In SpeakUp!’s inaugural podcast episode, Executive Director, Martie Bernicker, and Program Director, Erica Talley, interview Martie Gillin, the founder of SpeakUp!. Inspired by her son’s AIDS-related death in 1992, Martie Gillin started SpeakUp! to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, later evolving it into a platform for open dialogue among youth. Martie shares her shift from a traditional parenting mindset to encouraging youth to speak up, emphasizing the importance of discussing struggles openly. Reflecting on her experience as a mother of ten, she discusses the "5 Fs" she values: Faith, Family, Friends, Forgiveness, and Fun, and highlights the transformative power of honest communication. Martie also offers practical advice for parents on fostering open communication with their children, emphasizing creating a safe environment and being a consistent presence. This heartfelt episode delves into resilience, parenting, and the impact of speaking up.

Production credits
This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Uncommon Individual Foundation (UIF), a catalyst for change through mentoring. UIF’s ONTRACK Plus software is transforming the educational landscape for underserved students, by creating pathways to college credits and scholarships. Discover more at: uif.org

Website
Learn more at www.speakup.org

Social
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