THE PROJECT

Shadow Boxers is a new video project highlighting stories of hope, healing and transformation.

Guided by narrator Sara Tapia-Tomer, this documentary series will dig deep into the unique experience of being from or living in New Mexico, using the ancient art of storytelling to inspire others out of the shadows and into the light. Click here for more details.

New Mexico has some of the most unique energy and people in the world. And every day, they walk through life with no idea what to do with their struggles and little resources in their communities to help. So we decided to make a place for them.

We know the statistics – New Mexico is last in this and worst in that – and we’re tired of hearing it. It’s time to shine a light on what’s good here: the resiliency and grit that makes us who we are and keeps us going. The ability to get up every day and turn the shadows into light.

Using the power of video and the ancient art of storytelling, Shadow Boxers aims to offer a new outlet for our generational trauma in a more positive, inspiring way.

OUR VISION

OUR VALUES

Hope. Healing. Inspiration: Too many projects focus on the trauma and not the triumph. Not ours. We care more about the person than the problem. We're doing this because we've lost too many friends and seen too many people fall through the cracks of our broken mental health system. If we help one person, we will have succeeded.

Honesty. Transparency. Community: We're not mental health professionals...we're storytellers. Like most New Mexicans, we're straight shooters who come from lived experiences. We're not looking to make a buck, we're looking help our communities. We don't pretend to have all the answers, and we want to partner with as many people as we can throughout the process.

OUR TEAM

SARA TAPIA-TOMER,

JAKE McCOOK,

Narrator

Born and raised in the small town of Raton, N.M., Sara came from humble means, with big dreams and a strong desire to make a difference in the world. She is a proud Chicana, mother, wife, social activist, poet, and first-generation high school/college graduate. Sara has worked in service organizations like ENLACE, PB&J Family Services, Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center, and Service Organization for Youth. Throughout her journey, she’s seen and experienced her share of pain and suffering; now, she wants to share her story while inspiring others to share theirs. As narrator, Sara will help pave the way to illumination and evolution by promoting healing through the ancient art of storytelling.

Executive Producer

Like Sara, Jake was born in the small town of Raton and grew up on an organic farm in Northeastern New Mexico. His parents were teachers, mentors and lifelong educators who instilled in him a deep sense of service to others. He left New Mexico to pursue his education and dreams, gaining experience in politics and public relations for many years in Washington, D.C. Jake also spent one year in Los Angeles working in the entertainment industry, building social impact campaigns for documentaries, TV shows, and films. In 2019, he returned to the Land of Enchantment and founded a communications consulting firm, McCook Strategies, LLC and a production company, What's Good Video, LLC. He is passionate about using video storytelling to create social change.

SUPPORT US

• If you're in Albuquerque, join us 5/14 for a community kick-off event. RSVP here.

• Help Find Stories: Our most important task is finding people to share their stories. If you or someone you know would be a good fit, please use the form below or email us at light@boxtheshadows.com

• Help Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, coworkers and community about Shadow Boxers. We even put together some fancy social media posts for you to copy/paste here.

• Help Develop Partnerships: We want this project to support the work of non-profit organizations, foundations, local governments and professionals who do this work every day. If you belong to one of these, or want to recommend someone we speak to, please email us at light@shadowboxers.com.

• Help Raise Money: Click here for more information about fundraising.

For more details about the project, click here.

Thanks for your support! - Jake & Sara

If this project speaks to you, here are some ways you can help:

"I don't know how to fix it, but it starts with a conversation."

Have you gone through hard times and made it to the other side? Do you know someone who has? Contact us to become a shadow boxer and light the way for others.

• We're highlighting people who are living in, or who are originally from, New Mexico.

• We care more about the person than the problem, and we want to highlight the triumph, not the trauma.

• We're casting a wide net - some have shared stories about their family, relationships, job, or their personal struggles with mental health, addiction, or simply finding their place in life.

• We're not looking to exploit, shame or embarras anyone, and we won't use their story without their full partnership or permission.

Tell Your Story