"Hi, I'm Gina Heumann, and I'm from Denver, Colorado. I am a professor, designer, author, speaker and founder & CEO of Trauma Drama University, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education, support, and resources to families navigating the complexities of childhood trauma and the behaviors that come with it."
This past week, I found myself repeatedly uttering this introduction while under the scrutiny of reality TV cameras. How did I, an advocate for trauma-informed parenting, end up on a show like The Blox (currently streaming on Amazon Prime)? It began with a simple Facebook ad promising exposure to a vast audience. I thought, 'Why not? It's a chance to spotlight our mission, connect with families in need, and perhaps attract the attention of potential donors crucial for elevating our nonprofit.'
Despite the odds stacked against me – with only one group of businesses chosen from every 50,000 applicants – I decided to take the leap. To my astonishment, I progressed through each round until I found myself among the 110 businesses selected for Season 14 of The Blox. As our host, Wes Bergmann, reassured us, each participant was chosen for a distinct reason. We were here with purpose.
And, after getting to know my competition, I discovered we were ALL rockstars! Not only were they fellow entrepreneurs, but they were also kindred spirits, each with a compelling story of their own. Throughout the experience, we engaged in rigorous lectures and challenges designed to hone our business acumen. Every game, every interaction, was an opportunity to apply newfound knowledge to our ventures, all under the scrutiny of the camera lens.
I'll admit, there were moments when self-doubt crept in. Battling PTSD and wrestling with self-esteem issues, I questioned whether I belonged in this spotlight. But growth, I realized, emerges from discomfort. So, I embraced the challenge, confronting my fears head-on. And I'm grateful I did. Believe it or not, the nerves subsided by day 3; and I think my partner and I represented our organization well.
Now, as a member of the Blox alumni family, I'm excited to collaborate with my newfound friends. Together, we'll continue striving toward our goals, propelled by the shared vision of making a difference in our communities.
At Trauma Drama University, our mission remains unwavering. We're committed to expanding our services, from implementing a respite care program to revamping our courses and offering mentorship to parents in need. But none of this is possible without your support. If you're a parent seeking assistance or simply want to learn more about our journey, reach out. Tell us what you need. Tell us how we can best support you in this difficult journey. And if you're in a position to contribute, your donations are invaluable in fueling our efforts.
Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, where every step brings us closer to healing and hope. Together, we can make a difference. Let's heal childhood trauma for a happier, healthier, and safer society for us all!
Need more support? Contact us and let us know what you need... we are striving to improve our services every day so that we can provide you with the best support we can. Shoot an email to Professor Gina: Gina@TraumaDramaUniversity.com