Michelle De Leon is the founder and CEO of World Afro Day®, 15th September. A global day of celebration and liberation of Afro Hair and Identity, with an estimated reach of 1.5 billion. Michelle successfully combines her broadcasting career of 20+ years at ITV Good Morning Britain with leading World Afro Day CIC. She has overcome her own struggles with Afro hair and was inspired by her 8 year old daughter to set up the day of celebration. Since 2017, her work has influenced the UN, UK government, global brands, international media and major celebrities. Key highlights are the Workplace Hair Acceptance report 2023; contributing to the EHRC guidelines to prevent hair discrimination in schools 2022 and a speech at the United Nations in Geneva 2018. In this episode Alicia and Michelle discuss: The significance of recognising and healing from past traumas The inspiration behind Michelle's establishment of World Afro Day The journey involved in creating and growing the movement The importance of black women embracing their natural hair and the empowerment it brings Predictions and aspirations for the future of World Afro Day and its impact on society. Learn more about World Afro Hair - https://www.worldafroday.com/ Connect with Michelle here