Keep Calm and
give back
Every contribution to KEEP CALM goes directly towards making mental health resources accessible to underserved communities, advocating for mental health awareness, and building a supportive community. Your donations empower us to continue our work and expand our reach to those in need. Whether big or small, your contribution makes a real difference.
DONOR WALL
Keep Calm
Give Back
This wall is more than stone and mortar; it’s a living embodiment of a pledge – a commitment to keep calm in the face of challenges and to give back with a compassionate spirit. As you stand before this testament of altruism, know that you are part of something greater than yourself.
Alema Fitisemanu
Nick Beese
Faizah Williams
Dorothy Brown
Ava Moore
Nancy Smith
Dorothy Anderson
Laila Smith
Destiny Jones
Ekewaka Edward
Jessica Johnson
MIchael Brown
Co-Founder
Hawa Who
Hawa’s journey from Ghana to the USA at the age of 12 provided her with a unique blend of African and Western perspectives. Her deep understanding of cultural storytelling captures the essence of diverse narratives, enriching her approach to mental health advocacy. Through KEEP CALM, Hawa aims to leverage her experiences and insights to promote mental wellness across cultures. Her background, marked by features in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue and significant roles in cybersecurity, contributes to the organization’s vision of a world where mental health is openly discussed and embraced.
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A Ghanaian in Pittsburgh
Co-Founder
Kaʻohele Carlos
Born and raised on Oʻahu’s North Shore, Kaʻohele’s Hawaiian values shape his empathetic leadership and approach to mental health. As the VP of Design and Research at ID.me and a former leader at Amazon, Paramount, and Fandango, he’s known for crafting experiences that intuitively resonate with users, significantly improving their quality of life through thoughtful design. His heroic venture, Secretidentity.com, combines his superhero fandom with a mission to spread Aloha and drive awareness for KeepCalm.org. By sharing wisdom gained through his own mental health trials, he empowers others to walk in light on their wellness journeys.
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A Hawaiian in Los Angeles
Our Brand
BEHIND THE Butterfly
The butterfly logo of KEEP CALM, inspired by the Diamond Butterfly brooch of Queen Liliʻuokalani, symbolizes resilience and transformation amidst adversity. The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the resulting trauma profoundly affected the Hawaiian people, marking a historical struggle for cultural identity. Queen Liliʻuokalani, facing immense personal and political challenges, chose to ‘KEEP CALM’ to safeguard her people against the overwhelming forces of annexation. Her enduring spirit mirrors the ongoing challenges Hawaiians face today, particularly in accessing mental health services. KEEP CALM honors this legacy by dedicating itself to providing mental wellness support to Hawaiians, ensuring they thrive despite enduring hardships.
Depression Rate for Hawaiians Compared to National Average
Anxiety Rate for Hawaiians Compared to National Average
Poverty Rate for Hawaiians Compared to National Average
Hawaiians That do not have Access to Mental Health Services
What Drives Us
Our Origin Story
KEEP CALM is the culmination of the shared experiences and visions of its cofounders, Ka‘ohele Carlos and Hawa Who. The seeds of our organization were sown from our personal struggles and triumphs with mental health. Ka‘ohele, , saw firsthand the transformative power of open dialogue and support in mental health. He navigated through his own challenges, finding solace and strength in technology and connectivity. His vision for KEEP CALM reflects a deep commitment to using his experiences to help others find their path to wellness.
Hawa’s journey into the world of mental health advocacy was shaped by her experiences growing up as the older daughter in an African home, facing intense pressures and expectations. She navigated through periods of depression and anxiety, often feeling the weight of unrealistic expectations. Her breakthrough came with understanding and embracing mental health resources, leading her to a place of better understanding and self-compassion.