FLX Unity Center recently welcomed Rayshawn “Ray Ray” Whitfield to have an honest discussion with our EPIC Zone Geneva members, the first of an ongoing series, called “Teen Talk With Ray.”

Whitfield is a local coach, instructor, and entrepreneur in Geneva. “He takes pride in creating fun, engaging programs and impactful events for all ages,” said Allauna Overstreet-Gibson, EPIC Zone Geneva program coordinator and FLX Unity Center director. “His passion for uplifting youth and building strong communities truly shines through in everything he does.”

According to Overstreet-Gibson, Whitfield provides a real and safe space for teens to talk openly about what they’re going through and how to handle life pressure in a healthy way. Teen Talk focuses on real conversations about anxiety, peer pressure, school stress, relationships, social media, decision-making, and the everyday challenges of being a young person today. These sessions are open-floor discussions where teens are encouraged to share, listen, and support one another while building confidence, emotional strength, and leadership skills.

Overstreet-Gibson said, “The goal of Teen Talk is simple but powerful.”:

• Give teens a voice
• Help them make positive choices
• Strengthen their mental and emotional well-being
• Connect them with positive role models and resources
• Build a strong, supportive community where youth feel seen, heard, and valued

“Teen Talk with Ray is about prevention, empowerment, and growth—creating a space where young people learn that they are not alone, their voice matters, and their future is bigger than their circumstances,” Overstreet-Gibson said.