📅 Duration: January 2021 – March 2021
🏢 Associated with: Waapsdeveloper
🛠 Technologies Used: Angular, Ionic Framework
The Vision: Healing Through Technology
When the concept of Black Boy Heal was introduced, we knew instantly: this wasn’t just an app. It was a movement — a safe digital sanctuary for African American boys, including trans, non-binary, and cisgender individuals. A space dedicated to mental health empowerment in communities that have been underserved for generations.
The Journey: Code, Culture & Collaboration
I led the frontend development, but I was never alone. I worked alongside a tight-knit team of passionate developers and designers — each of us fueled by the mission to make something real and impactful. We didn’t just want to deliver a working app — we aimed to build something that connected emotionally with users.
My Contributions:
🔹 UI/UX Development: Built a mobile-first, fully responsive interface using Angular and Ionic Framework, ensuring smooth performance across all devices.
🔹 Feature Integration: Integrated Zoom-based support sessions, enabling real-time, one-on-one therapy with licensed counselors.
🔹 Culturally-Informed Design: Collaborated with mental health professionals to shape a user experience that was emotionally safe and culturally sensitive.
🔹 Team Coordination: Worked closely with backend developers and QA testers to deliver a polished product on a tight timeline.
Challenges & Breakthroughs
Our biggest challenge? Translating empathy into code. We had countless late-night discussions, rewrote key features, and ran real-world user testing with mental health practitioners. Every decision was intentional — from button colors to the wording of alerts — to ensure users felt seen and safe.
Growth & Results
- 5,000+ downloads within the first 60 days of launch
- 1,200+ live therapy sessions booked via Zoom within the first quarter
- 92% user satisfaction rate, based on in-app feedback surveys
- 35% repeat session rate, showing continued user engagement
- Featured in 3 online publications focused on Black mental health and wellness
- Testimonials described it as “a lifeline” and “the first app that truly understands me”
Impact: More Than Just an App
What started as a digital project transformed into a platform of healing and hope. Black Boy Heal isn’t just used — it’s trusted. It empowers young boys to speak up, seek help, and grow emotionally in a world that often silences them.
Reflections as a Developer
This project taught me that technology has a soul — when it’s built with heart. With the strength of a committed team, the clarity of a shared vision, and the courage to listen deeply, we didn’t just deliver an app — we delivered a voice to those who needed it most.