10 leaders addressing mental health in schools, on campuses, and globally
Alexandria, VA – Mental Health America (MHA) today is delighted to announce our new Young Leaders Council. Previously known as the Young Mental Health Leaders Council, this group is made up of MHA-identified leaders ages 18-25 who have created programs and initiatives that fill gaps in mental health supports and resources in their communities.
“Mental Health America, through our Next Gen Prevention strategic plan, has recommitted to elevating the voices and leadership of youth," said MHA President and CEO Schroeder Stribling. “Each year since 2017, the young leaders in these cohorts inspire change and influence leaders. We are thrilled to see what this year’s exceptional group will bring to the table.”
The 2023-2024 cohort of 10 includes youth from across the country who will participate in monthly virtual meetings over a six-month term, in addition to receiving one-on-one mentoring. Members will contribute to MHA content and an annual report on expanding or replicating their ideas. Council members will also receive opportunities to present at MHA local and national events and with MHA partners.
The 2023-2024 MHA Young Leaders Council participants include:
- Makaila Davis (she/her), Brookhaven, Pennsylvania
- Julian Guerrero (he/him), Houston, Texas
- Keegan Lee (she/her), Burlington, North Carolina
- Diana Chao (she/they), Claremont, California
- Chayil Bullock-Mariscal (she/her), Charlotte, North Carolina
- Rick Yang (he/him), Westchester, New York
- Jonathan Jean Charles (he/him), Miami, Florida
- Anastasia Erley (she/they), Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania
- Kaisar Perry (they/them), Derry, New Hampshire
- Whitney Andrastek (she/her), Manitowoc, Wisconsin
“Youth aren’t just our future, they are the now, making huge impacts in communities across the country,” said MHA Vice President of Peer and Youth Advocacy Kelly Davis. “The more we listen to and act on youth lived experience, the better the overall mental health of the nation becomes.”
Learn more and read each member’s bio here.
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About Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-driven nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, resilience, recovery, and closing the mental health equity gap. Mental Health America’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of whole-person health, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; and integrated care, services and supports for those who need them. Learn more at MHAnational.org.