At Active Minds, we believe in the power of young leaders to transform the mental health landscape. Our Youth Spotlight series is dedicated to celebrating exceptional young people who are founders, advocates, and changemakers, using their passion and purpose to create real impact in their communities and beyond.
We are incredibly proud to shine a light on this month’s featured leader: Diya Mankotia, a 17-year-old senior based in Austin, Texas.
Diya is the founder of EDSA (Eating Disorder Support & Awareness), a youth-led mental health organization with over 350 volunteers across more than 117 cities in 15 countries. Project EDSA uses a three-tier approach to address eating disorder awareness and support, focusing on mobilizing students, schools, and technology. Through school-wide campaigns and global chapters, EDSA empowers students to initiate mental health conversations within their communities.
Through their partnership with the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD), partner schools receive event guides and free peer support. As the Program Coordinator of ANAD’s School Ambassador Program, Diya has played a key role in launching 80+ chapters in high schools and universities across 12 countries, working to increase the visibility, inclusivity, and accessibility of eating disorder education and recovery support. Now, by training chapter leads in the Body Project, the world’s leading eating disorder prevention program, she is integrating evidence-based prevention to strengthen advocacy efforts and improve early intervention.
In less than a year, EDSA has achieved over 900,000 impressions through its digital platforms, creating a global impact. By increasing resource accessibility and fostering connections beyond the classroom, EDSA ensures that eating disorder support is available to anyone, from anywhere.
Inspired by Diya’s dedication to advocacy? You can join the movement and become a changemaker too!
Learn more about Active Minds policy initiatives and find out how you can get involved on our website, or reach out directly to our team at policy@activeminds.org.
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