National Each Person is A Person of Worth Day was founded in 2020 by Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski and the Academy for Adolescent Health.
Dr. Podgurski, a nurse, educator, and counselor, created this day to promote a deep sense of self-worth among people, especially young people.
Her experience working with youth inspired her to address self-esteem struggles by emphasizing that each person’s worth is a fundamental human trait, not something that needs to be “earned” or measured.
Dr. Podgurski’s work spans decades, beginning in 1988 when she started running educational programs on self-worth and respect.
Her team has created initiatives such as peer-led workshops and community programs focused on helping youth develop healthy views of themselves.
These efforts became the foundation for National Each Person is A Person of Worth Day, which formalizes her lifelong commitment to self-esteem advocacy.
The day’s message has reached beyond youth. Today, it reminds people …