Empowerment Project

Hi there! My name is Alana Lukens. I am a 20 year old student activist and the  founder of the Empowerment Project. I am entering my final year as a social work student at the University of Chester. Additionally, I am an International student from the U.S and a president of our University’s International Society. During the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, my plans to return home were interrupted by the new restrictions put on air travel and changing rules and regulations. As a result, my mental health and positivity began to deteriorate.  After sitting in my room for way too long, I realised that there were so many people that were struggling during these changes and that I was one of the lucky with food and a roof over my head. This is how I created the idea for the Empowerment Project. This initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between world awareness and mindful living. One of the most helpful attributes for improving my mental health was looking at the issues in our world and wanting to help spark and promote change. It made me a more empathetic person, which helped and continues to help me grow immensely.  I was adopted from India at the age of 1, by two women in America. As a baby, I was misdiagnosed with down syndrome and was turned down by another family due to this. My two incredible moms took me anyway and have loved me more than anyone could ask for. As a young woman, being ethnically different, with a unique background and story I find it so important and crucial to use my voice to support and cheer others on through their journey. Diversity, equality, welfare and social justice are some of the key topics that I will continue to address in this project. Keeping silent is a disservice to ourselves and others when we all have so much to offer! I truly believe this is how we can come together to make the world a better place. If you have a moment please look at our page on instagram and give us a follow or reach out! @empowerment_p.r.o.j.e.c.t 

Let’s raise awareness together!