About the founder
Dr. Merica Esson
Philanthropist. Entrepreneur. Educator. Researcher. World Traveler. Servant of God.
Dr. Merica Esson is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, educator, researcher, and nonprofit founder whose life's mission is to glorify God by serving others through holistic wellness, education, humanitarian outreach, and sustainable community development.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Esson began her academic journey at Baker College, earning degrees in Marketing, Business Management, and a Master's in Marketing. Driven by a lifelong passion for understanding people, health, and human potential, she continued her education in psychology, educational leadership, medicinal plant science, and naturopathic medicine.
At 25, she retired from Corporate America, after roles at General Motors and a major grocery retailer, to pursue entrepreneurship, founding a successful advertising agency and online boutique. At 27, she answered a higher calling, founding Healthy Synergy Nonprofit Corporation, the Merica Esson Foundation, and later Eden: a nonprofit wellness sanctuary dedicated to holistic healing, education, scientific research, and community transformation.
Having traveled to all seven continents and participated in humanitarian and missionary efforts across the globe, Dr. Esson received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 and was named an Antarctic Ambassador in 2025. Today she continues to expand her nonprofit initiatives, author books, develop educational programs, and bring the vision of Eden to life.
What guides us
Our Core Values
Faith and Service
Every initiative is rooted in the belief that caring for others is one of God's greatest callings.
Education and Empowerment
Knowledge is transformative. We invest in education at every level, from youth mentorship to advanced research.
Holistic Wellness
True wellness nurtures the mind, body, and spirit together. We champion whole-person health in every community we serve.
Global Compassion
From Detroit to all seven continents, we believe that borders should never limit our capacity to love and serve.
Sister organization
Healthy Synergy Nonprofit Corporation
Founded by Dr. Merica Esson, Healthy Synergy Nonprofit Corporation partners with the Merica Esson Foundation on worldwide back-to-school giveaways, COVID-19 PPE relief, and community outreach programs across the globe.
Visit healthysynergy.orgOur mission
"To glorify God by serving others through holistic wellness, education, humanitarian outreach, and sustainable community development."
Dr. Merica Esson, Founder