Svetlana Chernienko

Svetlana Chernienko is a Canadian Mental Health advocate, Activist, Mother, Model, writer, businesswoman. She is also an advocate for mental health, anti-bullying and domestic violence and of the #Metoo movement, a supporter of the LGBTQ Foundation and Women's Equal Rights Foundation as well as a supporter of the Diversity and Inclusion Foundation & The Black Lives Matter Movement. Svetlana Chernienko lives in Montreal, Canada, with her 4 children. She is a descendant of Russians, Belorussians, American slaves, Native American Indians, Nigerians, and Brazilians. Professionally, Svetlana is a Motivational Speaker, Mental Well-ness coach, small business owner and founder of Non-profit organization, 'Welcome to my every day, for people that live with mental health issues. Although she has accomplished much and, some may be surprised to find out that she gained these titles all while battling mental illness and physical abuse. As a child, Svetlana studied the classical poses of ballet, while at the same time learning about strength from her parents, who made sure to teach her how to overcome the hurdles that life may throw her way. Examples of how to do this were seen in her grandmother's experience and survival during her time in a concentration camp. Svetlana's father who was African American also demonstrated courage as a member of the United States Military, in which he received a Purple Heart. After his death in September of 2014, President Barack Obama personally sent Svetlana a letter, showing his gratitude for her father's service, after he passed away on Septemeber 11 2014 due to Parkinson's' dementia. As Svetlana got older, life brought many opportunities her way. She started her own company, found inspiration from her Makeup Artist mother, became an actress, and even worked with causes that supported the LGBTQ+ Community and PETA. However, as her life brought good moments, it brought bad ones too. Like many women, Svetlana was a victim of domestic abuse. As a result, she spent more than 15 years, battling Generalized Anxiety Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Depression. The abuse she suffered, is the same abuse that has unfortunately ended the lives of far too many others. As a true survivor, unwilling to let her circumstances steal her happiness, Svetlana began fighting for the better life she knew she and other women deserved. Using her family's core values of integrity, decency, and honour, she began to rebuild her life. As a lover of travel, she visited her family in West Africa, where she learned more about her heritage in Nigeria & Ghana After living in West Africa for 2 years and helping the women in Africa have more awareness of mental health as it is still a big taboo in the black community. Svetlana now works to guide young women and mothers as they overcome abuse and mental illness. Now as a Mental Health Advocate -Activist for the people and Domestic Abuse Survivor, she uses the same values that got her through her worst years and that she now instills in her children, to help others to find victory in their battles. Svetlana's mission is to erase the stigma of mental illness, end racism and build up her community so that no matter what they may be facing, they can find hope and rest easy knowing that they have the support needed to carry on.