Caroline Judd

Mahaffey poses with a shirt from ST∆Y. She plans to stay an ambassador for the company in order to continue to impact people’s lives. “My main reason for being a part of ST∆Y is to spread kindness and awareness of suicide prevention,” Mahaffey said, “There are so many people just tearing each other down. I just wanted to be a part of the crowd that fights for kindness.”

Working as a brand ambassador for the company ST∆Y Wear, senior Jaina Mahaffey follows in the lifestyle brand’s mission to change how people view themselves and others. 

Each item of clothing incorporates the word “ST∆Y,” where the triangle represents the mathematical term “delta” which means “change” to encourage supporters to create positive impacts on themselves and others. 

“Being a part of ST∆Y has opened my eyes to so many things that we can do to help those around us,” Jaina said. “I wasn’t aware of those kinds of problems, like bullying and suicide, around me, but now I am able to help people in overcoming their struggles.”

Jaina’s personal experiences have played a role in making her want to become a ST∆Y ambassador.

“ST∆Y’s message of kindness and suicide prevention really go hand in hand. We never know how our words can impact someone,” Jaina said. “I know personally I’ve torn myself down just because of one thing someone said to me, and I feel like those small experiences have made me want to be a more kind and helpful person.”

Jaina was introduced to the company through her brother, Sumner Mahaffey, who is friends with the company owner.

“I met Shane Ball, the owner of the company, a couple years ago and fell in love with the message,” Mahaffey said. “I really like the idea of it all, which is what compelled me to sign up to be an ambassador. Being an ambassador is way cool because not only do I get a discount, but I get a discount code for my friends. Also, they send me packages with special ST∆Y ambassador shirts, keychains, stickers, denim patches, sweatshirts and more.”

In return, Jaina posts monthly on her Instagram @jainamahaffey, where she shares her thoughts on suicide prevention and kindness.

“It wasn’t until after I became a part of the team that I realized how much of an impact I could make,” Jaina said. “Recently, I had a friend who was severely dealing with suicidal thoughts and he came to me for help and advice. Because of ST∆Y, I was able to help him, and I explained how I knew he didn’t want to die, he just wanted the pain to go away. After some time, healing and real medical help, he finally felt ok. He wanted to stay here, and that is the whole point of this company and what being an ambassador for this company means.”

Jaina has been a “ST∆Yer” for three company seasons.

“ST∆Y Wear has been such an amazing company to work with because I care so so much about these kinds of things. It is so important to be kind in a world that is always tearing people down. The message that we want to get across is that you don’t need to change to conform to society. People should ST∆Y true to who they are,” Jaina said. “Everyone has a reason to stay and by sharing this message, we are able to help others find their reason to stay.”