We are so excited to announce and introduce our 2025-’26 Youth Advisory Board!
We received over 650 applications from around the world and selected an incredible group of inspiring young people who are making an impact in their communities. This team of Youth Advisors will play a pivotal role in the planning and execution of programs and campaigns core to the Foundation’s mission
As we celebrate Born This Way Foundation’s thirteenth anniversary, we remain dedicated to working with and for young people in every facet of our work. Since our inception in 2012, our co-founders, Lady Gaga and Cynthia Germanotta, have believed that young people should lead the way toward a kinder, braver world. Our Youth Advisory Board brings this vision to life by ensuring our programs, initiatives, and storytelling reflect the real experiences and needs of their generation. We are thrilled to welcome the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Board, a group of passionate and engaged young leaders dedicated to kindness, mental health advocacy, and making a meaningful impact in their communities.
“For over 13 years, my daughter and I have had the privilege of following the lead of young people as they build a kinder, braver world,” said Cynthia Germanotta, Co-Founder and President of Born This Way Foundation. “We are here to learn directly from young people and equip them with the resources and support they need to drive meaningful change in their respective communities. Our Youth Advisors represent the future of our movement, and I’m deeply grateful for their passion, leadership, and commitment.”
Youth Advisory Board members play a key role in shaping our work by sharing their perspectives, helping design programs, and amplifying our mission through media, storytelling, and advocacy. They engage with our initiatives, such as the #BeKind365 pledge, Be There Certificate, and Channel Kindness, while also providing direct input on campaigns and research efforts. We are honored to work alongside this inspiring new cohort and look forward to sharing more about their impact in the months ahead.
Learn more about our 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Board and celebrate the ways they are changing the world, one act of kindness at a time.
Ahmed E. (he/his) is a 19-year-old Egyptian-American activist-citizen, climate researcher, and author (Laila’s Toolbox) dedicated to merging health and sustainable research in the face of the climate crisis. He is a freshman at Harvard College studying Neuroscience and Government. He’s previously served on the United States Youth Advisory Council for the United Nations Ocean Decade. He’s been invited to speak at significant events: Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics Narratives Showcase, the United States National Committee of Sciences (UNSC) and the UNYD Rights of the Child forum. Ahmed authored Laila’s Toolbox (first climate and health children’s book), a book that not only entertains but enlightens young readers about the profound impact of the climate crisis on human health. Through it, he encourages them to understand their pivotal role in forging a sustainable future. Beyond his roles as a local youth climate organizer, Ahmed underscores the value of climate research as a catalyst for transformation. His work with NASA on sea ice extent and a microplastic cleanup prototype has earned recognition from USAID, the U.S. Army, and Stockholm’s Junior Water Prize. He’s received the Diana Award, Princeton Prize for Race Relations, Arab America 20 under 20, Litwack Legacy of Leadership Award, and named a POET “Never Satisfied” scholar. Ahmed Eldeeb’s mission is clear: forge a sustainable, equitable world filled with promise.
Ajay S. (he/him) is an independent journalist and ocean-climate communicator. He is a NAAEE 30 Under 30 and works as the Media Manager at Bow Seat. He is also the founder of Generation Artivism, an initiative that empowers young people to explore activism through art. Passionate about the intersection of environmental advocacy, storytelling, and mental well-being, he uses communication to bridge gaps between science, policy, and public engagement. His work spans journalism, youth artivism, and direct marine conservation efforts, with a focus on making ocean science more accessible. Previously, he has led creative advocacy initiatives that have engaged young people globally. He has a background in media and environmental communication and believes in the power of stories to inspire change.
Alexandra D. (she/her) is a high school student from Michigan with a passion for uplifting others through music and community service. With years of choir experience, most recently with the University of Michigan Youth Chamber Singers, she uses her passion for music to inspire and connect with her community. Alexandra has been instrumental working with the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative in efforts to eliminate racially restrictive housing codes in her county and enhance access to equitable education. Her community service has earned her numerous accolades, including the Michigan Community Impact Award, the National Community Service Ambassador Award, and the Zero Hero Award. Alexandra aspires to give teens a platform to share their stories and express themselves, fostering joy and support within her community. She dreams of pursuing a career in law to advocate for justice and equality on a broader scale.
Alexa K. (she/her) is a high school sophomore from New Jersey. She currently serves as the Advocacy Director of her school’s Girl Up chapter, educating her peers and community on gender justice, with a focus on mental health awareness and empowering female youth changemakers through STEM and sports. Alexa is captain of her club soccer team and has been a youth soccer coach since 2021, where she helps instill values of teamwork, confidence, and inclusivity amongst young players. She believes in the importance of fostering these values from an early age and lives by her motto: “embrace a kindness-first life.” In her free time, Alexa practices self-care through mindfulness and gratitude exercises, and enjoys volunteering for sports programs for children with disabilities. She is excited to strengthen her storytelling skills in efforts to erase the stigma around mental health.
Ana B. L. DE S. (she/her) is a 19-year-old gap year student from São Paulo, Brazil passionate about international relations and gender studies. She started to play sports at an early age, like soccer and kung fu, which had a great impact on her physical and mental health, and since then she believes that every girl deserves the right to be whoever they want and have a support network through their lives. She’s advocated for gender rights since 14 in an global community called Girl Up, becoming their global teen advisor at 16. As a teen advisor, she wrote and recorded videos about women’s rights to their social media and led session in global events to talk about leadership to teens. At 16, she also founded the first feminist club in her school, leading 15 girls and organized a campaign to fund +1k pads and relieve girls’ anxiety related to menstrual poverty, since her truth that gender issues can impact girls’ mental health. As a founder of her club, she keeps doing events to advocate for girls to have their rights guaranteed, organizing workshops about women in politics and events to expand menstrual dignity alongside companies like Always & Capricho Magazine. She intends to study political sciences and international relations at university, pursuing a career in organizations who fight for humans rights.
Anghelina S. (she/her) is a high school student at The Global College in Madrid, pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. A firm believer in the power of law, advocacy, and youth participation, she works to amplify children’s voices in decision-making spaces. Anghelina has collaborated with the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Child Rights Connect, shaping child-friendly policies and directly working on Children’s Vision for Human Rights Report for the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR 75). Her activism has taken her to global stages – a nominee for the International Children’s Peace Prize, a speaker at the Children’s Peace Prize Summit, and a voice at the UN Summit of the Future and Amnesty’s Global Youth Summit, addressing child rights in conflict zones, youth activism, and digital policy reform. As an Advisory Board member for the 5th World Congress on Justice with Children, she influences legal frameworks impacting young people. She also serves on the State of Youth and People vs. Big Tech boards, pushing for policies that safeguard children’s rights in the digital era. With her eyes set on a future in Humanitarian Law and Children’s Rights, Anghelina hopes to shape a world where policies truly reflect the voices of the children they are meant to protect.
Anjani S. (she/her) is an Indian-American activist and social entrepreneur pursuing a degree in Neuroscience at the University of Florida. As the Executive Director and Founder of Minds Without Borders, a youth-led nonprofit, she is committed to advancing equitable mental health practices through policy advocacy, storytelling, and education across the globe. Anjani has been recognized by Prudential, USA Today, NASDAQ, Yahoo News, Times of India, and New York City Times Square. Focused on empowering youth voices, Anjani addresses critical challenges in mental health, climate change and poverty, working to support individuals in need while inspiring the next generation of leaders. Stay connected with Anjani on Instagram @9njani.
Augustina M. (she/her) is a high school student from Atlanta, Georgia. She believes that adolescent and youth mental health awareness is imperative to the development of the next generation and is passionate about advocating for this. She is learning about the intersectionality of mental health advocacy with other aspects of interest in her education and personal life, such as the involvement of young women in STEM fields. She is a “All Star Cast Member” for the Georgia Thespian Conference and has also been involved in stage management. She sees theatre as an important source of connection and community. Augustina hopes to pursue a degree in vertebrate biology for the purpose of paleontological research. She is excited to use her varied interests and knowledge in order to form connections with others and to pursue mental health education for all.
Batul C. (she/her) is an undergraduate studying Computer Systems Engineering. She believes that technology is the catalyst for innovation. She sees the world through the lens of an engineer- building solutions to inequality. Batul has previously been an ambassador for Rewriting The Code – with a focus on encouraging women and minorities in STEM. In fact, she’s helped over 200 young women to get into a technology role! She has continued to be awarded for her commitments – most recently winning Google’s Europe-wide scholarship for excellence. Batul has also received the Technology Undergraduate Social Mobility Award, as well as a scholarship with the IET (institute of engineering and technology.) This last summer, Batul had the privilege of speaking at the World Bank in Washington D.C. about the struggles of women in Tech. Batul hopes to go on to do a masters degree, with a focus on innovation- using her experiences as a launchpad to make the world a better place.
Chris P. (he/him) is a final year undergraduate student from Brisbane, Australia studying Psychology at the University of Queensland. He believes that everybody deserves access to the mental healthcare they need and is committed to neurodiversity affirming practice. Chris’s background includes lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery, which fuels his passion for supporting others on their own journeys. He has diverse experience across the academic, non-profit, private, and government sectors spanning from research to professional practice in mental health. These experiences have led Chris to his current work as an autism researcher and advisor where he supports fellow autistic individuals at both an individual and systemic level. He is also a published co-author in LGBTQIA+ mental health in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. Chris hopes to continue to postgraduate study by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and is excited to continue using his passion for research and mental health to support and advocate for the autistic community as a future clinical psychologist.
Claire M. (she/her) is a British-Zimbabwean activist studying Medicine at Imperial College London. She believes that storytelling gives us the power to share our truth in extraordinary ways to create long-lasting change. Raised in Manchester, Claire advocates for place-based social action. She has previously evaluated the impact of her city’s £7.6 million fund investing directly into grassroot youth organisations. Claire has also been commissioned to create short films highlighting local heroes, young change-makers and artists championing sustainability. Today, Claire works across sectors with the #iwill Movement and the Foundation for Education Development to build a more equitable future for all. Claire hopes to shape a world in which every young person understands how powerful their voice is. You can follow along with her journey @clairemmadz on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Dylan D. (he/him) is an artist and musician from just outside of Richmond, Virginia. He believes in the power of creativity as a way to make people feel seen and understood. Dylan has released several songs on all streaming platforms about queer identity and connection. He previously worked with the Boston Globe helping to share powerful stories, and currently, he runs a YouTube channel where he makes videos about mental health, music, culture, identity, and other current topics. He has been recognized not only for his efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in his community, but also for his songwriting and arts skills, receiving awards in both local and national competitions. He hopes to share his art with more people and continue telling powerful stories.
Eliza M.-R (she/they) is a mental health & community advocate from Adelaide, Australia, working in the Design & Development team as the Implementation Lead at batyr. They believe sharing and learning from lived experience is fundamental to making sustainable, community-centred change, especially in the mental health sector. Eliza has previously obtained her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of South Australia, and has used that experience in her work and volunteering to further efforts in the preventative mental health space, connecting to thousands of young people across Australia by sharing her story & facilitating mental health workshops. They also use their skills in research, including achieving a First Class Honours for her thesis & study exploring the factors that contribute to Australians’ attitudes towards the date of Australia Day. This experience allowed Eliza to demonstrate and advocate for the importance of platforming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, publishing their research in an international journal, sharing the results on national radio and in conferences (winning the Online Conference for Undergraduate Research Australasia. Research Excellence Award for Social Impact). Eliza is thrilled to continue using her skills and passion for community-led preventative action to help people across the globe learn to share their story, and use it to pave the future for their communities.
Fay K. (they/she) is an actor, comedian, creator, and activist who uses storytelling and humor to educate and engage audiences. They believe in the power of media and laughter to shift perspectives, promote disability justice, and foster inclusivity. Fay has worked as a disability consultant and creator for Gen Z for Change, collaborated with many different brands and creators, and taught improv to students of various ages and levels. She has performed stand-up comedy at a variety of venues and has appeared in short films and documentaries highlighting disability experiences. Fay graduated with an emphasis in Ethical Approaches to Acting through the Johnston Center at the University of Redlands. They’re honored and excited to continue using their passion for a more inclusive world to support Born This Way Foundation’s mission.
Hanna P. (she/her) is a Direct Care Mentor at Juniper Haven, a residential treatment center specializing in the care of adolescent girls with mental health challenges. She believes that fostering a future of peace and collective prosperity requires empathy, kindness, and nurturing strong community relationships. As a Foreign Language & Area Studies Fellow (AY 23/24, SU 24), Hanna focused on using foreign languages to build bridges of understanding and compassion and attended the Russian Immersion Program at Middlebury Language Schools to secure advanced proficiency. Previously, she has served as a Department of State Intern at the United States Mission to the United Nations and engaged in advocacy work for Eastern European refugees in Utah, founding a Russian/Ukrainian ESL Program in her community. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Utah with a BA in Russian Studies and a BA in International Studies & Foreign Security. Hanna is excited to continue her education, joining Columbia University SIPA’s Class of 2027 this fall as an MIA candidate and will begin Middlebury College’s program for an MA in Russian this summer.
Kristen L. (she/her) is a trailblazing mental health advocate, podcaster, and nonprofit organizer from Orange County, California dedicated to making mental healthcare more accessible and affordable. As a student at Stanford University, she currently studies the intersection of psychology, human biology, and public policy. Growing up in underserved communities without adequate and culturally competent mental healthcare, Kristen saw how economic barriers and cultural shame prevented people from getting the help they needed. The cultural stigma she endured is what fueled her passion for activism at the age of 15. Realizing the need to create a digitally-accessible resource for her community, she launched The Care Café, a podcast creating open conversations around mental health. Through interviews with over 20 mental health experts including the Chief Innovation Officer of NAMI, she explores topics like digital wellness, therapy access, and policy change. After losing her best friend to suicide, Kristen spearheaded Girls Inc.’s Political Advocacy Council in Orange County, helping implement California Senate Bill 14 to secure excused mental health days for students across her state. She has presented to the California State Attendance Review Board, lobbied school boards, and spoken on mental health policy to leaders like Congressman Mike Levin, CA Senator Anthony Portantino, Deputy Superintendent Steve Zimmer, CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Kristen is currently working with #HalfTheStory in their collaboration with Girls Inc. to implement empowering digital wellness programming for young girls. Now at Stanford, Kristen continues amplifying the need for culturally competent care, digital safety, and stronger mental health policies. Instagram: @thecarecafe and @kris.s.lew
Jeremy L. (he/him) is a high school student raised in Connecticut and a recent transplant to California. He enjoys swimming, lifting, and hanging out with his three younger sisters (two truths and one exaggeration). Jeremy believes in amplifying teen voices to build an on and offline community. He enjoys sharing insight about teen behavior on Boston Children’s Digital Wellness Lab Student Advisory Council. Jeremy is learning how platforms foster connections among youth, from sharing personal experiences to listening to the perspectives of others, through Snap’s Council for Digital Wellbeing. Jeremy founded the nonprofit Teenage Handbook, whose mission is to use technology to help teens navigate into a healthy adulthood. On March 2nd, www.teenagehandbook.com is kicking off its second annual competition encouraging teens to digitally journal in any media. Jeremy hopes to continue to use creativity, communication, and technology to help others.
Luana M. (she/her) is a passionate high school student from Mozambique with a deep commitment to girls’ rights and advocacy. She is the founder and leader of a club dedicated to promoting education and quality healthcare for girls. Through her work as an activist, Luana encounters inspiring stories that drive her to continue her efforts. In early 2024, she was honored with the Girl Up Project Award, which provided funding for a project focused on cultivating creativity and inclusivity among children. In the future, Luana plans to study economics to gain a deeper understanding of how economic decisions impact social issues and how those decisions can be made more mindful and inclusive.
London D. (he/him) is a high school student and Appalachian activist with a creative spark and bold vision for change. As the founding hub coordinator of West Virginia’s first Sunrise Movement Hub—a nationwide environmental advocacy group championing a more sustainable future. He advocates for policy, builds community, and pushes for positive change through organizing. An active member of FBLA and DECA, he co-leads initiatives to improve financial literacy and equips young people with the tools they need to be successful. London also founded Galant Magazine, an innovative startup where art meets activism, sparking fresh conversation and reimagining how we view magazines. Whether he’s knocking on doors, listening to Beyoncé on repeat, or geeking out over public transportation, he finds ways to balance his passions with everyday life. Drawing on his journey with mental health, London turns his challenges into fuel to make positive change. London’s constant goal is to make the world a more peaceful, loving, and kind place, and there could not be a better organization than Born This Way Foundation to accomplish that.
Maja A. (she/her) is an undergraduate student from a small town in Poland, currently studying International Business at Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany. Before starting university, she took a gap year as an au pair in the US, an experience that broadened her cultural perspective and deepened her passion for mental health advocacy. Working closely with children, she witnessed how essential it is to nurture mental well-being from an early age. As part of the program, Maja had the opportunity to take courses such as “Arts and Entertainment” at UCLA Extension, allowing her to blend her creative passions—playing piano and dancing in her free time—with her growing interest in storytelling and advocacy. Having trained karate as a child, Maja developed a strong sense of discipline, perseverance, and mental resilience—values that continue to shape her approach to both personal and professional challenges. She strongly believes that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact and hopes to inspire others to take action within their communities. Now pursuing her studies in Germany, Maja is eager to apply her international business knowledge and communication skills to amplify voices and drive positive change.
Margaret G. (she/her) is a research assistant at the University of California Los Angeles. She believes that through research, we can better advocate for the mental health needs of underserved communities. Margaret is researching specifically the mental health of Latino young adults and youth which she additionally has previous experience with during her time at the University of California Merced where she conducted an independent research project focusing on the agricultural history of ethno-racially diverse communities in the Central Valley of California. Her passion for mental health political advocacy has extended into her recent fellowships at Mental Health America as a Young Leader’s Council Member and Active Mind’s Trailblazer. Margaret holds a B.A in Psychology with a minor in political science and is excited to continue her research for mental health and political advocacy by continuing her educational journey through obtaining joint JD and Clinical Psychology PhD degrees.
Montserrat H. O. (she/her) is a Biology and Clinical Psychology undergraduate student at Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Mexico. She believes in the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding and ethical leadership through science, ensuring that knowledge serves as a bridge between communities and drives positive global change. Montserrat seeks to bridge the gap between research and policy, ensuring that scientific advancements contribute to cross-cultural understanding and the inclusion of neurodiverse perspectives in science and education. She has collaborated with international science organizations across three continents and has been recognized with multiple awards for her contributions to research and advocacy. She is committed to integrating biology and psychology to better understand the relationship between mental health, learning, and environmental awareness, promoting holistic approaches to education and well-being.
Murilo F. S. DE O. (he/him) is a Brazilian mental health advocate from a small town in São Paulo, Brazil. As an incoming freshman at Northwestern University, he plans to major in Human Development in Context and Economics. He believes in the power of safe and meaningful youth engagement in mental health and has dedicated the past four years to this cause. Murilo is currently the co-chair of the Child and Youth Working Group at the Global Mental Health Action Network, where he co-leads a community of over 1,520 members worldwide, amplifying young people’s voices in local, national, and international contexts. He also co-founded Blossom, a youth-led initiative that has engaged more than 60 teens since 2021, advocating for mental health from their schools to decision-making spaces. Since he was 15, he’s participated in decision-making spaces and advocacy groups worldwide, from Brazil to Colombia to the United States. At 18, he became the youngest delegate to moderate a session at the ECOSOC Youth Forum at the United Nations, where he lobbied 54 member states to take action on mental health. As part of networks like Pro Lider, Latin America Leadership Academy (LALA) and UNESCO’s BIBO network, Murilo is excited to keep amplifying young voices, ensuring grassroots perspectives are heard alongside international advocacy.
Nicole G.-C (she/her/ella) is a first-generation Mexican American student pursuing a degree in Communication Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With a deep passion for advocacy, public service and empowerment, she is dedicated to supporting the Latinx community. Nicole continues to uplift her community through her public service roles throughout Las Vegas. She is the Founder and Ambassador of the UNLV Harvard Latina Empowerment and Development Chapter. An initiative that empowers Latina students at UNLV to pursue graduate studies, gain mentorship opportunities, and attend the prestigious Harvard LEAD Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition, she serves as the Recruitment Coordinator for the Latino Youth Leadership Conference, a nonprofit organization that encourages Latinx high school students to pursue higher education by connecting them with vital resources, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities. Beyond her work in education and public service, Nicole is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and the well-being of the Latinx community. She recognizes the unique challenges her people face. She is committed to breaking down barriers by promoting access to mental health resources and support systems to the Latinx community. Her dedication to advocacy continues through her work with the Born This Way Foundation, where she seeks to further amplify the voices and needs for those around her.
Niharika S. (she/her) is a high school student from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She is an activist, researcher, and youth legislative advocate fighting for accessible youth mental health support. Niharika serves as a research assistant at Harvard Medical School’s clinical psychology lab, developing an artificial intelligence youth suicide risk prediction algorithm for clinicians to provide outpatient care at Massachusetts General Hospital. She worked as a research intern at Columbia University’s Mental Health Informatics Lab, building a patient-facing AI platform to provide accessible mental health care to low-income NYC communities. Leading a youth activism group, Niharika co-wrote Pennsylvania Senate Bill 886 and House Bill 1519 alongside state senators, working to establish mental health days off for over 1.7 million students in Pennsylvania. She wrote the Official Statewide Teen Mental Health Awareness Day Proclamation, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro. To combat the nationwide mental health crisis, Niharika built the Mind Power iOS app, connecting at-risk youth with emergency support services and credible medical information. She serves as a Youth Advisor to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, providing insight on adolescent mental health research. Her research and activism are recognized on ABC News and the Nasdaq Billboard in Times Square. Niharika is excited to continue mobilizing her community and creating tangible solutions to uplift youth mental health.
Dr. Nojus S. (he/him) is a global health entrepreneur, diplomat, and physician committed to reshaping youth and women’s well-being through digital mental health innovations. With eight years of experience, his initiatives have impacted more than 16,500 people, bridging policy reform, AI-driven healthcare, and cross-sector partnerships to create sustainable change. As founder of Youth For Women Foundation, Nojus has launched 41 youth-led initiatives across Iraq, India, and France, mobilizing $80,000 to democratize essential SRHR and mental health services. His work blends technology with community-driven solutions for strengthening health systems. At the World Health Organization, he co-develops adolescent health indicators adopted by UNFPA and the World Bank, while at WHO’s PMNCH, he rallied thousands of young voices to reshape global health policies. His leadership in the UN Major Group for Children and Youth brought 350 youth from 12 SWANA countries into the global migration dialogue. A champion of digital-first healthcare, Nojus crafts technical frameworks to help governments build inclusive, tech-driven health systems and mentors fellow medics in designing and scaling them. His commitment to all of this is deeply personal—shaped by lived experience navigating mental health challenges in a conflict-affected Iraqi community. Away from work, Nojus recharges with morning jogs and self-growth audiobooks, thrives on bold challenges like climbing rocky mountains, and finds joy in traveling (11 countries and counting), meditating, stargazing with loved ones, and nurturing his bigger-than-life dreams that keep him running every day.
Ose Ehianeta A. (they/them) is a Policy Specialist in Google’s Legal Department and co-leads Trans@Google NYC. Most recently, they served as 12th UNA-USA Youth Observer to the United Nations. Combining journalism with political advocacy, Arheghan’s work utilizes policy, arts, and culture to focus on innovative ways to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 10, 16 and 17. Their journalism can be found in NPR, The Advocate, GLSEN.org and GLAAD AMP. They represented American youth at the 78th UN General Assembly, 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum, the 3rd and 4th World Food Forum, and numerous youth engagement conferences and workshops across the US and abroad. Arheghan is a Harry S. Truman Scholar (’21), GLAAD 20 under 20 Rising Star (’20), Matthew Shepard Foundation Spirit of Matthew awardee (’18) and GLSEN National Student Advocate of the Year (’17). During their time as Youth Observer, they went on a nationwide listening tour to gather feedback from young changemakers which influenced the American Youth Priorities Report for 2023-2024. This report was presented to the US Department of State during the 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum and to the Office of the First Lady Jill Biden. Arheghan has dual degrees in Chinese and Political Science with a specialization in International Relations from The Ohio State University. Armed with valuable insights gained as a student organizer Arheghan is determined to continue bridging the gap between youth-led movements for a better future and the policymakers who have the authority to enshrine transformative change.
Palak Y. (she/her) is a high school student from Massachusetts. Growing up in five cities across two countries has cultivated her appreciation for a world that transcends superficial differences and inspires her to create spaces where every person feels seen and valued in all aspects of their identity. She believes powerful vulnerability and creative expression is the key to change. As Mental Health Committee Co-Chair on Governor Maura Healey’s Youth Council and a Senior Intern for Project 351, she organizes workshops and policy efforts to push for equitable mental health resources. Her advocacy extends to amplifying underrepresented voices in women’s health research and rethinking how schools teach history and identity. She’s been recognized with the 20 Under 20 Girls Who Code Award and the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Certificate. Palak hopes to study Public Health to develop inclusive, data-driven solutions that empower communities and drive systemic change.
Rhia S. (she/her) is a high school student from India. Rhia is passionate about mental health awareness and works to challenge stigma through education and open conversations. She has been deeply involved in Model United Nations, where she has not only competed but also trained students and organized large-scale conferences. During the year, Rhia serves as a student leader in her school, spearheading initiatives in social impact, fundraising, and digital outreach. She hopes to study psychology in the future to continue empowering others, fostering mental well-being, and advocating for inclusive spaces where people feel safe sharing their own stories.
Riley R. (she/her) is a dedicated advocate with a background in public service, policy, and community engagement. A proud Chicagoan and DePaul University graduate, she made history as the university’s first-ever LGBTQ+ senator, planning the university’s first ever Queer prom and was recognized as one of DePaul’s 125 Faces for her leadership. Now based in Washington, D.C., she serves as an appointee in the DC Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, where she leads grants and partnerships to advance equity and strengthen community resilience. Riley has worked on the Harris for President campaign HQ operations team and has held leadership roles with organizations like Team ENOUGH as an executive council member, GLAAD, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as the U.S. chapter lead and youth observer. Passionate about LGBTQ+ visibility and international collaboration, she is currently helping organize WorldPride 2025, ensuring that youth voices are centered and that the event fosters global solidarity. She is especially interested in inclusive policymaking and continues to work at the intersection of governance, advocacy, and social impact. In her free time, Riley enjoys biking, writing, and exploring D.C.’s incredible museums.
Rohan S. (he/him) is a high school senior from Austin, Texas, passionate about mental health advocacy and storytelling. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2018 and struggling with anxiety, he found comfort in books and storytelling. However, he was shocked to learn that many students face barriers to accessing reading materials due to book deserts. At age 11, he co-founded Let’s Learn Foundation, which has since donated over 60,000 books, 105,000 school supplies, and 5,000 mental health kits to more than 13,000 low-income students. Rohan has also founded the Vibrant Voices Project, a theatre program helping youth in juvenile detention express their mental health struggles through monologues. He serves on mental health policy committees for NAMI Texas and the Texas System of Care, advocating for systemic change. Additionally, he has spoken at numerous mental health panels and conferences, sharing his story and proposing new initiatives in mental health policy. Rohan’s work has been recognized by Forbes, PBS, and Channel Kindness. Rohan hopes to continue using storytelling and mental health advocacy to build a kinder world where everyone feels supported.
Rushil J. (he/him) is an entrepreneur, changemaker, producer, and undergrad student studying Data Science at New York University, minoring in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology. He believes in harnessing AI for social good by solving tedious problems plagued by inefficiency, especially in the healthcare and urban transportation sectors. Hailing from Washington D.C., Rushil has interned and presented machine learning research with Penn Medicine, NYU Steinhardt, George Mason University, and Johnson & Johnson. He has continued to use both his technical and project management skills to lead many initiatives in digital policy and increasing diversity in STEM fields, such as founding his 501(c)3, Aviate, and serving as an IN FOCUS Fellow for Jane Street and Don Lavoie Fellow for the Mercatus Center. Most recently, he has organized and hosted TEDxGeorgeMasonU at his alma mater. Rushil is excited to continue using his passion for regulated AI to make the world a better place, including his most recent venture, Corridor, a long-distance rideshare startup targeting college students.
Shruti V. (she/her) is an investor at Insight Partners, a software-focused venture capital and private equity firm based in NYC. She is passionate about mentorship, teaching, and dedicates much of her time to community service advocacy across the arts and career development, including actively teaching youth choirs in NYC, founding a tutoring nonprofit for victims of domestic abuse, volunteering for the Deaf community and career-focused organizations such as Girls Into VC, Girls Who Invest, and Becoming Businesswomen, and presenting workshops at universities such as Harvard, UChicago, Princeton, Yale, Rutgers, etc. Shruti holds a BA in Economics from Princeton University and currently serves on the board of Princeton’s Glee Club Foundation and Annual Giving Committee; she will also be attending Wharton at University of Pennsylvania for her MBA. As a musician, Shruti believes in the power of storytelling through art to strengthen community, and is excited to continue these efforts at Born This Way.
Tanya M. (she/her) is a Lived Experience Diversity & Inclusion and Mental Health consultant and advocate. She believes in the power of lived experience to create meaningful change in society where all voices are heard and seen. Tanya has previously created a youth-led peer support mental health organisation and worked with 80,000+ people around the globe to break the stigma around mental health. She is a recipient of the Diana Award from the UK Royal Family, Points of Light award from the UK Prime Minister, and GenZ Founder of the Year for her work. Tanya is keen to continue using her passion and lived experience to educate, empower, and create change in mental health advocacy.
Wendy N. (she/her) is a young mental health advocate from Durban, South Africa. She is a part of the South African Federation For Mental Health Youth Advisory and Advocacy Forum Member 2024-2025. She believes that true advocacy isn’t just about raising awareness, but about taking action—standing with those who feel isolated and ensuring they know that support is always within reach. Her work is driven by empathy, rooted in the understanding that even the smallest acts of care can lead to lasting change. Wendy is excited to continue advocating for a future where mental health care is accessible to all, and everyone feels empowered to seek help without fear or shame. You can follow Wendy on Instagram at @wendy.ngcobo_
