Ayo Handy-Kendi, a master teacher renowned as “The Breath Sékou,” has studied, practiced, and taught breathwork since 1970. She is a certified breathologist, laughter yoga teacher, Reiki master 3, Qigong practitioner levels I and II, diversity trainer, sound healer, and counselor. As an author, speaker, storyteller, rituals facilitator, and community organizer, she utiizes her myriad skills facilitating trainings on breathology, wholistic health, social justice, and healing racism. She is fostering a “breath movement” to help us stay peaceful and stress-free, while reconciling our divisions in these polarizing times. 

In 1989, Ayo created a non-profit, the African American Holiday Association (AAHA), and stewarded and co-produced programs for the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF). In 2004, she developed a life-changing system of daily transformative practices called Optimum Life Breathology™ (OLB). She has certified 188 OLB practitioners in seven states, shared the system in eight countries, and has “breathed” with millions worldwide on radio and TV (notably on The Steve Harvey Morning Show), as well as in print, via internet, on stage, in groups, in private practice, and at many breathworks events, including The Shift Network Breathwork Summit.

She also founded PositivEnergyWorks, a wellness business that connects culture and diversity issues with health, stress, trauma, and relaxation. She's authored five books, including Applied Breathology, her OLB workbook accompanied by a DVD, and composed and produced six CDs of meditative and drumming music.