Building a STRONGER You: A Workbook for Teens - Final Project Friday with Drina Lee Edwards

Hi CAPPsters, join us to welcome Drina Lee Edwards to Final Project Friday! Drina hails from the Bronx, and for her Final Project she created Building a STRONGER You, a workbook for teens. Building a STRONGER You provides a comprehensive set of practical tools and exercises that help teens develop essential life skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a positive mindset. Join us to learn more and celebrate Drina’s work!

About Drina (CAPP.106)

Super Power

• The ability to meet people where they are and to provide hope and connection when they feel they don’t  have any.

Three things left on my bucket list

• Travel to Santorini, Greece.
• Ride in a hot air balloon.
• Do a TED Talk.

What inspired my final project

•  I wanted to create something that was not only informative but also engaging and relatable for young people. The idea was to design activities that would resonate with their experiences and interests, providing a safe space for self-exploration and growth. I believe that self-awareness is the cornerstone of emotional regulation, and by helping teens better understand themselves, they can more effectively navigate stress, anxiety, and other challenges. I believe that structured goal-setting exercises can empower teens to break down their aspirations into manageable steps, develop actionable plans, and maintain motivation .
•  I also recognize the critical role of social connections in a teen’s life. Positive relationships are essential for emotional and social health, so I included activities focused on communication skills, empathy, and building supportive friendships.  Additionally, I also want to emphasize the formation of healthy habits to equip teens with the tools they need for long-term success in both personal and academic areas. Overall, this workbook is a culmination of my experiences, observations, and a deep-seated desire to see teens thrive. It’s a comprehensive tool designed to empower them to face the future with confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset.

Bio

Drina Lee Edwards is a vibrant leader deeply rooted in the rich cultural fabric of her Puerto Rican heritage in the Bronx. As the Founder and CEO of Inside Out Development Inc. Drina embodies an unyielding commitment to fostering community empowerment and the enrichment of knowledge. Drina is dedicated to nurturing and uplifting underserved youth, igniting pathways to success in their lives. With a Masters Degree in Education from Lehman College, Drina leverages her academic background to facilitate transformative experiences for her students and community. Her dedication to education extends to her role as an adjunct professor at Monroe College, where she specializes in Public and Human Health Services.

Additionally, her decade-long experience as a CPR instructor highlights her commitment to equipping individuals with life-saving skills. Drina’s professional journey has been marked by deep engagement with diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, foster care youth, migrant families, and unaccompanied minors. Through her work, she advocates for their rights and provides vital support to those in need. Driven by a profound belief in the potential of every individual, she continues to be a beacon of hope, empowerment, and opportunity for those she serves. Her dedication to fostering positive change underscores her role as a catalyst for a brighter future in the Bronx and beyond.