Summary: Our guest on this episode of the Early Accountability podcast is marketing and public relations specialist Sheree Oats, who is also the founder of the group “Not Built to Break”. Sheree started this group to create a safe space to discuss mental health issues among women of color, a subject that has often been viewed as taboo, but is so important to talk about. During Sheree’s own transition from college to her professional life, she experienced depression for which she was prescribed medication. She talked with her parents about her depression, but they were not equipped to know how to respond or provide her with the support she needed, and due to the tendency within her community to not admit or discuss mental health issues, she did not know who to turn to. So in 2016, she simply asked her Facebook community if they would be interested in joining an online support group focused on mental health, to which she received an overwhelming response. From that point on, the “Not Built to Break” Facebook group has been an outlet for members to discuss their highs and lows, share inspirations quotes or stories, and simply support each other. To anyone looking to start something to help or support their community, Sheree recommends this three step process: (1) Understand what the community needs (2) Research the need further and survey what resources are currently available, then ask your peers and others in the community what would be most helpful (3) Execute your idea – allowing yourself time to fully develop the brand and create things like the logo and mission statement at the right time
