We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darriyhan Edmond. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darriyhan below.
Darriyhan, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I got my work ethic from my dad and grandmother. Growing up, I watched my dad work multiple jobs to provide for my siblings and me. He never complained or gave up, no matter how challenging things got, and that resilience left a lasting impression on me. My grandmother also played a big role in shaping my work ethic. She ran her own daycare business and worked tirelessly to ensure everything was taken care of. She also taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, dedication, and what it takes to successfully run a business. Their determination and hard work have been a major influence on how I approach my own goals and responsibilities.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the founder and Co-Executive Director of Project RED Paint, Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering people impacted by HIV. Our work focuses on providing compassionate peer support, impactful training, and capacity-building services to organizations serving individuals living with or affected by HIV. By equipping these organizations with the tools and knowledge they need, we’re creating a broader network of care and support for those who need it most.
What makes this work so special to me is the joy of letting people know they are not alone in their journey. Many of the individuals we serve face significant challenges, and being able to provide them with a sense of community and belonging is incredibly rewarding. Every story of resilience and hope that comes from our programs reminds me of the importance of this work.
As we prepare for the official relaunch of Project RED Paint in February 2025, I’m thrilled to share that we’ll be expanding our services to include peer support training and enhanced capacity-building programs. These initiatives will empower both individuals and organizations, amplifying the impact we can have together.
At the heart of it all, our mission is to show people that they are supported, valued, and capable of thriving, no matter what challenges they face. Every success story reaffirms why this work is so important. I’m excited about the future of Project RED Paint and invite everyone to join us in making a lasting difference.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are compassion, the ability to learn and be teachable, and resiliency.
Compassion has been the foundation of everything I do. In working with people impacted by HIV, it’s vital to approach each person and situation with empathy and understanding. It’s not just about providing services, it’s about creating a safe space where people feel seen and valued. For those early in their journey, I’d advise cultivating compassion by listening deeply to others’ experiences and recognizing the humanity in every person you meet.
The ability to learn and be teachable has been equally crucial. No matter how much I’ve achieved, I remain open to feedback and new perspectives. There’s always room to grow, and being teachable has allowed me to adapt and improve both personally and professionally. My advice is to embrace opportunities to learn whether through formal education, mentorship, or even the lessons that come from challenges.
Finally, resiliency has been a driving force in my journey. I’ve allowed my past experiences, including the challenges, to fuel my determination to go harder and make a difference. Resiliency isn’t about avoiding struggles but finding strength and purpose within them. To build resiliency, focus on self-reflection and use your story as a source of power to push forward.
For anyone early in their journey, remember that these qualities; compassion, teachability, and resiliency, are not just traits; they’re practices you can cultivate every day. Start where you are, embrace the process, and trust that every step will lead you closer to making an impact.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I face is managing my anxiety, especially when I’m in meetings, speaking at engagements, or doing community work. During those moments, my mind often feels like it’s racing a million miles per hour, and it can be overwhelming.
To overcome this, I remind myself that my voice matters. The work I do and the messages I share have the potential to make a real difference, and that gives me the confidence to push through. I also lean heavily on the support of my friends, family, and chosen family. They encourage me and remind me that I’m not alone in this journey.
Practicing mindfulness has been a game changer for me. Simple techniques like breathing deeply and pacing myself help me stay grounded. I’ve also learned not to overly prepare or overthink before these moments. Instead, I trust my knowledge and my passion for the work, which helps me approach these situations with a calmer mindset.
While anxiety is still a challenge, I’ve come to see it as something I can work with rather than against. Each time I face it, I grow stronger and more confident in my ability to handle whatever comes my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.projectredpaint.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_yhaniii/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darriyhanlynell.edmond.9/
Image Credits
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