About
Cleoni Crawford
Cleoni Crawford is a passionate mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and speaker, driven by a personal mission to raise awareness about mental health through her courageous storytelling and initiatives. A graduate of the University of Toronto, George Brown College, and Centennial College, Cleoni has turned her own struggles with mental illness into a platform for helping others. Her journey, marred by the loss of her sister and her sister’s best friend, catalyzed her efforts to raise awareness, leading to the release of her book, The Music of My Life, which details her experience with mental illness.
Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2006, Cleoni has faced significant challenges throughout her life, including being hospitalized 31 times, experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and even battling suicidal thoughts. Despite these setbacks, she has emerged as a resilient figure who uses her experiences to fuel her passion for mental health advocacy. Cleoni’s story stands as a testament to the fact that mental illness is not a death sentence; instead, she believes it is possible to thrive, lead a full life, and overcome adversity.
Her dedication to mental health awareness has earned Cleoni media recognition. She has been featured on various platforms, including 100 Huntley Street, Daytime Toronto on Rogers TV, CTV, Global TV, CBC Radio, Toronto Life, and Globe and Mail, among others. Her appearances on these media outlets amplify her message of resilience, inspiring many with her remarkable journey and commitment to raising awareness about mental health issues.
Cleoni furthered her commitment to mental health advocacy by obtaining a diploma in Addictions and Mental Health from Centennial College in 2023. Her academic achievements combined with her lived experiences make her a unique voice in the mental health space, one that resonates deeply with those who have faced similar struggles. Cleoni’s entrepreneurial spirit has led her to establish various initiatives to further spread her message.
One of Cleoni’s most notable projects is the Resilient Minds 365 Podcast, an interview show that highlights resilient entrepreneurs and professionals who have overcome mental health challenges. As the host, Cleoni uses her lived experience to spark conversations about mental health, aiming to show her listeners that, while mental illness presents challenges, it does not have to define their lives. The podcast is available on platforms such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Podbean, Amazon Music, and YouTube, ensuring broad access to her uplifting and empowering content.
In addition to her podcast, Cleoni has developed the Music, Art, and Mental Health Gala, an innovative program designed to help people manage their mental illness through creative therapies. The gala integrates various forms of therapeutic expression, including African drumming, art therapy, music therapy, and laugh therapy, all aimed at promoting mental wellness. The event also features presentations on life coaching and the link between finances and mental health. By incorporating art and music into mental health management, Cleoni seeks to offer holistic approaches to recovery and wellness. Each gala event concludes with a dance party, fostering a sense of community and celebration among participants.
Cleoni’s resilience in the face of significant mental health challenges, coupled with her unwavering dedication to helping others, positions her as a leader in the mental health advocacy space. Through her book, podcast, and innovative gala program, she continues to inspire individuals to strive, thrive, and live fulfilling lives, despite their mental health diagnoses. Cleoni’s initiatives and personal story serve as powerful reminders that recovery and resilience are possible for everyone.