Foluke Lord-Baird ’22 transferred to John Jay, his dream school, during the pandemic and found support from two student clubs: John Jay Productions, which focuses on video production, music production and creative works; and Spectra, a club for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies. “John Jay Productions and Spectra changed my life for the better. I found a network of people I could relate to who became family,” says the criminal justice major.
“John Jay Productions and Spectra changed my life for the better. I found a network of people I could relate to who became family.” —Foluke Lord-Baird ’22
While at John Jay, Lord-Baird co-founded a mental health nonprofit, Revolution Mental. “Students can often feel lost,” says Lord-Baird, who also minored in social entrepreneurship and counseling. “I want them to know that they’re not alone.” Lord-Baird plans to pursue a career in advocacy and counseling after graduating. “I plan to advocate for mental health reform in our school and prison systems, making it more affordable to low-income communities, especially the youth population.”
How did John Jay’s student organizations impact your college experience?
John Jay Productions helped me get in touch with my creative side. Spectra gave me the opportunity to be around people who were in the same boat as me—still trying to figure themselves out. Just having that support system in place, and one that wasn’t judgmental, was refreshing. Their support motivated me to do well in classes and take on leadership positions. With each experience, I began to see my confidence grow.
Is there a person at the College who was especially encouraging?
Sam Ascencio (2022-2023 Student Council President) took me under his wing and mentored me. He always encouraged me to believe in myself. He’s always pushed me to believe in my abilities and take a chance on myself, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
“My ultimate goal is to come back to John Jay for grad school, enroll in the M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Counseling Program, and become a counselor.” —Foluke Lord-Baird ’22
How did Revolution Mental come about?
In my social entrepreneurship class, me and a group of students passionate about mental health reform embarked on this journey of interviews, research, building a website, and forming Revolution Mental. The hope was to create a platform for students to find coping mechanisms, resources, and support. We all have a goal of advancing mental health reform.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
My ultimate goal is to come back to John Jay for grad school, enroll in the M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Counseling Program, and become a counselor. I’d also love to see Revolution Mental go worldwide, helping not just students but all populations.
