Achea Redd (She/Her) makes mental health awareness her mission—because for her, it’s personal. In early 2016, Achea, daughter of a pastor and wife to NBA legend Michael Redd, was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Terrified and ashamed, the mother of two hid her condition from the world, but she quickly realized it was only getting worse. Her GAD, combined with her history of depression and past eating disorder, affected her both mentally and physically, culminating in a full-blown nervous breakdown. It wasn’t until she acknowledged the situation with her loved ones and sought treatment from her therapist and doctor that things finally started to get better. As a form of self-expression and healing, Achea created her own blog, sharing her feelings about mental health and authenticity. The support she received from the community compelled her to create Real Girls F.A.R.T., a space to empower and equip women with the necessary tools to use their voices and become their best, most authentic selves.

In 2022, Achea was excited to start a new chapter helping others as the new Dean of Student Life, Diversity, and Social Justice at Ohio Dominican University. Achea uses her own life experience and mental health disorder to help women find their voice and let it out. The Precipice of Mental Health: Becoming Your Own Safe Space is Redd’s third book. Redd is also the author of Be Free. Be You. and Authentic You: A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up Fearless and True.  Achea is currently working on her fourth book.