Raphael Stark

Raphael Stark, a teenager from Hawaii, found his voice through adversity. Battling a stutter and the isolation it brought, he started a journey of advocacy and empowerment in 2021. Frustrated by the lack of local support groups for teens like him, he founded CHATS: Caring for Hawaii Teens with Speech Challenges. With support from family, friends, and partnerships with organizations like Mental Health America of Hawaii, he set out to transform his personal struggle into a beacon of strength for others. 

Using his skills as a student filmmaker, Raphael produced impactful public service announcements and videos that aired on PBS Hawaii and in local schools, raising awareness of speech differences and promoting mental health resources. His Instagram Live talks featured guests sharing their stories, fostering empathy and understanding with thousands of viewers. 

Raphael’s influence extended beyond media, engaging over 5,000 students, educators, and medical professionals through talks and events, advocating for empathy and acceptance of those with communication challenges. His outreach resonated deeply, inspiring diverse acts of support like a World War II veteran volunteering as a speaker and a teen starting a CHATS fan club in her school. 

Academically, Raphael excelled, completing college-level courses and earning prestigious awards and scholarships for his advocacy and academic achievements. He delivered keynote presentations at medical conferences, highlighting the need for better support and understanding of communication disorders among healthcare professionals. 

In his community, Raphael’s impact was profound. He partnered with local organizations to combat bullying and promote mental health awareness, emphasizing the disproportionate challenges faced by youth with speech differences. His efforts, including appearances on PBS Hawaii’s INSIGHTS and KAKOU, amplified the voices of teens struggling with mental health issues. 

Beyond Hawaii, Raphael’s initiative “Bridge of Aloha” aimed at connecting youth in Kenya with speech resources, challenging cultural stigmas through education and virtual interactions. His nonprofit’s efforts were recognised nationally and internationally, reflecting his commitment to fostering global citizenship through compassion and community engagement. 

Raphael’s personal journey was marked by resilience. Overcoming bullying and self-doubt, he embraced acceptance therapy and turned his experiences into a force for change. As the founder of CHATS, he navigated the complexities of running a nonprofit as a teenager, employing creativity and innovation to amplify his message of inclusion. 

Looking ahead, Raphael continues to break down barriers, envisioning a future where speech differences are understood and embraced worldwide. His dedication to empowering youth, both locally and globally, reflects his belief in the transformative power of empathy and advocacy. 

Raphael Stark, a homeschooled teenager from Hawaii, turned personal adversity into advocacy by founding CHATS: Caring for Hawaii Teens with Speech Challenges. Frustrated by the absence of local support groups for teens with speech differences, Raphael leveraged his skills as a student filmmaker to raise awareness. His public service announcements aired on PBS Hawaii and reached thousands, promoting mental health resources and fostering community dialogue. Raphael's efforts expanded nationally through media features and partnerships, earning recognition such as the Acts of Kindness Award and support from organizations like the Na Lei Foundation. He bridged continents with "Bridge of Aloha," connecting Hawaiian resources to Kenyan youth facing similar challenges. Despite personal struggles with stuttering and mental health, Raphael's resilience and creativity inspire global empathy and inclusivity. His mission is to empower youth worldwide, demonstrating that voices, no matter how unique, deserve to be heard and respected.