We’re thrilled to introduce you to the newest members of the Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (SAC). These young adults are leaders in the mental health movement, and through their role in the SAC, they represent thousands of students to ensure their voices are represented on a national scale. The SAC plays a key role in shaping Active Minds’ programs and initiatives, from national conferences to local chapter engagement.
This year’s SAC cohort is a diverse group of passionate young adults, each bringing a unique background and perspective to their advocacy work. We can’t wait to see the projects they’ll lead and the change they’ll create. Now, let’s get to know the new members of the 2025-2026 Student Advisory Committee!
Nadira Akilo
University of Texas at Austin
Nadira (she/her) is a Biology major on the pre-med track at the University of Texas at Austin. She grew up in a rural East Texas town where mental health was often dismissed. As someone with both African American and Asian heritage, she also experienced cultural stigmas around mental health in both communities. These experiences shaped her strong passion for mental health advocacy. She was first introduced to Active Minds through the Mental Health Advocacy and Leadership Academy, where she gained valuable tools for engaging in thoughtful conversations around mental well-being. As a member of the Student Advisory Committee, Nadira is excited to be part of a community working to create meaningful change. She hopes to be a voice of vulnerability and representation for minority communities while making mental health discussions more accessible through pop culture. Outside of Active Minds, Nadira is deeply interested in psychiatric research and is actively involved in student government. In her free time, she loves trying new foods and spending quality time with her family and friends. In the future, she plans to pursue a career in medicine and hopes to become either a psychiatrist or a surgeon.
Varsha Penumalee
Virginia Commonwealth University
Varsha (she/her) is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry, Spanish, and Pre-medicine. She is deeply passionate about the intersections of health, advocacy, and community empowerment. On campus, she serves as Co-President of Active Minds at VCU. Off campus, she is also the President of the Youth MOVE Virginia/NAMI Virginia Youth Advisory Board, a youth-led mental health advocacy organization that works to expand outreach, peer support, and educational initiatives for young adults. She now serves on the Youth MOVE National Board of Directors, where she helps guide youth-driven mental health advocacy on a national scale. Varsha’s academic and professional interests center on medicine and public health. She is committed to addressing health inequities and improving care for underserved populations. In her free time, she enjoys reading new books, cycling, and spending time with friends and family.
Marissa Smith
Rider University
Marissa (she/her) is a junior Psychology major with a Criminal Justice minor. Her hobbies include photography, watching movies and TV shows, and reading. She is passionate about all mental health issues but specifically suicide awareness. She serves as an ambassador for the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) for New Jersey, as well as a mentor for the Gail Biernbaum Leadership Council and the Psychology Learning Community.
Angel Velazquez
Lake Tahoe Community College
Angel (he/him) is a student at Lake Tahoe Community College, studying Mathematics and Physics with the goal of transferring into Aerospace Engineering. At LTCC, he serves as a Student Senator, Food Pantry Lead, and Basic Needs Mentor, where he works directly with students to improve access to food, resources, and mental health support. His interest in mental health advocacy grew from his experiences as a first-generation Latino student balancing academics, leadership, and family responsibilities. He is focused on reducing stigma while making resources more visible and accessible to all students. Outside of campus leadership, Angel loves to travel and is focused on aviation and engineering projects, including flight performance modeling, robotics, and training toward his private pilot license.
Vashti Trujillo
Colorado State University Pueblo
Vashti (she/her) is a student leader and advocate from Pueblo, Colorado, dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, equity, and youth voice. She serves as Vice President of the Associated Students’ Government at Colorado State University Pueblo and is actively engaged in statewide initiatives that elevate student and community perspectives in policymaking. With experience as a policy advocate, organizer, and researcher, Vashti has worked with groups like Common Cause, Young Invincibles, and New Era Colorado to promote accessible mental health resources, youth empowerment, and systemic equity. She has spoken on state and national platforms, including Aspen Institute events and the White House Youth Policy Summit, uplifting stories of young women, first-generation students, and communities of color. She aspires to continue blending advocacy, research, and education to ensure mental health is prioritized in schools and communities.
Faria Tavacoli
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Faria (she/they/ella) is a student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, majoring in Public Health and Neuroscience. She is a health worker, mental health advocate, and survivor who leads youth-driven initiatives that bridge service and social justice. She is currently one of the Active Minds Student Directors of her chapter and loves creating activities and spaces for students, providing them with mental health educational resources, and encouraging them to seek help. Faria joined the Student Advisory Council to expand her advocacy on a national scale, support chapters with empowerment and growth, and connect with other student leaders dedicated to transforming mental health culture. Drawing on her lived experiences and survivorship, she champions intersectional approaches to mental health equity. Faria hopes to continue building youth-led systems of care that center resilience, dignity, and justice. In her free time, Faria enjoys skateboarding, book collecting, and choreographing dances.
