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Draft:Lexy McDonald

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Alexis McDonald, commonly known as Lexy McDonald, is an Australian entrepreneur and mental health advocate.[1] At the age of 17, McDonald founded the HerHelp app, aiming to create a supportive online space for mental health, inspired by her personal experiences with bullying and isolation. [2]

HerHelp, a self-funded and self-taught initiative, has provided mental health resources to thousands of users, employed professionals, and fostered a community of support. McDonald’s work addresses the challenges of seeking help, the negative aspects of social media, and the need for connection in mental health [3]. Beyond her digital endeavors, she is involved in public speaking, volunteer efforts, and advocating for women's empowerment, with a goal to ensure that no one faces their struggles alone.[4] [5]

Early Life

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Lexy McDonald, was born in Bunbury, Western Australia. Her teenage years were marked by personal challenges, including bullying and her parents' divorce. These experiences left her feeling isolated and without adequate support. [6] At the age of 17, after moving to a more supportive school, McDonald began working on the concept of HerHelp, an app designed to provide mental health resources for women facing similar struggles [7]. With no formal coding training, she taught herself through online resources to build the app. [8] [9]

Public Speaking and Advocacy

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In addition to her role as the founder of HerHelp, Lexy McDonald has actively engaged in public speaking, often focusing on mental health awareness and women's empowerment [10]. In 2024, she delivered a speech at the Australian National Rally Against Violence.​ [11] [12] [13]

McDonald has also participated in a variety of mental health and wellness events across Australia [14] [15] [16]. Additionally, McDonald delivered a TEDx talk on 'Get comfortable being uncomfortable – Don’t let fear win'. [17] [18] [19]

Awards and Recognition

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In 2023, Lexy McDonald was one of three Australians to be honored with the prestigious Princess Diana Award for her contributions to mental health through HerHelp. This recognition highlighted her significant impact as a young woman in the fields of mental health and wellness. [20] [21]

References

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  1. ^ "International Women's Day a chance to create real change". 6 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Lexy's teen years were full of turmoil. She turned her trauma into a $2.5million business". 14 May 2023.
  3. ^ "Celebrating International Women's Day 2023". 8 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Roll of Honour 2023".
  5. ^ "Alexis McDonald |Regional WA local Alexis McDonald at only 20 has been in business for 3 years, after creating a mobile application with a difference in her bedroom at 17 after being bullied. The application HerHelp is set to encourage, guide and support women through daily challenges while creating a safe space…".
  6. ^ "Mental health app founder "excited" by Young Achiever nod". 18 April 2022.
  7. ^ https://studentedge.org/article/hdigh-alexis-mcdonald
  8. ^ "Lexy's teen years were full of turmoil. She turned her trauma into a $2.5million business". 14 May 2023.
  9. ^ "Spotify". Spotify.
  10. ^ "Lexy McDonald".
  11. ^ "'No more' rally highlights domestic violence failures". 25 July 2024.
  12. ^ "Thousands rally to end violence against women in Perth". 28 April 2024.
  13. ^ "Advocacy".
  14. ^ "Lexy McDonald - Hire Keynote and Guest Speaker".
  15. ^ "Alexis McDonald | Youth Leadership Academy Australia".
  16. ^ "Morning Keynote: Wil Massara & Alexis McDonald". 29 November 2023.
  17. ^ "Lexy McDonald".
  18. ^ "Lexy McDonald".
  19. ^ https://glasp.co/youtube/TvBjH9q6LjY
  20. ^ "Roll of Honour 2023".
  21. ^ "Bunbury app founder wins Diana award". 5 July 2023.