Boldly Brown: Defining Our Paths

ABOUT THIS EVENT:

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and we at JiVA are excited to open up important conversations. Thanks to celebrities like The Rock, David Chang, Ryan Reynolds, Zayn Malik, and Kevin Love, talking about mental health is becoming more common. A fundamental understanding is slowly developing on how wellness better allows men to step into their power and purpose. However, for many men, especially within the South Asian and Middle Eastern American communities, these conversations are still rare. Cultural constraints and limited access to culturally contextual mental healthcare continue to make it tough for men of color. JiVA Mental Health wants to change that.  Join us for an enlightening and impactful evening, Boldly Brown: Defining Our Paths, dedicated to exploring the mental health challenges and triumphs of South Asian and Middle Eastern men. Our special panel bring together men from different decades and walks of life to share their unique experiences and insights.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

• Bobby Bakshi (he/him/his, panelist): As a foremost People and Culture expert, Bobby researches and teaches regularly on mental health in the workplace. He is resilient and empathetic to others facing change, a constant reality, and being a bridge has guided his rich career. Exploring his unique identity and masculinity has been of great interest as he believes that when we do our inner work, our differences can become more profound, leading to sustainable transformation.
• Neesh Riaz (panelist): An iHeartRadio show host and star of a Netflix show, Neesh knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight–and how to deftly manage all that comes with it. But his life has not been without challenges, and he regularly hosts mental health sessions on Twitch to share the wisdom he has gained through his own experiences. Neesh is keen for people to understand that things do get better if you take purposeful action against depression.
• Ali Zane (panelist): Leading men's group awareness circles and facilitating in Asian/Middle Eastern men's healing retreats, Ali founded the Mard Circle, a group for men of Middle Eastern/South Asian descent. He is currently on the leadership track of the ManKind Project.
• Arun Ponnusamy (he/him/his, moderator): As a veteran college counselor, Arun has witnessed the intense anxiety faced by many students in the admissions process. A divorce, milestone birthday, and loss of a parent–all in the span of 18 months–have led him to be increasingly reflective and intentional. Through his work with the Modern Elders Academy, Arun has discovered greater clarity of purpose, and joined the board of JiVA as the Chair of Education, and is active with two men’s vegan groups.

They will share personal stories of growth, resilience, and finding balance in today’s world. Boldly Brown aims to create a supportive and open environment where attendees can engage in meaningful conversations, break down stigmas, and learn practical strategies for mental well-being as a man.

LOCATION:

We will host the event in the beautiful West Los Angeles. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Each man will be gifted a bag to take home to honor them this month. Registration costs go towards hosting the event as we are a non-profit run entirely by volunteers.

Whether you are new to discussing men's mental health or are seeking a deeper understanding toward conquering it, this event is designed to be warm, welcoming, and accessible. Together, we will explore what it means to find the best version of ourselves, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Join us for an evening of connection, learning, and empowerment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Understanding Diverse Perspectives: Gain insights into the mental health experiences of South Asian and Middle Eastern Men across different age groups and how these experiences shape their personal and professional lives.
• Practical Strategies for Mental Wellness: Learn actionable strategies and tools that can be applied to daily life to promote mental well-being, resilience, and personal growth.
• Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Discuss what it means to be South Asian and Middle Eastern in the U.S. and identify ways to foster a greater feeling of belonging within the community.
• Building a Supportive Community: Discover the importance of community and peer support in mental health, and find ways to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges.