On June 26, 2025, in the heart of Times Square, HEED NYC hosted a transformative evening of purpose, community, and conversation at the chic Brooklyn Chop House. The event welcomed guests with a glamorous red carpet, a beautifully curated tablescape, and a delicious sit-down dinner, setting the tone for what would become a powerful night centered around mental health awareness and advocacy.
Beyond the ambiance, the highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring a diverse group of changemakers: former NFL safety and MSG Networks analyst Erik Coleman, Taheed R. Watson, designer and founder of HEED NYC, Jean Butler, President & CEO of enCourage Kids Foundation, and Deborah Dejean of the Brooklyn Mental Health Council. The conversation was skillfully moderated by MJ Pedone, CEO and President of Indra Public Relations, who guided the discussion with both compassion and clarity.
Each panelist offered a distinct perspective. Coleman, reflecting on his NFL days, opened up about the pressure athletes face both on and off the field.
“There’s pressure to perform, but also pressure from everyone you’ve ever known—people needing help, asking for tickets, looking to you for solutions. It builds up,” he shared. “Talking to a counselor helped me find clarity and peace.”
He emphasized that mental wellness is not a weakness, but “a strength that allows you to perform at your best.”
Coleman also stated.
“Mental health isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to ask for help. I didn’t grow up talking about feelings, especially as a football player, but once I opened up, I realized strength looks a lot different than we’re taught.”
This honest reflection resonated with many in the room, reinforcing the event’s central message: vulnerability is not a weakness—it’s a pathway to healing.
Designer Taheed R. Watson brought a deeply personal element to the conversation, revealing that his son’s mental health struggles were the driving force behind HEED’s advocacy work.
“One of the hardest things as a parent is not being able to fix something for your child,” he said. “I created this brand to give back—to fund resources, medicine, and opportunities that allow others to live better.”
Watson also previewed the launch of his new Collection of sneakers, named after his son “Q”, with proceeds set to benefit organizations like NAMI and enCourage Kids Foundation.
The message of empathy and understanding resonated beyond the stage. Conversations with attendees further deepened the dialogue. One guest, Dr. Khadijah Cyril, a licensed psychologist, noted the most common issues being addressed in therapy today: depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and an increasing number of cases related to narcissistic abuse.
“We’re also seeing that roughly 50 percent of the population exhibits secure attachment, while the other 50 percent falls into various insecure attachment styles,” Dr. Cyril explained, underscoring the importance of early intervention and emotional education.
As the night drew to a close, the energy shifted into celebration and action. Guests browsed a stylish pop-up shop featuring enCourage Kids Foundation teddy bears, sunglasses and sneakers by HEED NYC, and children’s books by author Edna Khalily—with a portion of proceeds benefiting pediatric wellness and mental health initiatives.
It was a fitting finale to an evening that seamlessly wove together story, advocacy, and giving back—proof that healing can happen not just in quiet rooms, but in shared spaces where purpose and community come together.
For more information on the organizations and individuals featured in this event, visit:
- HEED NYC – www.heednyc.com
- enCourage Kids Foundation – www.encourage-kids.org
- Indra Public Relations – www.indrapr.com
Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s keep the conversation around mental health going.
