Author: Jasleen Kaur Ashta

Originally from New Jersey, Jasleen Ashta now resides in Brooklyn, New York. As Wellness & Mental Health Specialist at Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ), Jasleen works alongside multiple internal and external stakeholders to provide families and caregivers of the children enrolled in HCZ’s programming with vital services to promote their mental health and well-being. Jasleen has led the relaunch of HCZ's Parenting Journey––a 12-week program that provides parents and caregivers with the tools they need to nurture themselves and their children. As a co-facilitator, she encourages caregivers to reflect on their current parenting styles and how their upbringing has influenced them; along with opportunities and resources to promote wellness. Jasleen oversees and coordinates programmatic logistics, like curriculum development, attendance incentives, recruitment and outreach efforts, and program execution. She also works alongside and partners with other youth-services organizations and mental health platforms to bridge gaps in access to trauma-informed mental health care. Finally, she designs and implements educational workshops, trainings, and events to invite conversation, reduce stigma, and promote positive mental health and well-being among families and community members in Central Harlem. Jasleen is joining GHC’s U.S. Leadership Accelerator because she’s “passionate about how we can use our understanding of the social and political determinants of health for maximal impact through systemic changes.”