Candidly Speaking opened its doors in 2017 after founder, Adolpha Cole, had a life changing conversation that sparked the vision for Candidly Speaking’s mission and platform. In the words of our founder: When I moved to San Jose a few years ago, I met my cousin’s wife for the first time. She is white and I am black and at all big family dinners, she and I would have conversations about things happening in society, about my experiences as a black person and her experiences as a white person. We would both walk away learning from each other and we became good friends. I thought to myself: I bet other people would want to talk to people with different life experiences from their own. So, in 2017, Candidly Speaking: Conversations Across Cultures was created. It is a monthly community event that brings together a diverse group of people from all walks of life to talk to each other about their life experiences and build community through understanding. Over 1,300 people have participated in Candidly Speaking events and programs. We have worked with teachers to create a Candidly Speaking program tailored to students and now, high schools are participating in Candidly Speaking programs. We’ve also created a Candidly Speaking program for businesses with one of our first clients being the City of San Jose's Department of Housing. Our goal is to grow the program in schools, communities and corporations across the country. Also, we will continue offering Candidly Speaking to communities free of charge so that anyone, anywhere can access an event. We imagine a world where children and adults can communicate among each other with more curiosity and empathy and less judgement. Check out our free, monthly, online event to see first-hand how Candidly Speaking is a way for people to have a social, emotional experience that can enhance their life during this uncertain time and beyond. Learn more: www.CandidlySpeakingWolrdwide.org