SAC 2023-2024

supporting the next generation of mental health advocates

The Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (SAC) is an advisory group comprised of college and university student leaders from chapters in the Active Minds National Chapter Network across the United States and Canada. The SAC is a national student leadership body that provides a youth perspective to our work in collaboration with the Active Minds national staff, Board of Directors, and National Advisory Committee. SAC members primarily advise national staff in student engagement, program planning, Chapter engagement and management, National Conference planning, and program promotion, representing the Active Minds’ student voice nationally through media and other student forums.

 

 

Meet the SAC Members!

Rachna Edalur

Pronouns: she/her/hers

School: Texas A&M University

Southeast Community Organizer

About: Rachna is an Applied Mathematics major with a concentration in Biological Sciences at Texas A&M University. Growing up in a small East Texas area where mental health is seen as an unspeakable topic, Rachna wants to expand the idea of openness and ending the silence surrounding mental health. As a member of the SAC, Rachna hopes to create a community of acceptance and safety by uniting mental health advocates from across the country. In her free time, Rachna enjoys reading and watching reality TV (especially Survivor).

 

Naomi Hines

Pronouns: she/her/hers

School: Bowie State University

New York/New Jersey Community Organizer

About: Naomi is a sophomore at Bowie State University and is a native of Prince George’s County MD. She is majoring in Psychology and has a strong passion for mental health advocacy. Her interests in Active Minds peaked after dealing with her own personal hardships with mental health. She is excited to be involved in Active Minds SAC as she hopes to help in changing the conversation. On campus, she is involved with clubs and organizations that serve as a platform to make a difference.  Outside of school, she enjoys crafting, binge watching shows and having Self Care Sunday!

Hannah Rabbani

Pronouns: she/her/hers

School: De Anza College

Northwest Community Organizer

About: Hannah has consistently immersed herself in conversations centered around mental health both in her personal life and during her studies at De Anza College, where she is pursuing a degree in Political Economy. This keen interest has driven her to take on leadership roles in advocating for mental health awareness, starting from her earlier school years. She facilitated workshops in high school and college, focusing on raising awareness about mental health. Additionally, she delivered a TED Talk addressing the issue of romanticizing mental illnesses. Hannah also held the position of head girl at her school, using her platform to destigmatize mental health conversations and prioritize well-being. At De Anza, she served as the college’s Active Mind chapter president at the college level. In her leisure time, Hannah finds joy in reading, discovering new facets of the Bay Area where she currently resides as an international student, and experimenting with various cuisines!

Stephanie Yau

Pronouns: she/her/hers

School: University of Pittsburgh

Eastern High Schools Community Organizer

About: Stephanie is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, studying neuroscience and global health on the pre-medical track. She is the Outreach Chair of her school’s Active Minds chapter. She found a passion for mental health advocacy during the pandemic and has been looking into breaking the stigma especially for children and teengers. Outside of Active Minds, she is involved in many on-campus organizations like the Heinz Chapel Choir, Student Health Advisory Board and Student Government Board. She is hoping to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and go into medical school.