Active Minds News

July 7, 2026 — WASHINGTON, D.C. — Active Minds, the nation’s leading nonprofit mobilizing youth and young adults to change the culture around mental health so that it is prioritized in society, today announced a $20 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott — the largest gift in the organization’s history. The gift follows Scott’s previous $4 million gift to Active Minds in 2021, reinforcing the organization’s position as a national leader in youth mental health and its mission to create a society that forever values and prioritizes mental health. Since receiving the gift, Active Minds has been working alongside its Board, youth and young adult leaders, and school partners to identify strategic investments that will strengthen the organization's long-term impact. Through this collaborative process, Active Minds has developed a multi-year strategy focused on scaling the national infrastructure that builds community, mobilizes youth leadership, funds youth-led solutions, and translates youth voices into system change. Active Minds plans to expand investments in youth-led solutions through initiatives such as the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy for high school youth and Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute for college students, increasing the number of youth and young adults who can gain the leadership, advocacy, and organizing skills needed to drive meaningful mental health change in their schools, campuses, and communities. More broadly, the funding will help expand access to Active Minds' national programs, ensuring more youth and young adults have opportunities to develop mental health literacy, strengthen peer networks, use their voices to influence change, and help build communities where mental health is valued and prioritized. While this unrestricted gift is transformational for the organization, the investment reinforces the critical need for sustained and immediate support for youth mental health. “This is a defining moment for Active Minds and for youth mental health in this country,” said Alison Malmon, Founder & Executive Director at Active Minds. “We are profoundly grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her trust in our mission and our community. This gift allows us to make bold, long-envisioned investments in youth leadership and youth-led solutions to champion a new era of mental health.” For more than two decades, Active Minds has worked to shift the culture surrounding mental health through youth and young adult leadership, peer-based connection, education, and advocacy. The organization was founded by Alison Malmon during her junior year at the University of Pennsylvania after the suicide of her older brother and only sibling, Brian. Since launching its first college chapter in 2001, Active Minds has grown into a nationwide movement reaching more than 4.5 million youth and young adults through peer-led programs, education, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives. At a time when schools, campuses, and communities are urgently seeking scalable solutions to support youth mental health, Active Minds continues to help define the national model for proven youth-led mental health programming, youth advocacy, and community-based culture change. This investment accelerates the organization’s ability to expand its proven programs, strengthen youth leadership development, deepen community engagement, and continue building a future where mental health is forever valued and prioritized.

June 22, 2026 — There was a time when being perceived as queer could be dangerous, often resulting in a night spent in jail or being brutalized with very little to no access to recourse. State sodomy laws, federal hiring bans, and immigration restrictions were once considered the default when it came to recognizing LGBTQ+ people. Stonewall Inn was a place of refuge as much as a place of resistance. When existing is illegal and safe places are scarce, being who you are is a radical act. Homosexuality was a criminal offense in 1969, and laws attempting to prohibit queer spaces from operating littered municipal, state, and federal policy. Police raids were commonplace at LGBTQ+ spaces across the country. It was June 28, 1969 a little after 1am that Stonewall was raided by NYPD officers in plain clothes. Interrogations ensued, but a routine raid on a queer space was not what anyone found that night. Transgender and gender non-conforming patrons were targeted and ordered to be detained by Inspector Seymour Pine. This wasn’t surprising – what was different was that this time, after countless raids, people not only resisted, they rebelled. Instead of lining up to be detained, arrested, or brutalized in the midst of a raid, the frustration of patrons and onlookers broke. Yelling began, then object throwing, and by the following afternoon, the city was abuzz with what had happened in the early morning. By the next week, so was the country. The following year, The first Christopher Street Liberation Day March, what we now recognize as the first Pride Parade, took place to commemorate the rebellion at Stonewall. This attracted thousands of participants, shocking organizers. This march solidified Stonewall's place in the LGBTQ civil rights movement and history. In the decades that followed Stonewall, it has been mythologized. Accounts vary from participants and news coverage, while more than typical when it came to LGBTQ+ stories at the time, it wasn’t exhaustive. What we know came undoubtedly from Stonewall is a sense of unity in the queer community. The first gay activist organization, The Gay Liberation Front (GLF), was founded, which then led to the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, and more. Pride was born from the celebration and community that lives at the center of protesting. The Month of June signifies a celebration of LGBTQ+ people, history, and life. It demands visibility for people who were criminalized for existing and reminds all of us that living authentically is a radical act. We are lucky enough to benefit from the advocacy of Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Stormé DeLarverie, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Dick Leitsch, Craig Rodwell, Tommy Lanigan-Schmidt, Martin Boyce, Raymond Castro, and so many more who made Pride possible. Pride is rooted in connection. To find community, check out this non-exhaustive list of resources: It Gets Better Center for Black Equity Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (Familia:TQLM) The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance Trans Lifeline LGBT National Help Center

June 22, 2026 — A little over a year and a half ago, I performed in drag for the first time. I remember the way time seemed to slow down as I stepped through the curtain into the bar, the rush of the spotlight glowing on my face, and the feeling that this was something I was truly meant to be doing. But, just as importantly, I remember the outpouring of support I felt from the community around me after the performance was over; people coming up to talk to me, older performers offering me kind words and advice. This, to me, is the most important thing about drag. Don’t get me wrong, I love the makeup, the glamorous costumes, the spotlights, the chance to transform into another version of myself for a night–but more than anything, I love the community that comes with it. When I did that first drag number, I had been going to local shows around my city for over a year. The first time I went to a drag show was also my first time in a gay bar, and I vividly remember the feeling of stepping into a space surrounded almost exclusively by other queer people and immediately feeling so incredibly at home. That feeling has only grown stronger. Drag is, and has always been, a space for queer people to find community and family. Experienced drag performers will often “adopt” newer performers and become drag parents, a tradition with roots in the ballroom scene; mentor figures who are there to teach you which rhinestones to use and how to style a wig properly, but also very often become extremely close, chosen family. Not only do I have a drag mom, but several drag aunts, a self-proclaimed drag godmother (who happens to be the very queen I reached out to for that first open-stage), and, since my partner is also a performer, a huge collection of drag in-laws. My partner and I often joke that the patio at the club feels like a family reunion–one of us might get lectured for taking tips badly or having our wigs glued down wrong, but we’re surrounded by people we consider to be close family, people who are often older than us who we can look up to and learn from. It's a space full of love. My local drag scene has quickly become a space where I feel safe, cared for, and uplifted, where I can be the fullest version of myself, whether I’m on or offstage. This type of chosen family can be incredibly important for the mental health of queer people, especially those who don’t have support from the families they grew up in, and is, to me, one of the most beautiful things about the queer community. Finding people who you can see yourself in, who share your experience, can be life-changing. When you surround yourself with people who can truly see and understand you, you feel less alone. When everyone around you is the weird gay one, you don’t feel like the odd one out anymore. You feel like a part of something. I urge anyone who feels like they need closer queer relationships in their lives to find the community spaces around them. Pride events are amazing, but there are so many welcoming queer spaces that exist year-round. Look for your local gay bars or sober queer spaces like coffee shops and art collectives. Look at social media or flyers around town for queer events that continue past June, maybe for a specific identity or a group that you’re a part of. Find your local drag shows and show venues–hey, maybe even pick up a wig yourself. It might change your life for the better. Get Involved Ever thought about how your mental health journey could be the blueprint someone else needs? Tell your story on our blog and show the world what mental health mobilization looks like today. Find out how to submit your story on our website.

June 16, 2026 — Active Minds, backed by $5 million from Google.org, is expanding its youth-led mental health program to equip 100,000 students across 154 high schools.

June 8, 2026 — The first gift we’re ever given is a word — our name. When life gets in the way of words it’s difficult to process emotions in relation to the environment. I would argue words are the most basic structure of communication, even more than the alphabet since we learn the alphabet after our first words and letters/characters across languages don’t necessitate a definition or feeling. Words are so necessary to connection that there are countless ways to communicate them both textually, verbally, and physically. New words are coined by culture to bridge gaps, fill a niche, and document society. From anthropocene to google to touch grass language is preeminent in the identification of people and time. With broadness and dependency of connection on words it makes sense that the practice of journaling becomes a tool for mental health management. There is no required application to follow in the pursuit of journaling. From pen and paper to voice notes, journaling in its integrity is meant to be an outlet for all the thoughts, feelings, perspectives, etc. that cannot be captured until put into words. Whether a free write or prompt inspired, the practice of putting words to life is as old as humanity. Music without lyrics has written rhythmic cues like aria, allegro, ritardando, dolce. Fine art is paired with artist statements both personally and relationally oriented. We think, dream, feel in words – it's when words fail that anxieties spike. Journaling is said to strengthen problem solving skills, emotional resilience, self-compassion, and self-regulation whilst also identifying patterns in thoughts, moods or behaviors. Doctors and mental health professionals recommend journaling because of its low cost high reward model, with institutions like NAMI encouraging and formatting suggested prompts for reflection. Physiological wellbeing has always in some way been associated with stress. In 1997 James W. Pennebaker developed the Emotional Disclosure Theory, which inspired more formal scientific recognition for the benefits of journaling. It postulates that the suppression of emotions requires significant physical efforts which weakens the immune system and increases the risk of illness. It is through writing about emotionally charged, traumatic events that they can be organized and mental clarity can be improved. In 2022 the National Library of Medicine published a study that found “a journaling intervention resulted in a greater reduction in scores on patient health measures." While there is still very limited scientific data measuring the effects of journaling, it is a rational assumption that processing emotion, exercising mindfulness, and self-reflection are all conducive practices facilitated through journaling. This elicits the question: if we can feasibly infer the benefits of journaling why have we not empirically tested it more? Data driven analysis informs how we can better care for ourselves and gives mental health providers, researchers, and organizations the information they need to best pursue equitable action and recommendation. Journaling Prompts: Body Check In: Where are you physically feeling your emotions? What is the sensation? 3 - 2 - 1 Method: What are 3 things you noticed, 2 things you enjoyed, and 1 thing to focus on for tomorrow? High/Low: What was your high and what was your low of the day? How did each event inform the rest of your day thereafter? Control Inventory: What today has been within your control and what has been without? Fact vs Fiction: What is the anxiety informed worst-case scenario and what is the realistic outcome? Bonus: Check in after the event and log what happened, how did it compare to your initial thoughts?

June 8, 2026 — As an autistic girl growing up, I didn't care what others thought of me, even if I had no friends. So, I didn't hesitate to stand up and fight for another girl who was being bullied by our classmates. But the bullying escalated for almost two years, becoming increasingly vicious and eventually directed at me. They called me the "Shihori Virus" and treated me like a piece of garbage. Even though I had a strong mind, I was gradually drained, and at one point, I began to consider taking my own life. One day, I wrote down the names of the bullies and exactly what they did to me in a notebook, seeking revenge. But after simulating that worst-case scenario in my head, I realized that dying wouldn't be the revenge I had imagined. They would just forget about me and live happily without me. So, I decided not to die. Instead, I decided to become a singer. I thought that would be the ultimate payback. What if the girl they treated like a dirty virus became a star? What if they heard her music and her voice on TV or the radio, and were accidentally saved by her message? I knew that would be the most humiliating thing for those heartless kids. I was also really fortunate that I was going to an exclusive cram schools after elementary school, which meant I wouldn’t have to see my bullies again. I started to make friends who were emotionally and intellectually more mature. I was so excited to see my new friends. Having a new community outside of the local, tiny community where I was born expanded my perspective a lot and gave me a safe place. At that point, I realized that my school was not the only world I had to live in. As my world expanded, I realized that I didn't need to stay in that tiny, limited community forever. There are people out there who will accept exactly who you are; you can explore anywhere to find them. And who knows? They might be looking for you, too! I stopped living for my bullies, and I started living for myself. Back then, I could only see darkness in my future, but I still wrote a letter to my future self: "Have you made your dream come true?" I will never forget looking up at the smoky blue sky from my window, throwing my desperate wishes into the universe. Yes, I did, girl. I became a professional singer-songwriter. My voice has been on TV and radio, and my songs have hit the top of the Japanese charts many times. Those kids have probably heard my music without even realizing it. I remind myself, all of this happened because you chose to live, girl. You saved my life. You proved them wrong, and you proved that there was never anything wrong with you. You are my savior, and I can't thank you enough for making that incredibly brave decision. After walking many rocky roads to reach my dreams, I am releasing my new single, "When I Decided Not To Die," on June 5th. I forgave them long ago when I graduated from elementary school. I still have scars in my heart, but they are my scars of honor. They used to hurt deeply, but they nurtured the core message of my life: "LOVE WHO YOU ARE." Today, I even thank those hardships for guiding me onto this path—to empower people through my music.

May 27, 2026 — Leadership begins with youth and young adults. This is a foundational truth for Active Minds – our organization runs on the advocacy built by youth and young adults. Whether through chapters, run/walk clubs, webinars, the institute, and more. To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, five young leaders attended Capitol Hill championing the necessity of federally backed mental health support for youth and young adults led by youth and young adults to legislators. On May 5, Ayaan Moledina, Amy Senkerik, Naomi Hines, Michael Landu, and Carson Domey sat on a panel together in the Rayburn Building sharing their experiences in advocacy to House of Representative staffers and legislators. They spoke out in support of the Campus Lifeline Act, an Active Minds-authored bill dedicated to strengthening mental health support on college campuses across America through the expansion of mental health crisis resources by including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on newly-issued student ID cards alongside increased federal investment in youth-informed mental health strategies. Panelists 17-year old Ayaan Moledina running for school board in his home county of Rock Round in Texas and director of SEAT, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, shared his lived experiences with mental health as he passionately spoke to the expansion of suicide prevention efforts. “You can’t make effective mental health policy for young people without young people… Students are the ones closest to the problem,” Moledina said during the panel as he shared his story of being diagnosed with depression at age 10 and his trajectory into organizing grassroots efforts dedicated to education and mental health competency. Carson Domey, a Massachusetts native, said that his medical challenges “prepared him for the real chapter of [his] advocacy in mental health.” Since 12 he has advocated for the accessibility of telehealth care and found his passion for mental health advocacy after the loss of a friend to suicide in 2018. This led to his efforts in redefining physical education standards to include mental health and spreading awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. As CEO and founder of the Acts of Kindness Project, Naomi Hines seeks to uplift underserved communities. The soon to be graduate of Bowie State University is a certified mental health first aid provider with the ambition of becoming a pediatric speech language pathologist. “Why suffer alone when you have these resources around you? But we need to figure out a way to connect students to that and make students feel more comfortable even utilizing a big resource like that,” Hines said about the need for resource expansion and the necessity of destigmatizing mental health. Miachael Landu is a devoted advocate to mental health resource accessibility and passionate about destigmatizing the use of psychiatric prescriptions to be treated with the same acceptance as medications for high blood pressure. His advocacy stems from his personal journey with mental health and diagnosis with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). “We all have the potential to inspire each other, I am really inspired by 988,” said Landu. “988 would have been a really helpful resource for me back when I didn’t know it existed.” Amy Senkerik is inspired by the loss of her best friend who died by suicide to ensure no student goes without access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. “When we make help easier to find we give people a better chance…Putting 988 on student IDs isn't a complicated solution.” She is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University, the largest public university in the country, where she successfully advocated for the addition of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to be included on digital student IDs. “They don’t have to google anything, they don’t have to remember where to look, the option is right in front of them. Clear, immediate, and accessible,” she said in reference to the importance of accessibility to the lifeline in a time of crisis. Campus Lifeline Act Get involved now by supporting the Campus Lifeline Act! Reach out to your representative to show your support, it takes less than 3 minutes to click the link and urge your member of Congress to support this bipartisan bill that aims to expand access to campus mental health resources, and increase visibility of the 988 Lifeline among young adults. Youth and young adults deserve a seat at the table when it comes to policymaking because no one knows better what young people need than themselves. Policy should reflect who it is created for. These panelists are an exemplary model of the necessity of youth and young adult perspectives when it comes to making policy for youth and young adults.

May 5, 2026 — The Campus Lifeline Act aims to expand access to campus mental health resources, and increase visibility of the 988 Lifeline among young adults.

April 2, 2026 — The newly expanded digital platform is now helping youth advocate for mental health and improve digital wellbeing in their schools, families, and communities.

October 10, 2025 — October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness and keep the conversation about mental health moving forward. For young people especially, this day is a reminder that mental health isn’t a side topic; it’s essential to our overall well-being, now and in the future. Adolescence and early adulthood are full of change: switching schools, leaving home, starting college, or getting a new job. These milestones can be exciting but also bring significant stress, uncertainty, and pressure. At the same time, the constant presence of social media and online life can create even more mental strain. Being connected 24/7 can make it hard to unplug, and harder still to feel grounded. Thankfully, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of helping young people build mental resilience. Active Minds aims to provide youth and young adults with the tools and skills needed to manage life’s ups and downs. Research shows that when we invest in mental health early, the impact goes far beyond just the individual. Mentally healthy young adults are more able to thrive in school, contribute to their communities, and show up fully in their lives. Prevention starts with awareness. Recognizing the early signs of mental health struggles can lead to faster support, better outcomes, and a stronger sense of connection. Parents, teachers, health workers, and peers all play a role. From teaching everyday coping skills to offering support in schools and communities, there are so many ways we can build environments where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re wondering where to start, Active Minds is a great place to turn. We are leading the way in changing the conversation around mental health for young adults, with impactful, accessible programs available in communities across the country. Whether you want to learn more, get involved, or create change in your own space, here’s what Active Minds offers: so many programs. Like Active Minds Speakers, which features trained speakers who share powerful, personal stories that open up important conversations and help break down stigma. Or Send Silence Packing, a traveling exhibit that displays backpacks representing the lives lost to suicide. Each of these one-of-a-kind experiences invites communities to learn and take action. This World Mental Health Day, learn something new about mental health and advocate for change in your community. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you do have the power to make a difference, for yourself and for others

September 29, 2025 — September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting mental health support, especially among students who may be navigating the pressures of school, friendships, and personal challenges. For many young people, life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s essential to remember that struggling is not a sign of weakness. This month presents an opportunity not only to reflect on the importance of mental health but also to take active steps toward supporting ourselves and one another — steps that should continue long after the month of September ends. One of the most powerful ways to prevent suicide is through connection. A simple, genuine check-in can go a long way. Asking a friend, “You good?” — and truly meaning it — can open the door to a conversation that someone might not have known how to start. In an era when we’re all expected to maintain appearances, being vulnerable and listening without judgment can make all the difference. We must normalize checking in, acknowledge when we're not okay, and find ways to reach out for help when things feel overwhelming. Another crucial step is knowing where to turn when support is needed. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741), and The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth (1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678) are available 24/7 and completely confidential. These services offer trained counselors who are there to help anyone in crisis or simply needing someone to talk to. It’s also important for students to know that their school counselors, wellness centers, and mental health organizations on campus are safe places to seek help. For those looking to be more proactive in supporting friends, the A.S.K. platform is a valuable tool. A.S.K. stands for Acknowledge, Support, and Keep-in-Touch. A.S.K. empowers students to have genuine conversations with their peers and provides them with the confidence to ask tough questions. Whether you’re worried about someone or want to be prepared to support a friend in the future, the A.S.K. digital experience offers practical guidance to help you recognize warning signs and respond with care. Explore the program and access resources on our website. It’s also essential to remember that while supporting others is incredibly meaningful, taking care of yourself is just as important. No one can pour from an empty cup. Burnout is a real concern, especially among students who often serve as the “strong friend” in their circle. Rest, boundaries, and self-compassion are not optional. If you’re struggling, you deserve support too. In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, let’s commit to creating a culture of care on our campuses and in our communities. Let’s be the friends who ask the tough questions, who stay present, and who understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of strength. Everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe. The conversation around mental health doesn’t end in September; it starts here and continues every day.

September 19, 2025 — 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.