Today we’d like to introduce you to Mycah Lee Arellano
Hi Mycah Lee , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Mycah, and I am the founder of Project Insight®, an organization dedicated to
empowering individuals by promoting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through
creative healing and educational tools.
I was born in Edinburg, Texas, and raised by a single parent alongside five siblings in the Rio
Grande Valley. My mother, despite having limited education herself, was committed to providing
us with the best education possible for a better life. She volunteered at the Head Start
Education Institute for many years, instilling in us the value of education and community
involvement.
Living in “The Projects” and working various jobs like catching baseballs during games and
picking fruits in the fields taught me the importance of higher education, community
engagement, and leadership development. My mother dedication to community involvement
and her strong work ethic have significantly influenced my life and the creation of Project
Insight.
Over the years, my dear mother dealt with depression stemming from various life events. In
2004, I created Project Insight® to help individuals, active older adults, veterans, and others
process life & traumas through expressive arts educational programs. The program, now
operated by Dr. Marsha Nelson, Executive Director of Project Insight®, is designed to allow
participants to express their emotions, past or present life events, reduce stress, and enhance
their overall well-being.
The program employs expressive arts activities such as scribbling to music, painting, mask-
making, clay work, Visioning® collage, body movement, and bilateral handed journaling. These
activities help participants clarify their emotions triggered by music and marks on paper, guiding
them towards healing and self-discovery.
Project Insight® is to Build a Healthy Community Through Expressive Arts. We aim to support
individuals who are pursuing personal growth, creative, or artistic paths in their lives by
providing them with the necessary tools and resources to enhance their well-being. To learn
more about Project Insight® and our programs,
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Throughout my journey as a community leader and organization builder, I have encountered several challenges. One significant struggle has been the disengagement of some leaders from the community, particularly in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This lack of involvement and support has hindered progress and made it more difficult for me h to achieve the desired impact.
As an advocate for change, I understand the importance of diverse perspectives and inclusive environments. However, the absence of collaboration and commitment from key leaders has often been an obstacle in her efforts to promote DEI within the community.
Despite these struggles, I remain committed to fostering positive change and empowering marginalized voices. Through perseverance, creativity, and dedication, I continue to work towards a more equitable future for all members of the community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Project Insight?
Founder of Project Insight’s mission is to cultivate a thriving community by empowering individuals to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our educational art methods are tailored to encourage self-expression, personal development, and resilience by harnessing the power of expressive arts.
I’m a highly respected community leader who has made significant contributions to community involvement and engagement. Her unique approach centers around bringing together stakeholders and organizational leaders, facilitating collaboration and cooperation among various groups.
By fostering these connections, I have been able to create a strong network of individuals and organizations that are committed to improving their communities. Her dedication to inclusive practices and her ability to bridge gaps between diverse perspectives have earned her recognition and admiration within the community.
I have comment to empowering others and creating lasting change serves as an inspiration to those around her. Her unwavering passion for community improvement continues to drive her efforts as she works tirelessly to create a better future for all.
What are your plans for the future?
As part of my ongoing mission to promote community engagement and understanding, my plans to harness the power of online platforms to reach both local and international leaders and organizations. By utilizing digital channels, I aim to educate and encourage these entities to recognize the importance of their roles in fostering positive change within their respective communities.
I envision a future where leaders and organizations are not only actively involved but also truly understand the significance of their engagement. Through this heightened awareness, she hopes to create a global network of dedicated individuals and institutions that are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those around them.
By leveraging technology and the interconnectedness it provides, I continue to work towards a world where communities thrive through collaboration, empathy, and shared purpose.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycahonmic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycahonmic
