Dashana Jefferies, founder of A Passport 2 Breathe, created a transformative platform dedicated to mental wellness, born out of her personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Her journey through one of the darkest chapters of her life in 2019 became the driving force behind the mission of her company, a sanctuary for those navigating their mental health challenges.
The inspiration for A Passport 2 Breathe came during a time of profound isolation and personal crisis. In 2019, Dashana faced a life-altering situation that almost ended her life. Diagnosed with clinical depression, anxiety, and PTSD, she found herself in an overwhelming battle with mental health, where even the simplest daily tasks felt insurmountable. However, in the depths of this struggle, she found an unyielding resolve to not only survive but to help others who felt as she did. She knew that if she could find her way back to the light, she had to share her journey with the world.
Thus, A Passport 2 Breathe was born—a platform not just about taking a breath but about empowering people to take the next step, even when life seemed suffocating. The mission of the company is deeply rooted in Dashana’s personal experiences. Every meditation, motivational prompt, and wellness tool is crafted with empathy, understanding that healing is a personal and often non-linear journey.
Navigating her mental health challenges required more than resilience. It required a complete redefinition of how Dashana approached life, self-care, and healing. Therapy played a vital role in her recovery, teaching her to face pain head-on and develop coping mechanisms. Over time, she discovered the power of intentional breathing, mindfulness, and establishing routines that nurtured her mental and emotional health. These practices not only helped her heal but also became the foundation for A Passport 2 Breathe—tools designed to offer the same support to others.
The app’s features reflect Dashana’s deep empathy and authentic understanding of mental health struggles. One of the most distinctive aspects of A Passport 2 Breathe is its AI-driven personalization, which tailors the user experience based on behavior and emotional state. This intelligent technology adapts to users, offering daily prompts, meditations, and coping strategies that feel as if the app truly understands their needs at any given moment. This personalization ensures that each user’s experience is unique, providing specific support rather than generic advice. Whether it’s a soothing meditation for anxiety or an uplifting message on a tough day, the app becomes a personalized mental wellness companion.
Moreover, the app incorporates interactive wellness exercises that encourage users to actively engage with their mental health. These exercises are designed to not just complete but to foster habits that enhance emotional resilience over time. The goal is to help users integrate wellness into their daily lives, allowing them to gradually build healthier routines and find solace in their struggles.
A Passport 2 Breathe also provides motivational content, combining real-life insights and scientific research to uplift users and offer them moments of reflection and encouragement. In addition to these tools, the app’s community integration allows users to connect, share experiences, and find solidarity, creating a space of belonging and understanding for those navigating their mental health journeys.
In her pursuit to provide comprehensive support, Dashana’s academic journey has also been integral in shaping her approach to mental wellness. Returning to school at 45, Dashana completed her psychology degree in record time. The discipline and strategic study techniques she developed during this period honed her ability to manage her personal and professional life. Her studies deepened her understanding of the complexities of mental health, providing her with the knowledge to create compassionate, evidence-based solutions.
Dashana’s ongoing pursuit of a doctorate in Educational Leadership has expanded her expertise further. This journey has enriched her understanding of systemic challenges in education and mental health, sharpening her ability to recognize gaps in support systems and identify effective interventions. The combination of her practical experiences and academic background allows her to approach mental wellness with a holistic perspective, bridging the gap between individual care and broader systemic strategies.
In her work, Dashana has also integrated AI technology to revolutionize how mental wellness support is delivered. The use of AI in A Passport 2 Breathe allows for real-time, personalized experiences that adapt to each user’s emotional and mental state. This technology offers a level of customization that traditional wellness practices lack, helping users manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns more effectively. By making mental wellness tools more accessible and personalized, Dashana’s platform empowers users to take control of their healing journey at their own pace.
The integration of AI extends to Dashana’s innovative work with individuals who have ADD or ADHD. Inspired by her own experience with ADHD during her academic journey, she developed a Chat GPT tool specifically for individuals with these conditions. The tool helps users break down tasks, stay on track with deadlines, and maintain focus by offering real-time guidance and support tailored to their unique needs. This personalized approach has been praised for its ability to simplify complex tasks and reduce the overwhelming nature of managing ADHD.
In addition to her work with mental wellness technology, Dashana is also a prolific author. Her book, 365 Love Letters to the World's Black Kings, was born out of her personal struggle with mental health and the love and support she received from the Black men in her life during that time. This heartfelt tribute honors the resilience and strength of Black men, offering daily affirmations that celebrate their grace, humanity, and invaluable contributions. Winning the International Impact Book Award in the Social Justice and Cultural Awareness category further validated the importance of her message and the impact her work continues to have on readers.
Dashana Jefferies’ work with A Passport 2 Breathe and her other initiatives is a testament to her resilience, empathy, and commitment to mental wellness. By blending her personal journey with her academic knowledge and innovative use of technology, she has created a platform that not only supports individuals in their darkest moments but also empowers them to thrive. Her work is reshaping how we think about mental wellness, making it more accessible, personalized, and compassionate than ever before.
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Photo Credit: Gisele Bonds
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