In 2017, a deeply sad poem from my daughter’s classmate exposed the immense pressures teens face, sparking a pivotal shift in my life. As I researched teen mental health, I uncovered alarming truths: teens experience higher stress and depression rates than adults (WHO, 2016).
This discovery revealed a stark gap between how adults perceive teens and how teens truly feel. Often misunderstood and dismissed, their emotional needs go unmet, leaving them isolated. I couldn’t ignore this reality. Driven by the urgency to bridge this gap, I left my corporate career to empower teens, ensuring their voices are heard and their struggles validated.
Binny Empowers began with a simple idea: What if we could bridge the gap between clinical therapies and the rising mental health issues in adolescents? Our purpose was simple: To create a safe space for teens to explore, engage and express their stories and individuality, where they can feel Seen, Heard, Understood and Validated while in a community of like-minded fellow teenagers. A safe space for teenagers where seeking help and conversations around mental health were normalized while offering early intervention to struggling teenagers.
Binny Empowers initiated with the Empower Teens Program, designed to give teenagers the belief that they have the power to become whoever they wish to be with the right tools and strategies. The word “Empower” means to give power or authority, this reflects our mission, which is why it became the cornerstone of our brand.
Transitioning from the corporate world to mental health demands dedication and rigorous preparation. I earned a master’s in psychology, became a licensed Psychologist under Kenya’s Ministry of Health, and gained accreditation with the Kenya Psychological Association. This foundation ensures every effort is rooted in expertise and a passion for transforming lives.
Keeping our vision, mission and values intact, Binny Empowers grew from a tiny corner bedroom space to a tranquil private studio space. Over seven years, we’ve expanded to serve individuals, schools, parents, teachers, athletes, and corporates in 7 countries.
From intimate gatherings to TEDx talks (Ahmedabad, India), podcasts (Mumbai, India), and radio interviews (Nairobi, Kenya), we’ve empowered thousands of teens and parents, transforming their world-view around mental health and creating lasting impact.