373. Born This Way Foundation: Building a Kinder, Braver World - Alex Aide

Mission StoryMental HealthCommunity

Jan 18

Written By Andie Murphy

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Overview

Meet Alex. He’s the Director of Programs + Impact at Born this Way Foundation. That’s right - Born This Way Foundation - as in the nonprofit co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta 🤩 The team at Born This Way Foundation have spent the past 🔟 years working with and for young people to build a kinder, braver world - particularly. Alex talks us through their high-impact programming, youth-led conversations and their swoon-worthy mission to make kindness cool. They’re breaking down the stigma around mental health too. Tune in to find out how.

💡Learn

The mission of Born This Way Foundation
How Born this Way Foundation leans into community + collaboration to deepen the impact
What happens when you empower the voice of your community

Today’s Guest

Alex Aide, Director of Programs + Impact, Born This Way Foundation

“I knew I wanted to help solve problems in the world, and not add problems to the world.”

— Alex Aide, Director of Programs + Impact, Born This Way Foundation

Episode Transcript

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Episode Highlights

Alex’s story and journey to where he is today (4:15)
Overview and history of the Born This Way Foundation (11:15)
Overview of Born This Way Foundation’s Programs (16:05)
Be There Certificate (22:00)
2022 Impact Report (30:00)
A powerful moment of philanthropy in Alex’s life (39:50)
Alex’s One Good Thing: You matter. (45:00)
How to connect with Born This Way Foundation (46:25)

Powerful quotes

“I knew I wanted to help solve problems in the world, and not add problems to the world.” -Alex

“That’s why it is so important for us to have created a platform like Channel Kindness. To share these stories of these young people.” -Alex

“Maybe you don’t feel like the world is a kind place, but I still want you to know that there are people everywhere that care about kindness and care about you.” -Alex

“During the pandemic when physical in person programs weren’t available to people, we had to get [Be There Certificate] out into the world. We quickly learned that young people are overwhelmingly interested in this.” -Alex