SYEP Guest: Marie Milord

This summer, OLA-SYEP Interns had the unique opportunity to learn from Marie of Somat Culture Consulting, who hosted two transformative workshops as part of her “Bold and Safe Series.” With energy, openness, and honesty, Marie guided our youth through critical conversations about mental health, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships—topics that are often overlooked but deeply needed.

Marie began by sharing her own story of growth, describing how her first reactions to conflict weren’t always regulated. Over time, through practicing emotional intelligence, she learned to pause, reflect, and choose responses that align with her values and the safety of everyone involved. She reminded our interns that emotional regulation isn’t perfection—it’s power. Vulnerability, too, isn’t a weakness, but a sign of true leadership.

Together, OLA-SYEP interns explored core questions:

🧠 What is mental health?
💡 What is emotional regulation through intelligence?
🔍 How do we normally cope vs. what actually heals?
🚦 What do red and green flags look like in relationships?

Through discussion, reflection, and examples, Marie gave participants language and tools to better understand themselves and others. She also stressed that feelings will always come, but emotional intelligence is about how we handle them. Instead of staying stuck in pain, we can learn to grow through it.

By the end of the workshops, one clear message stood out: “You’re not broken—you’re becoming.” Our interns walked away with a new perspective on conflict, coping, and connection, and with the confidence to make intentional choices that reflect their growth.

We are deeply grateful to Marie and Somat Culture Consulting for leading such impactful sessions and equipping our young people with skills that will serve them far beyond this summer.