Meet Raina Ford | Author/High School Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raina Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raina, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have grown up with an older sibling with a disability my entire life. We are four years and five grades apart. Our relationship has been complex and difficult to navigate at times. During my childhood, my sister needed extra time, care, and support from my parents, which caused me to become very independent at a young age.

During these pivotal years, I often felt alone and isolated. As I grew older, I realized that there were other kids like me who grew up in a similar family situation. I was unaware of any clubs or organizations which supported siblings of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Thus, I pursued a true passion project of mine that has been on my heart for about 5 years now. I wrote my children’s book, “I See U”, as a way for children who are the siblings of a child with a chronic illness or disability to recognize their feelings, validate them, and realize and understand that they are not alone. In my book, I provide numerous coping skills that children can utilize in order to be more in tune with their emotions as well as be able to recognize and appreciate their unique gifts and talents.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently a senior in high school who is involved in a number of activities and clubs that help advocate for those who are often unseen or overlooked. What sets me apart from others, despite my age, is my ability to recognize needs that are not being met and creative proactive solutions for them. I am very proud that I am able to educate young children on the importance of mental health and finding their voice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Chicago but my family is from Atlanta. When I visit, some of my favorite spots to hangout are the Sky Lounge and the CNN headquarters. I would definitely take my best friend to these locations because it would be a good mixture of sightseeing and enjoyment with great food and music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success can be accredited to many, but the greatest influences have come from the DuPage County NAACP ACT-SO/Be-Unity Program and my cousin, Ashley Johnson. ACT-SO/B-Unity helped me to become more versatile and confident in my writing. My cousin, Ashley, owner of June Publishing, gave me the technical knowledge and expertise needed to self-publish the story that I have been envisioning for years.

Website: https://junepublishing.com/

Instagram: Project.iseeu

Image Credits
Book illustrations/production: Custom Made For You graphic design & printing studio (www.custommadeforyou.net) Publishing: June Publishing