Meet our new Community Engagement Specialist, Faraji!

It is with great honor and excitement that we welcome YBB's newest staff member, Faraji Blakeney. Faraji's official first day as our Community Engagement Specialist was August 1st.

Faraji will spend his time coordinating events, identifying community partnerships to increase the impact of those events, networking with organizations in similar fields or local leaders who are interested in partnering on new projects. He will also provide ongoing support to community-based trainees and lead youth program initiatives.

We are grateful for the ways that Faraji has shown up as a board member, contracted facilitator, and advocate/representative for YBB in the community. We are better because of his contributions.

Want to get to know Faraji better? Listen to The Day With Trae to learn more: "Your individual, unique trauma, I honor that...And who better than me, coming in there, having children the same age, having been through these systems of harm. Now here I am with you, watching you grow and shine. And we know we come from the same thing...What's been missing from our community and our wellbeing is being able to tune in mindfully with self. Where's your breath at? Where's your body? Where's the tension at? Where's the joy? There are life skills I'm learning on this path of yoga that embodies my ancestors. That embodies my community. That's my drive."