The 20-Something Chicago businesswoman fighting for mental health equity

ILLINOIS, USA: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Illinois held their annual conference October 17-18. One of the most anticipated portions of the event is the election results for the installment of new leaders and renewal of current ones. After a robust campaign, the NAMI Illinois Board of Directors welcomed 29-year-old Dr. Calynn Lawrence to serve as the Development (Fundraising) Chair. She also presented on the program with her mother, Dawn Smith, and colleague, Jasmin Ford. Their session “Bridging Experience and Innovation: Three Black Women’s Perspectives on Healing Justice and Liberation in Marginalized Communities” received a plethora of thought provoking comments, dynamic questions, and emphatic praise from audience members who appreciated the bold, timely talk.

Dr. Lawrence doesn’t just talk about creating a better world for disadvantaged populations—she makes it happen. As a doctorally prepared pastoral counselor who also holds a Master of Science in Management & Leadership, multi-board-certified trauma specialist, and social scientist, her credentials embody her commitment to creating change for underserved demographics. The extraordinary impact of her brainchild, the Holistic Healing Source for Marginalized Society is remarkable as a world-record-setting platform that provides a variety of free support resources for individuals in need, advocacy content for the public, and globally accredited research and trainings for professionals in human service related fields such as education, healthcare, spirituality/religion, and more. Her innovation has earned some unprecedented recognition such as being the youngest to win three Person of the Year Awards, the first to be honored twice at the Influencer Magazine Awards as the Social Impact Champion of the Year, the first African American added to the Global Book of Records by Grace Ladies Academy, and more.

But perhaps most compelling is Dr. Lawrence’s personal connection to the cause as an individual who suffers from Major Depressive Disorder. As someone who actively benefits from NAMI’s services and maintains her own mental health through the professional support of a private psychotherapist and a psychiatrist as needed, she brings invaluable lived experience to the table. Dr. Lawrence isn’t just qualified—she’s transformative. This is clearly reflected in the endorsements that she received from numerous local NAMI support group facilitators.

“I’m delighted to refer Dr. Lawrence, a remarkable young professional whose brilliance is matched only by her compassion. With a Ph.D. and a deep-rooted passion for mental health, she brings the best of herself to every interaction—whether in her relationships with people or her advocacy for the voiceless. Her dedication to helping those in need isn’t just evident in her expertise, but in her unyielding presence, empathy, and drive to uplift others. She is a powerful force in the field, and anyone who has the chance to collaborate with her will quickly see why. It has been a pleasure to be a peer of hers for the last few years. I am grateful for her.” – Leslie B., NAMI Support Group Facilitator

“I am proud to support Dr. Calynn Lawrence in her candidacy for the Board of Directors at NAMI Illinois. Calynn brings a uniquely powerful combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and genuine passion that our community desperately needs right now. Calynn’s deep personal experience with mental health, combined with her education and holistic therapy background, give her an authentic, empathetic perspective that is rare and invaluable.

But, Calynn doesn’t stop at understanding; she’s committed to action. From securing press features to boost awareness and funding, to enhancing digital content and elevating events, Calynn has a clear vision and the skills to execute it. Most importantly, Calynn stands ready to fight for the people who make NAMI work—the facilitators and participants—ensuring they are respected, supported, and heard by leadership. She knows firsthand how life-saving NAMI’s programs are, and she is determined to preserve and expand that lifeline for all who need it. 

Electing Dr. Calynn Lawrence means electing a bold, compassionate leader with both heart and strategy, committed to positive progress and real change. I encourage everyone invested in the future of NAMI Illinois to rally behind her campaign.” – Kim H., NAMI Support Group Facilitator

“I am pleased to endorse Dr. Calynn Lawrence for a position on the NAMI Illinois Board of Directors. I have had the privilege of facilitating meetings which she has attended. She has provided support in various capacities and I have consistently been impressed with her ability to reach out to everyone’s specific needs through her knowledge, professionalism, awareness, and integrity.

She always brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to every challenge, and always

keeps the best interests of the organization and its members at heart. She is an effective

communicator, a team player, and someone who is consistently there for those who need her.

I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to the board and will work tirelessly to

support its mission and goals. Her leadership, insight, and passion make her an

outstanding candidate, and I wholeheartedly support her election.” – Hamzah I., NAMI Support Group Facilitator

As America’s largest grassroots mental health organization, NAMI delivers vital support through an impressive network of 600+ local affiliates and 49 state organizations. This powerful alliance advocates for those affected by mental illness and critically impacts their lives through targeted education, unwavering support, and relentless public awareness campaigns. By fighting stigma and shaping public policy, NAMI is a beacon of hope for those living with mental health conditions and their loved ones. NAMI Illinois supports 20+ dynamic affiliates that extend NAMI’s crucial mission, reaching tens of thousands of residents who might otherwise struggle alone. A role on their Board of Directors is one to be both respected and admired. Dr. Lawrence has important responsibility ahead as she assumes leadership and advances the field in this new way.

View Dr. Lawrence’s Work: www.holistichealingsource.org

Contribute to NAMI Illinois: https://namiillinois.org/get-involved/donate/