angry and lost. Battling severe mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, substance use, shame, major depression, grief and more in the past. However, by the tremendous grace of OG (Only God), I now live to breathe life into every gift my higher power has given me the privilege to have.
Education, Credentials & Experience
Education
University of North Carolina Charlotte: Africana Studies (BA)
University of Ghana: African Diaspora Theory (Abroad Studies- Ghana, Togo, Benin)
Credentials
Certified Mental Health & Peer Support Specialist
Whole Health & Wellness Coach
Youth- Mental Health First Aid Certified
Adult- Mental Health First Aid Certified
Experience
Educator- Special Education EBD (Emotional & Behavior Disorders).
Adult, Teen & Children Mental Health/Recovery program curriculum development.
Georgia Recovery in Performing Arts (Writer, Director, Producer, Performer).
Public Speaking - Authenticity of Recovery
Student, Teachers & Parent Recovery program development.
Co-ed, Women's Wellness, Youth & Young Adult group meetings.
Lived Mental Health & Recovery Program Experience
Recovery Out Loud
There are millions of people suffering in silence every day. Afraid of the burdens of their past. Afraid to speak their truth. Afraid of judgement. Afraid of facing their mistakes. Afraid of not being heard and understood. Ashamed, embarrassed and holding in all that constantly eats at them. I live my recovery out loud. Your Authenticity truly does have the power to set someone free.