Name: Zaryn
Highest Level of Education/Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology
Current Occupation: Nursing Student and Director of Dance Studio Company Teams
Year on AZCC: Rookie Year
Previous Dance Experience: GCU Dance Team, UDA Instructor, Kane Dance Academy, & Studio Dance Instructor.
Name your most inspirational historical Black Male: Martin Luther King, Jr & Alvin Ailey
Name your most inspirational historical Black Female: Maya Angelou & Debbie Allen
Who/What inspired your healthy lifestyle and nutritional habits?
My healthy lifestyle and nutritional habits were inspired by my years of competitive dance training. As a competitive dancer, our routines are typically 2-3 minutes of cardio, strenuous movement and elite skills. I had to adjust my overall dietary habits and training regiment in order to stay physically and mentally fit for competition season. These habits just stuck with me throughout the years!
Who/What inspired you to get to your level of fitness & athletic/dance abilities?
As a young dancer, my parents would take me to dance conventions, Broadway shows, and professional Ballet company performances. I was inspired by the choreography, passion behind the dancers, and the drive to keep learning and furthering my dance training.
What inspiration or advice can you provide to someone who struggles with an unhealthy lifestyle?
Moderation is KEY! Small healthy lifestyle changes such as incorporating more fruits and veggies in your diet, taking a light walk/jog, or even taking a mental health day for yourself can enhance your overall quality of life!
Anything else you'd like to add as it relates specifically to Black Health & Wellness?
Do not over extend yourself, it's okay to say no It's also okay to ask for help when you need it.
Make sure to take time to check on your friends and family and ask those tough questions. Vulnerability is a strong trait, not a weakness.
Name: Kaylin
Highest Level of Education/Degree: BS in Business Management
Current Occupation: Benefits & Payroll Coordinator
Year on AZCC: 4
Previous Dance Experience: Arizona Rattlers' Sidewinder, Phoenix Suns' Dancer
Name your most inspirational historical Black Male: Alvin Ailey
Name your most inspirational historical Black Female: Janet Collins, one of the first black ballerinas in the 1950's.
Who/What inspired you to get to your level of fitness & athletic/dance abilities?
One of my biggest dance inspirations is Paula Abdul. She started her dance career as a Lakers Dancer, and was dancing at a game when Michael Jackson discovered her while sitting courtside! He then asked Paula to choreograph some dances for him, which led to her being his choreographer. Her work ethic and performance quality is truly inspiring, and what has led me to take risks as it relates to dance.
What inspiration or advice can you provide to someone who struggles with an unhealthy lifestyle?
Being active is, more often than not, the only thing that makes me FEEL good. An unhealthy lifestyle typically starts with unhealthy habits. Start with 1 healthy habit, whether it's going on a walk, the gym, or a fun fitness/dance class. I am always so GRATEFUL when I do it. Being consistent with the little things is what truly impacts your lifestyle for the better! Having a healthy lifestyle also goes beyond the physical. When I am in a negative headspace, praying, journaling, going outside, and talking to a friend are all things that make a huge difference. Making sure you are healthy, mentally and physically, is SO important and allows you to live a full life.
Anything else you'd like to add as it relates specifically to Black Health & Wellness?
Healthy Black Queens are beautiful!! <3
Name: Kesha
Highest Level of Education/Degree: Master's in Business Administration
Current Occupation: IT Account Executive - NetSuite; Boutique Owner
Year on AZCC: Rookie
Previous Dance Experience: Prairie View A&M Black Fox Dance Team; Houston Texans Cheerleaders; Dallas Sidekicks Dancers
Name your most inspirational historical Black Male: My father. He was the first Black student to attend Southwestern University!
Name your most inspirational historical Black Female: Madam CJ Walker, black entrepreneur of hair care products and 1st female self-made millionaire in America
Who/What inspired your healthy lifestyle and nutritional habits?
My first pageant director, Sherry Hanson was very influential in inspiring me to live a healthier lifestyle. As we prepared for Miss Texas, she taught me the importance of adopting a better diet to get better results. Not only did I look good, but I felt good! I worked with a personal trainer for the first time and he helped me lose stubborn stomach fat with proper diet and nutrition. To top it off, I won a fitness award at the pageant competition that year.
Who/What inspired you to get to your level of fitness & athletic/dance abilities?
Aside from pageants, having the goal of making a ProCheer team was my inspiration to continue to work out. I loved how the training sessions made me look and feel and since cardio was the easiest way for me to maintain the results, I begin to go to more dance classes and fell in love with running. Now, I make it priority to run at least 2 miles a day. That's only 20 minutes on a treadmill a day!
What inspiration or advice can you provide to someone who struggles with an unhealthy lifestyle?
Balance is Key. You can't starve yourself to get good results...it must become a lifestyle. And make it fun! Try new recipes. Grab a buddy and do a fitness challenge! It's ok to have the dessert, just plan to work out at least 20 minutes the next day.
Anything else you'd like to add as it relates specifically to Black Health & Wellness?
Good food and fellowship are important to the Black community, but it doesn't mean that our health has to suffer along the way. I remember having a tough conversation with my grandmother about cooking healthier food options for dinner. It's not that I didn't like the food, but as studies show, it's killing us...literally. Since then, she's opted to cooking in olive oil, using the air fryer, and even making more vegetables. It's not easy unwriting generational curses, but as we continue to educate ourselves, we all can contribute and begin to take greater strides in improving black health and wellness, one step at a time.
Name: Dresden
Highest Level of Education/Degree: Master of Science, nutrition sciences
Current Occupation: Site Intelligence Manager at CCT Research
Year on AZCC: Rookie
Previous Dance Experience: high school and college dance
Name your most inspirational historical Black Male: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Name your most inspirational historical Black Female: Rosa Parks
Who/What inspired your healthy lifestyle and nutritional habits?
My mental health needed me to do something. I was depressed, unmotivated and felt like I wasn't honoring the body God gave me and the life I have. I slowly worked my way out of a dark mental space, drawing strength from scriptures like psalms 139:13-14 (reminding me I was created by God with great care and for a purpose and I needed to be healthy in order to live out my purpose) and then taking small action starting with 20 min at-home workouts and a very simple meal plan.
Who/What inspired you to get to your level of fitness & athletic/dance abilities?
For me it was never about getting to a certain level. I made small at-home workouts a daily necessity to prepare my mind for the day. The compound effect of the small healthy changes overtime lead to my level of fitness.
What inspiration or advice can you provide to someone who struggles with an unhealthy lifestyle?
In my experience of helping people in this area I've noticed the struggle often comes from a mental block. There is a disbelief in their ability to change, or sheer overwhelm from the journey ahead. Drop the "all or nothing" mentality and focus on one small change at a time, it will lead to big rewards. I promise! And then fill your head with all those positive thoughts and affirmations you probably think are corny right now.
Anything else you'd like to add as it relates specifically to Black Health & Wellness?
I would like to encourage black men specifically to go get colon cancer screenings. It's recommended to start getting screenings regularly at age 45 at least. African Americans are more likely to get diagnosed with colon cancer and more likely to have an advanced stage at diagnosis. Women are more likely to follow the screening guidelines, so I'd like to encourage the men to please ensure you are pushing pass the fear and stigma and getting screened early.
