What's Good

Meet the incredible force behind Adulting IRL, our Founder and Executive Director, M. Desiree (Des) Bansile!

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Des is not your average Executive Director—she's a trailblazer, a game-changer, and a champion of cultural competence. With over a decade of experience advocating for youth and young adults, she's been there, done that on her journey to excellence.

 

As a first-generation African-Caribbean American, Des struggled with her sexuality at a young age. Not knowing whom to turn to, Des began having thoughts of suicide at the age of sixteen (16). Those thoughts eventually became all-consuming, and Des attempted to take her life at the age of twenty-three (23). However, after receiving the support she needed and coming out as a lesbian, Des began working with youth and young adults as a youth advocate and peer support specialist.

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Des' journey led her to become a statewide coach, trainer, and consultant for organizations seeking to better serve youth in the BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities. But her true calling was clear: reducing the heartbreaking rates of suicide for youth who have intersectional Black, Brown, Indigenous, and LGBTQ2S+ identities.

 

In 2020, the Portland Public Schools District, the largest school district in the State of Oregon, requested Des' consulting services to support the alarming rates of suicide behaviors reported by their High School and Middle School students. In response to this growing crisis amongst BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth, Des founded Adulting IRL to provide suicide prevention and intervention support and services for youth and young adults and the peer workforce that services them.

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The #IRLSeries takes a holistic approach to reducing the rates of suicide and includes but is not limited to training and support groups for K-12 students, parent guides to supporting a young person with suicide behaviors, and training and technical assistance for community members and organizations. The #IRLSeries is a lifeline for students, families, and communities facing their darkest days.

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Des' story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope. She's a superhero, a mentor, and an inspiration to all. Join us in the mission, be a part of the change, and let's spread love and save lives together. 💪🏾🏳️‍🌈✊🏾 #IRLHeroes