Meet Edward Hardy

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Edward Hardy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Edward, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
To be truthful, even at this phase in life I consider myself still learning what success is for me. But what helps me to succeed or get within reach is by realizing that it is better to be yourself than to conform to your environment and circumstances . After enduring incarceration, I’m determined to not return, I’m also determined to defy the odds, be impactful, and most importantly, live and move with purpose.

After coping with self-doubt for a long period of time in my childhood, my teenage years I begin developing self-confidence in negativity so subsequently, I’m becoming a young adult without a plan, eventually having to endure incarceration because criminal behavior.
During that time, I was developing my self-awareness. I knew that I was seeing a pattern that did not look good for my future – I had to focus. I’m determined to not return, I’m also determined to defy the odds, be impactful, and most importantly, live and move with purpose.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a 3rd generation Washington DC native. I am a certified personal trainer and community engagement coordinator. I also founded Wake the 8 DC, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes physical fitness and mental wellness. We conduct wellness workshops, group fitness for adults and children , virtual fitness competitions, and resource fairs to underserved communities to ensure access to health-related services and to demonstrate healthier habits

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that were impactful in my journey have been determination, the will to learn, and authenticity. Your drive and your will to learn as you “get it done” will attract what you desire and as long as you continue to learn as you grow, it will prepare and assist you in achieving your goals when the opportunities present themselves.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Wake the 8 DC would to love to collaborate with those who understand and lived within the social determinants of health that underserved communities face, those who have a passion and expertise in holistic health practices, and those who are health conscious and live a healthy lifestyle. We have to demonstrate and exemplify a healthier lifestyle so others will have an example to follow.

Contact Info:

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