For former actress April Hernandez, motherhood was a difficult and isolating experience. In her talk, April describes how her mental health experience and her drive to help other mothers facing backlash on social media over their parenthood struggles inspired her to become an advocate for transPARENTcy. Best known for her starring role as Eva Benitez in the award-winning film Freedom Writers where she acted alongside Academy Award winner Hilary Swank. April has also guest starred in shows such as Person of Interest, The Following, Law & Order: SVU, Elementary and was nominated for a SAG award nomination for best ensemble cast in Showtime’s Dexter. April has demonstrated her versatility as an actress. However, her latest role is not only in front of the camera but also as a motivational speaker and author. Her book Your Voice Your Choice is her story of being a survivor of teen dating violence. She uses her actor training; stage presence and personal experience to serve young women, teachers, and administrators and helps individuals establish their own voice through personalized workshops and trainings. April and her husband Jose Castillo have been together for 18 years. They have a production company called LionChaser Films and are parents to two vivacious girls Summer Rose and Lyla. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx