Susan L. Taylor
Susan L. Taylor, 63, founder of the National CARES Mentoring Movement and editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence Magazine. Growing up, Susan was surrounded by people who told her she would amount to nothing, including her mother who struggled with depression. Susan's sadness and eventual depression grew out of a hormonal shift and her strict dedication to work. Today, she has learned to put herself first. With introspection, devotion to self-care and spiritual practice, Susan has been able to heal the trauma that had derailed her life as a young woman.

Thabiti Boone
Thabiti Boone, 44, author, activist, former basketball star and founder of the F.I.S.T. Inc./Rise To The Occasion Youth Foundation. While growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Thabiti went through many hardships. He reached his breaking point at the age of 12 when he witnessed his mother's failed attempt at suicide. Soon after, Thabiti experienced depression, but eventually overcame it. Today, Thabiti shares his story with family, friends and local communities.

Sharon Easton
Sharon Easton, 48, police sergeant. After witnessing a horrible car accident, Sharon began suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. She sought treatment, shared her story with others and is now on the road to recovery. Sharon's best friend Brigitte of 35 years suffers from depression and is having a difficult time dealing with it.

Lydia Caesar
Lydia Caesar, 25, is a talented, emerging young recording artist with the Studio9 Music Group label. In her one-woman show, "The Lydia Caesar Experience," she shares her struggle with anxiety and depression when, as a pastor's daughter, she found herself pregnant and unwed at age 19. Though fearful and ashamed, Lydia found the courage to openly reveal her pregnancy and mental health crisis with her immediate family and with her church family. Today, Lydia hopes that by sharing her story, she will inspire an open dialogue about teen depression in the church community.

Jason Davis
Jason Davis, 28, gang consultant and co-author of "War of the Bloods in My Veins". Jason grew up in New York with an abusive father and workaholic mother. He joined the Bloods gang in 1995. The violence on the streets affected Jason so much that he began contemplating suicide. He began hearing voices and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Today, Jason is on the road to recovery. He has two daughters and a son, and finds solace in sharing his stories with family, friends and community members.