I’m a first-generation Panamanian and Colombian who grew up in a multigenerational household that valued community and togetherness. Raised by the concept of a “village,” I was surrounded by chosen families and the principles of collective care–mutual aid, interdependence, collaboration, and emotional support–from an early age. This upbringing shaped my beliefs and values, leading me to become a social worker focused on the intersection of mental health, community, and well-being.

In 2021, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, declared that we are living in a loneliness epidemic. This mental health crisis compelled me to explore the complex layers contributing to our loneliness culture, fragmented communities, and the rising mental health challenges we face. As I began to uncover data about the impact of social media on our mental health, I realized how deeply it plays a role in exacerbating these issues—amplifying feelings of isolation, anxiety, and disconnection while shaping how we engage with each other and ourselves.

In response to the data I uncovered, I wanted to offer people an alternative to doom-scrolling—something that still provides escapism but in a healthier way. In 2024, I founded I’m So Mature as a platform to explore how art, entertainment, and cultural moments can foster healthy escapism and emotional growth.

As a social worker, I believe healing should be fun and engaging. Art and entertainment are powerful tools that help us manage stress, boost our mood, and improve overall well-being. These mediums provide a way to disconnect from the negative impacts of social media—like feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and depression—while offering a meaningful path to personal growth and emotional maturity.

I combine my love for art, entertainment, and culture into my work as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and writer because culture shapes our way of being. It serves as a mirror, reflecting back to us not only areas where we are wounded but also where we have the potential to heal and grow. Through my work, I aim to help people recognize the transformative power of culture and community and how it can guide us toward growth and healing.