More about this episode guest:

@Karima.mckenzie

https://www.templesaresacred.com

Karima Maryam McKenzie, the founder of Temples Are Sacred, is a woman of many talents and passions. As an entrepreneur, educator, and empowerment activist, she has dedicated her life to serving her community. Today, she is the Vice Principal at Henry Snyder High School, of Jersey City, New Jersey, the second largest public school district in the State of New Jersey. Over a decade, she has touched the lives of thousands of children as a math teacher, head coach, and senior-level administrator.

She swiftly climbed the ranks, until September 2021, she suffered a mental breakdown, almost committed suicide and to a mental institution for 7 days. While in the hospital, she felt an overwhelming cloud of sadness, after looking at all of her accomplishments, yet still felt empty. At that very moment, she used her time in the hospital to write the book "Temples Are Sacred and So Are YOU" - written for the young reader who needs mentoring and guidance on the triumphs and trials of life. Karima's journey to wellness led her to found Touch and Agree Tendaji (T&AT) Solutions, an organization focused on the health and wellness of the community. But her mission didn't stop there. Reflecting on her own teenage years, Karima realized the importance of mentorship and guidance for teens and young adults navigating the complexities of life.

She remembered her high school years filled with laughter, joy, and good times. But she also remembered the lack of guidance and mentorship during those formative years. This realization inspired her to write "Temples Are Sacred and So Are You," a guide for teens and young adults to refer to daily as they navigate their teenage years

Temples Are Sacred was born out of Karima's desire to provide the mentorship she wished she had during her teenage years. The organization addresses the pain points of teens and young adults who are socially active but unprotected energetically, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It aims to help those who struggle with anger, lack healthy boundaries, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, and those who are disengaged, distracted, and emotionally unstable.

Through Temples Are Sacred, Karima aims to foster self-awareness, motivate teens and young adults to exercise and incorporate body movement, teach effective meditation techniques, and help them connect their mind, body, and spirit. She strives to increase their courage and self-confidence and assist them in defining their core values.

Karima's heartfelt mission is to let teens and young adults know just how special and sacred they are. Through Temples Are Sacred, she hopes to guide teens and young adults closer to becoming the best version of themselves.