Washington, D.C. — Over the course of a powerful two-day event, the 2025 Active Minds Mental Health Conference brought together nearly 400 student leaders, mental health advocates, artists, and policy experts for a weekend of learning, connection, and action. The conference served as a national call to mobilize the mental health movement — and the response was electric.
The event opened with remarks from Active Minds Founder and Executive Director Alison Malmon, who set a powerful tone: “Your story matters. And it can be the spark that lights the way for others.” From that moment, youth and young adults were energized to map out strategies for change and commit to creating systems that better support mental health for all.
Highlights from the Weekend:
Inspiring Panels and Keynotes
- The opening session, moderated by Dr. Judith Joseph, featured mental health champions Ayaan Moledina, Lashanda Parker, Dr. Claudia Fernandes, and Maddie Geschu, who encouraged students to use their lived experiences as a driving force in shaping mental health policy.
- Artist and mental health advocate Justine Skye joined Naomi Hines from Bowie State University for a raw, intergenerational conversation on the lifelong journey of healing, therapy, and self-compassion.
- Day two featured an emotional and empowering conversation with independent artist and singer-songwriter Alexander Stewart, who shared his mental health journey through music and treated attendees to a special performance.
Breakout Sessions That Sparked Action
Workshops buzzed with energy as students tackled real-life challenges, shared resources, and turned vulnerability into strategy. From storytelling techniques to student mental health legislation, attendees left equipped to lead change on their campuses and in their communities.
Notably, policy consultant Maddie Geschu celebrated a major federal win: Active Minds’ recommendations on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant were included in the Senate’s appropriations report — a significant milestone for student-centered mental health advocacy.
Celebrating Changemakers
This year’s conference also recognized exceptional leaders and chapters making an impact on their campuses and beyond:
- Chapter of the Year: Athens State University
- Adam Carlson Student Leader of the Year: Jessica Toney, Athens State University
- Health Equity Award: University of California, Los Angeles
- Young Mental Health Champion: Jacob Wolmetz
- Additional awards celebrated innovation in advocacy, storytelling, and connection.
Building the Future of Mental Health
Throughout both days, students explored topics ranging from mental health storytelling and inclusive policy to equity-centered programming and excused absences for mental health days. The resounding theme was clear: Mental health advocacy starts with the power of your own story — and together, we are unstoppable.
As the weekend closed, attendees were reminded that while the conference may be over, the movement is only gaining momentum.
You showed up. You shared your stories. You found community. And this is just the beginning.
To relive the weekend, follow #ActiveMindsCon25 on Instagram and X, and check out highlights from the event.
