Getting Mental: Gratitude, Affirmations, Meditation, and Self-Compassion with Brenda Sarai Zuniga

Brenda Sarai Zuniga is a mindfulness coach, comedian, and philanthropist, determined to create positive change in this world. An exceptional and compassionate leader, Brenda is an active member in giving back on a global scale. In the last few years, she’s raised over $100,000 for children in need through her humanitarian efforts.  A true queen, in 2019 she won the title of Miss Burbank USA and is the co-creator of the innovative charity campaign “Brenda’s Dress”, making its onstage debut at Miss California USA 2020. This never-before-seen charity campaign raised funds for children in need by having donors names printed on her pageant dress. “Brenda’s Dress” was featured in the LA TIMES, raised $10,000, and became the first-ever charity art piece at a pageant for the Miss Universe Organization.  She regularly speaks at schools, hospitals, and corporate events on the topics of mental health, mindfulness, and her incredible life story of adversity and triumph.  

Brenda is living proof of the American dream. At one year old, she was smuggled into the US and raised by teenage parents. Growing up she attended 11 schools, lived in 15 different homes, and wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until the age of 25. She credits her adversity filled upbringing for having developed incredible resilience and empathy; and humor.  In 2018, she became a U.S citizen, a triumph 25 years in the making. That same year she founded Sweet Thoughts Travel Inc., a mindfulness coaching company. Using practical tools, backed by neuroscience, she helps clients optimize their ability at handling life’s inevitable difficulties.  

A passionate mental health activist, Brenda is a nationally certified speaker for NAMI, the nation’s largest grass-root mental health organization.  She recently launched her video podcast titled “Getting Mental with Brenda Sarai Zuniga”, bringing mental health education in a fun and relatable way. A true creative, she has found a way to blend her comedy, music, and mental health all in one. “Getting Mental with Brenda Sarai Zuniga” can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.  An inspirational woman of many talents, Brenda Sarai Zuniga is a shining example of what can be achieved taking care of one's mental health, having grit, and being kind.