Our Judges

Statewide Judges

Jump to regional judges

2026 Statewide Judges will be added following Statewide Judging for the Directing Change Film Contest in late April

Regional Judges

Aaron Avila holds a bachelor’s in visual communication design and works as a marketing coordinator for a construction material company. Aaron has critiqued, advised, and led many artistic video projects and has a passion for art, design, and humanitarian causes.

Abigail Wainwright retired in 2023 from her position as a middle school learning specialist at an independent school in San Francisco, where she developed programing around inclusion and mental health. She has also worked in film as a sound editor.

Aditi Sonal

Aerielle Nisson has over 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising and currently works as marketing manager for the Council on Aging Southern California, overseeing eight community programs across five counties. She has also taught the public relations and advertising Cal State Fullerton capstone project three times and was selected as PR Speaker of the Year.

Alain Kerfs is an award-winning fiction writer who teaches fiction writing to young adults, English language learners, and incarcerated individuals. He also volunteered for over a decade with a crisis and suicide prevention hotline.

Alec Castellano is the founder and director of Turlock Video Productions and a graduate of San Jose State University’s radio, television, and film program. Alec is also the multimedia and theatre teacher at Linden High School, which is located outside of Stockton, CA.

Alex MacDonald is an award-winning actor, as well as a director, writer, and creative producer with 15+ years in the entertainment industry.

Alex Phuong earned a BA in English from California State University, Los Angeles and currently writes about literature, film, and culture. He has written hundreds of film reviews for MovieBoozer and has contributed articles to Mindfray. Currently residing in Alhambra, he writes with the sincerest hope to inspire readers while fully supporting those who dare to pursue their dreams.

Ali Borowsky is the founder and CEO of Find Your Anchor –  a grassroots suicide prevention movement that inspires and supports individuals in a creative and engaging way, with the aim of growing a community of encouragement and hope.

Alisa Huntington

Allan Levin is an officer of the Rotary Club of La Quinta, which supports youth programs and scholarships for students in both middle and high schools. The organization is also actively engaged in promoting mental health issues and the wellbeing of all students within the community through their relationship with the LQHS Interact Club.

Allie Mink is the president of NAMI San Bernardino Area. As the mother of a young adult who struggled with mental health during high school and college and a NAMI Ending the Silence lead presenter, Allie is acutely aware of the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and normalizing the conversation around mental illness.

Alyana Samson has lived experience of mental health challenges and seeking support. She is interested in providing youth a safe space to creatively express their thoughts and feelings.

Amanda Perez is passionate about art and the powerful messages it can convey. She has also learned a lot from the resilience of those she cares about.

Angela Thomasson wants those struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts to know that they are not alone in what they are feeling.

Angie Huynh is an outreach coordinator at NAMI San Joaquin County and an advocate for mental health. As someone with lived experience, she is enthusiastic about the cause and understands the importance of spreading awareness, de-stigmatizing mental health, sharing resources, and community care. She is also an artist  who enjoys trying various mediums.

Anna Zhang is a visual artist with an interest in mental health advocacy.

Antoinette Babers has worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. She teaches and trains mental health professionals and hopes that mental health issues will be de-stigmatized across all cultures.

Amanda Aldeghi is a behavioral health leader specializing in youth-driven programming, creative design, storytelling, and systems change rooted in lived experience. She currently leads a statewide youth advisory board co-designing public awareness campaigns within California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative.

Amanda Fabus is a dedicated mental health advocate passionate about raising awareness and promoting mental wellness for everyone, especially children. She graduated from Gettysburg College with a degree in political science and finance and is deeply committed to supporting others and advocating for accessible, compassionate care and resources for those in need.

Amanda Lance-Sexton is an administrator working in behavioral health services for the County of San Diego. She also has a small therapy practice where she supports teens and adults in finding balance in their lives, often through the use of art modality.

Amanda Lasik was previously one of the leaders in Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky youth mental health initiative.

Amanda Lipp has directed over 80 short documentary films about mental health, and her films have been included in stigma-reduction research papers and statewide awareness campaigns in New York.

Amber Dyson is a musical theatre and improv educator committed to helping students express themselves by finding their artistic voice.

Antoin Mcneil is pursuing a master’s in psychology and is enthusiastic about supporting young people who are creating meaningful change in their communities through innovation.

Dr. April Tormey has been promoting empathy and compassion throughout her three decades in education; as a teacher of critical thinking and communication, she supports students as they find their authentic voices, tap into their intuition, and make heart-centered decisions. As a consultant, she supports the improvement efforts of the lowest performing schools in California and strives to be a positive inspiration to all staff, students, and families who work with her.

ARCADIA is a research team at NYU that focuses on suicide prevention in adolescents, concentrating their work on the places where adolescents already are (such as in schools).

Ariel Bustamante is a multi-racial, queer, femme professional with over a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector, both with and in service of low-income, LGBTQ+ youth of color. As the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s training and coaching manager, she is tasked with empowering professionals in systems of care to reduce some of the disparities this population faces.

Arissa Tischman works in the mental health field and enjoys media presentations that help to convey messages regarding mental health awareness.

Armen Ter-Barsegyan is a health educator for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Armen coordinates outreach and education efforts in Metro Los Angeles and has experience supporting homeless and foster adolescents in Hollywood.

Art Booth has worked in Los Angeles for 45 years editing a range of television shows and TV movies.

Ashley Hein is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Ashley Hernandez

Ashley Lopez is a nursing student passionate about helping others and their community.

Ashley Rivera is an active-duty member of the US Navy with a bachelor’s in psychology, currently pursuing a master’s in social work. Ashley is passionate about mental health advocacy and supporting children and families, combining her military experience and academic background to promote resilience, emotional wellbeing, and healthy development within both military and civilian communities.

Aurore Nkaka is an undergraduate who enjoys volunteering for a cause. She has volunteered as part of the screening committee for FilmFreeway and the global admissions committee for Millennium Campus Network.

Austin Geidt was an executive in the tech industry where she was public about her previous struggles with mental health and her battles with addiction. She is now 19 years sober with an interest in destigmatizing mental health issues.

Aviana Garcia is a psychiatric social worker with LAUSD School Mental Health (SMH) who oversees their intern program. She is enthusiastic about the opportunities to address inequities through school-based social work.

Basharat Khan

Beatrice de Salles is an accomplished figure in global affairs, diplomacy, and multilingual communication. She has a diverse background as an international journalist, translator, interpreter, and business development liaison. She is also a cultural and linguistic diversity advisor and has contributed to international events (including the FIFA World Cup) and is actively involved in the World Affairs Councils of America and the United Nations Association.

Beatriz Canuto is a writer, artist, and media specialist with a BA in film and digital media from UC Santa Cruz and additional international study experience at Yonsei University in Seoul. She works in marketing and media and mentors high school students, bringing a global and story-forward lens to film evaluation.

Bella Ho is a young author with an interest in anime art and animated film. Bella has been writing and drawing since childhood and sees volunteering as a way to help others while also learning more about art.

Benjamin Watts is a training and outreach coordinator with the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center.

Bessie Bulman is manager of performance and partnerships at the Healthy Brains Global Initiative, where she works to advance equitable mental health outcomes by driving systems-level change and uplifting person-led solutions. With a background in suicide prevention and youth engagement, she has experience in partnering with young people to co-create innovative, arts- and community-based approaches that reimagine public mental health.

Beth Bythrow spent 40 years supporting LAUSD students and supports youth through her work with NAMI Greater Los Angeles County.

Beverly “BJ” Rouse

Brazil Jefferson is a mental health advocate working to help end stigma. Having experienced mental health issues firsthand, Brazil wants others to know that such challenges are not what defines them.  

Brenda Scott is executive director at a local NAMI affiliate and a mental health advocate. She is a two-time suicide loss survivor and cares deeply about a healing mental health system that is recovery-focused.

Brett Rapkin

Bruce Cathcart is president of the Rotary Club of La Quinta, which supports youth programs and scholarships for students in middle and high schools. The organization is also actively engaged in promoting mental health issues and the wellbeing of all students within the community through their relationship with the LQHS Interact Club.

Bryann “Fitz” Fitzpatrick works in an administrative role in a 5-12 school and knows what it is like to navigate mental health challenges as a young person.

Caitlin Ruppel

Candice Robinson is a nationally certified psychiatric technician level 4 and psychometrist who brings extensive experience assisting with mental health assessment, treatment, and advocacy. Her professional work includes understanding emotional expression, cognitive development, and resilience in youth and their parents.

Carolyn L. Kaneko, LCSW is a mental health program manager with the Hollywood Mental Health Center. Carolyn is also an active member of the Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) and is a co-chair of the LASPN Youth Advisory Board.

Carrie Brown is a member of the Student Mental Health Awareness Policy group as appointed by the California Board of education. She has also received education in the Livingworks: SafeTALK and ASIST programs and has worked with California youth for the past ten years in a prevention capacity.

Caryn Petty is a CA chief fire officer, serving as the CA Statewide Fire Fighter Academy coordinator and creator of the now-mandatory behavioral health and cancer awareness curriculum attended by all entry-level firefighters in California. Caryn has extensive experience in youth advocacy, having worked with LGBTQ young people via San Diego Pride, the Hillcrest Youth Center, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and GLAAD. Caryn also remains active in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongings efforts via youth fire camps and the Girl Scouts of America.

Carly Memoli has been engaged in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention training, outreach, and other activities in the Central Coast for 20 years. She is also a parent of two school-aged children and enjoys supporting programs that increase collective mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking.

Carmen Wong has been working with organizations and businesses supporting mental and emotional health education since 2012.

Cassandra Cotton brings more than a than a decade of experience in policy advocacy, civic organizations, and nonprofit organizations and is dedicated to creating pathways for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. As founder of 92130 Connects, Cassandra provides mentorship and promotes a culture of learning driven by diversity initiatives.

Cathy Blackstone

Cathy Bowman is a visual artist, writer, and educator. At Youth in Arts, she manages the Arts Unite Us program, which serves students with disabilities; she also worked for many years as a teaching artist and believes the arts are vital to mental health.

Celeste McDonald is a student at California State University San Bernardino majoring in communication-public relations and media studies.

Ceyda Basak Tekin organized and curated the Earth Expo Virtual Reality Exhibition 2023, featuring artworks she selected at Climatematch Academy (where she was the student coordinator). Ceyda enjoys transforming her education in genetics, bioengineering, and neuroscience into art, and her works were finalists in the Stanford University Art of Science exhibition in 2021 and 2024.

Charity Rimel is a social worker with Blue Shield CA Health Plan with 25 years of prior experience working in health care, including 13 years working with youth in a mental health capacity. Her experience includes working with children and adolescents in private school and biopsychosocial rebab in-patient hospital settings, working as a clinician for Children and Family services in Hawaii, and working as a residential counselor in Watsonville, CA.

Charlene Hofler is a college student with a passion for media production, especially filmmaking and writing. She has seen the way health impacts people, and she believes in the importance of promoting mental health awareness and emotional support.

Chela Fielding is a behavioral health clinician and artist who works with youth in the foster system. Chela also has filmmaking experience and believes it is critical to use creative outlets to destigmatize mental health.

Cheryl Eskin is the senior director of Teen Line, a program of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a teen-to-teen hotline where teens can call, text, or email about anything they are struggling with. (800-852-8336 6-10 PM PST or text “teen” to 839863; teenline.org)

Chinenye Elizabeth Oluoba is a M.Sc. rehabilitation counseling student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore working as a substance use disorder counselor for her internship, with a clinical background in mental health, vocational counseling, and biopsychosocial treatment. Her research focuses on  food insecurity, disability, and health equity in underserved populations.

Chris Layhe is a semi-retired feature film editor and colorist. Up  until 2021 Chris was also a film and video director with his own production company, CLAi.

Christel Reyna has been providing resilience life coaching to teens and young adults and producing bullying awareness and suicide prevention assembly programs for middle and high schools nationally for over 15 years. Her mission is to create safe and supportive spaces for people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and religions to seek mental health support and guidance to overcome challenges.

Christin Newman is a student at Cal State East Bay whose ultimate career goal is to become a certified child life specialist and work with children/adolescents in stressful medical situations.

Christine Mariano works in Los Angeles supporting the mental health of middle and high school students.

Cianna DeGuire is a full-time student at San Diego State University majoring in psychology with a focus on child and adult development. Cianna hopes to pursue a career in psychiatry and wants to normalize conversations around mental health.

Claudia Avalos-Garcia has been working with adolescents ages 16 and older for the past 12+ years in a community-based setting. Claudia supports youth in overcoming obstacles as well as in gaining awareness of their own mental health by identifying triggers and implementing adaptive coping.

Clemente Escalante is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Cristina Rita has worked in the suicide prevention and mental health field for the last 17+ years and provides information to community members on how to prevent suicide.

Colin Kirk has been working professionally in the media industry since 2013 (as a news cameraman, photo-journalist, studio cameraman, producer, and director).

Courtney Cruz is a program coordinator with the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center in Century City. Courtney has participated in multiple professional panels discussing healthy conversations surrounding suicide and mental health; her passion is fueled by her own experience of almost losing two dear friends to suicide.

Daniel Fissori

Danyte Mockus-Valenzuela is a health planning and program specialist with the Prevention and Support Services Unit at BHS and has over 10 years of experience in mental health prevention, early intervention, and SUD prevention.

Darcy Pickens

Dave Jones is a suicide loss survivor who speaks to philanthropic and civic groups, using his compelling personal story to change how people look at mental health.

David Giammona strives to foster inclusion and belonging in tech to create new opportunities for all.

Dena Abramson Babb has worked in youth serving non-profits and faith-based organizations for over 25 years. As a parent to a teenager living with bipolar disorder, she is a tireless advocate working to help break the stigma and silence surrounding mental health.

Denise Gosdinski-Espinoza is a filmmaker in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area, has worked at Mental Health America of Los Angeles for over 10 years, and is drawn to films that share stories of hope and perseverance to connect and empower people.

Deepti Bista is from Nepal. She used to raise voices against mental illness and women’s violence with paints and brushes but took a break from arts and writing after joining her master’s program. Her art and prose have appeared in Beyond Words International Literary Magazine, Polemicalzine, Wearezanna, the Journal of Expressive Writing, The Brooklyn Review, and the anthology Who I Am Today.

Diane Eaton worked as a television producer in Los Angeles for 35 years and has been a student of film her entire life.

Diane Ellis is a licensed professional counselor and worked over 30 years as a director of a college counseling center in Arkansas. She, her husband, and their dog are now living in Minnesota.

Dmitriy Usov has had a lot of mentors who have guided him and inspired him to be a filmmaker. He wants to give back to the community by helping and educating the younger generation of filmmakers.

Donna Cederlund does community outreach, education, and advocacy for mental health organizations like CHADD, NAMI, and The TLC Foundation in an ongoing effort to end stigma so more people can get the help they need.

Donna Thayer is a retired high school administrator, teacher, and journalist who cares deeply about the academic success and social-emotional health of youth.

Douglas MacLellan has more than 30 years of public-company senior executive and board level international business experience; extensive experience in capital formation and capital markets for new and emerging technologies and companies; and a contemporary focus on the mining, recycling, and securitization of strategic materials and critical elements, in addition to being and co-founder of a NASDAQ-listed green battery metals miner and recycler company.

Duke Dela Rosa is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Dulce Martinez is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Ed Ternan

Elaine Auburn is a diverse, bilingual actor and was a board member of a nonprofit that offers educational filmmaking programs to bridge the gender gap in the entertainment industry. Most recently, Elaine lent her voice to a multi-award-winning animated film on challenges faced by the homeless. She also enjoys collaborating with creatives to tell meaningful, underserved stories and has been a NAMI supporter for over a decade.

Elaine Narcisco

Eli Charette is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Elisa Cooper previously worked in the expedited appeals and grievances department for Blue Shield of California where she would help process expedited cases, many of them including mental health appeals from teens.

Elizabeth Benitez supports youth development and student success through her work at UCR. She also has experience evaluating film submissions as a judge with the Catalina Film Institute and the Catalina Film Festival.

Elizabeth Moran is a long-time educator with experience working with children and teens. She also has a background in art and believes that it offers an outlet for many people who feel voiceless and trapped in their struggles.

Elke Petras

Emily Nguyen holds an undergraduate degree in human biology and enjoys all forms of media.

Evelyn Romo Sandoval is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Fatemeh Mousavi has been creating short social justice films for 7 years and considers social justice and mental health to be two of the most important topics in the lives of youth.

Flor Pineda is dedicated to supporting her communities and offering support to youth.

Frank Navarro is a law enforcement professional with over 34 years of dedicated service. He currently serves as a police sergeant with the Val Verde Unified School District Police Department and is a retired detective from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Frank has been committed to mentoring and supporting youth (particularly in his role as a School Resource Officer) and has focused on assisting students facing mental health challenges.

Frankie Campisano is a writer and comedian whose work focuses on women and queer leads. Their calling card pilot, Drop Dead, is a dark comedy satirizing the intersection of mental health, suicide awareness, and the entertainment industry.

Fred Salas was the executive director and founder of Este Lugar, the Border Film Festival in Las Cruces, NM; was co-director of The San Diego Latino Film Festival; and coordinated literary arts and performance programs for MACLA in San Jose for over a decade. Salas also directed the youth slam poetry program for middle school and high school students and created Que Onda, a community arts-based summer camp.

Georgette Kadinakis is a medical student at St. George University and is passionate about supporting mental health as a foundation for resilience and overall wellness. Her experience counseling patients has inspired her to value the role of youth expression in healing and prevention.

Geneva Amas is a mental health clinician working with the challenges surrounding suicidality every day. Geneva hopes to help make mental health more inclusive and part of overall wellness for future generations.

Gladys Chiang is an award-winning health tech innovator and mental health advocate. She previously worked in mental health counseling at a nonprofit clinic and is now co-founder of a clinical AI assistant platform co-developed with Silicon Valley physicians and engineers.

Golden Shao is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Grace Park is a social worker (MSW) by training, with an undergraduate degree in film studies. She is a theatre art graduate and community service worker who appreciates art in all forms. Grace has a keen eye for storytelling using the medium of film and believes art has the power to educate, inform, and change lives.

Greg Damewood is a suicide loss survivor and parent to a developmentally disabled child. A dedicated advocate, he has been volunteering in support of mental health for over 20 years.

Gurneet Kaur is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Hailea Stone is a mental health advocate and has long understood the importance of sharing valuable messages regarding suicide prevention and mental health within and outside of academia. She is also an educator, researcher, and writer, bringing a belief in the transformative power of creating space for the youth to speak, share, create, and feel empowered to all of her work.

Hannah Thayer

Heather Risley is an expert in driving and managing change within the U.S. healthcare industry. She has also worked closely with programming experts to improve youth mental health and employment outcomes around the world as part of federal foreign assistance delivery.

Isaac Attah Korsah is a PhD student with research and teaching assistant roles, as well as a certified project manager who loves helping young creators bring their ideas to life. Isaac’s background in research, marketing, and education fuels his passion for empowering youth through storytelling and innovation.

Jairaju Sam Gorlla is president of International Friendship Center.

James Wainwright oversees crisis response services for his organization, where Directing Change films help with training staff.

Jamie Moran, LCSW, CGP, is in private practice in San Francisco focusing on group therapy and group training for mental health clinicians. Working with adults, Jamie witnesses the many ruptures of childhood experiences and the desire to be part of community efforts to rectify such injuries.

Jamila Johnson is a mental health aide and advocate.

Janet Borrus has co-written and co-produced a feature film about teen parenthood called Bellyfruit and has recently returned to acting. Previously, she was also a high school theater teacher.

Jasmin Newman was a youth leader at her church, a PE coach/mentor for Elevo (where she mentored kids tk-5^th grade), and has volunteered for Therapeutic Recreational Services in San Diego.

Jayne Reinhardt is recently retired from San Diego County’s Health and Human Services agency where she held various health education and community organizing positions for nearly 30 years.

Jeanette Cruz is a senior outreach community manager for Blue Shield Promise.

Jen Gherardi is a mother of teens and an advocate for social justice with over 25 years of experience in education, cross-cultural exchange, and human rights. She has held leadership roles on the boards of Global Youth Connect, Starr King Parent-Child Workshop, and the Coalition for Global Dialogue, focusing on empowering youth voices, promoting experiential learning, and fostering dialogue on crucial social issues. Jen is also an accomplished songwriter, performer, and producer.

Jen Krutsch is a dedicated wife, mother, and suicide loss survivor based in Riverside, CA. Following the loss of her brother-in-law to suicide, she has advocated for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. As a proud mother, Jen celebrates both of her kid’s incredible accomplishments.

Jennifer Chan is a freelance production assistant specializing in live television and events who has contributed to production on the Oscars®, interned with GBH on Antiques Road Show, and participated in the Television Academy Foundation Internship Program with Herizon Productions. Jennifer serves as an executive producer for Enchanted Blade Films, an independent film production and consultancy company based in Carmel, NY and is an advocate for inclusive and accessible education about mental health in the entertainment industry.

Jennifer Guhl is the MHSA agency program manager for the Tuolumne County Behavioral Health Department in Sonora, CA. She has been supporting various mental health awareness and suicide prevention efforts in Tuolumne County for more than 5 years.

Jeremiah Aja, M.A., M.Div., LPCC is the assistant director for the national nonprofit organization Wellness Together, the Blue Shield of California BlueSky Liaison, and a registered licensed professional clinical counselor. He has worked with youth and families since 2001 and helps lead a team of therapists across California and beyond partnering with school districts and universities to provide on-campus mental health services for students and educators.

Jeremy Aguilera-Gaudette has volunteered with youth for many years through after-school tutoring programs and has programmed for a variety of film festivals in Southern California.

Jerome Baclayon is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Jessica Hanscom

Jessica Reden is a student pursuing a degree in psychology; her experience working with youth includes volunteering as a Sunday school teacher at a non-denominational church, as camp counselor for summer programs, and as a coach for youth sports (in addition to raising four children).

Jessica Rodriguez has lived experience with mental health challenges and works to educate herself on related topics as a means of both self-improvement and supporting others.

Jessie Bucci is the California program associate for Bring Change to Mind (BC2M). She works with high schools in California to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and discuss topics pertaining to mental health while creating empathetic environments.

Jesus Jimenez has BAs in criminology and psychology and is an advocate for mental health. His work – through which he introduces the concept of mental health and the importance of self-care to community members – involves assisting low socio-economic individuals in obtaining health care in Los Angeles County.

Jianhao Hu is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Jiaqi Liu is an award-winning narrative illustrator whose body of work explores complex psychological themes. As an artist who uses visual storytelling to destigmatize mental health issues, she has a deep understanding of how to communicate sensitive topics through art and animation.

Jim Cathcart is a senior account Director at APM Music, where he specializes in creative music licensing for film, television, streaming, and documentaries. His experience spans a wide range of clients (including Disney, Hulu, FX, Fox, and PBS) as well as numerous production companies, independent filmmakers, and documentary filmmakers.

John Dent has been advising in media for the past 15 years at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, CA, where his teams have won regional and national awards for their videos and publications. John loves to help students become journalists and storytellers using a visual medium.

Jonathan Pham is a UC Davis student majoring in community and regional development. He has a passion for creating positive change through youth activism and strives to serve the interests of the next generation.

Jose Murillo has been working in the mental health field for over 10 years, utilizing his expertise to assist future peers in the community. He also volunteers with the board of directors for his local NAMI affiliate, with a focus on the local Spanish-speaking community.

Joyce Gómez is a metadata specialist currently working and Tubi and pursuing an education in mental health counseling. She holds a BA in film from UC Berkeley and is interested in the intersection between art and psychology.

Julie Gantsweg is a peer self-advocacy program manager at Disability Rights California. As a person with lived experience, she is passionate about mental health – and is always on the lookout for creative ways to eliminate stigma.

Justin Guigno

Kalonni Steib

Karen-Happuch P. Henneh is a multiple award-winning Ghanaian animator and filmmaker. She is enthusiastic about using art for social impact (having collaborated with UNESCO and the World Food Program) and has led suicide awareness campaigns through animation. Karen also organized several art exhibitions, including all-female showcases across West Africa to bridge the gender gap in creative industries.

Karla Quinones looks forward to bringing about change such that mental health is no longer stigmatized and there can be more open discussions related to mental health. Karla also seeks to bring social awareness about suicides and cyberbullying, as well as how to effectively manage social media.

Karyn Meyer is a senior account executive at Media Solutions, a Sacramento-based media planning and buying agency. Karyn has worked on several public awareness campaigns promoting mental health services, including the CalHOPE campaign.

Katisha Jallow is the founder of the California Suicide Prevention Network, leveraging her expertise in mental health advocacy and resiliency to make a profound impact in Los Angeles.

Katelyn Gooneratne is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Katharine Wu is a former scripted television executive with extensive experience working on YA and genre shows, most notably as director of current programming for The CW. She was also editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper at Long Beach Poly and has a BA in cinema-television production from USC.

Kathleen Green-Martins has been coordinating the Central Valley Film Festival for over 10 years.

Kathy Cromwell, LCSW is an executive director at Hinds Hospice and oversees Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss and the Local Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) team.

Kayla Wardle combines her background in PTSD research and health science engagement with a deep passion for mental health advocacy. She loves using art as a powerful medium to promote awareness and understanding of mental health.

Kehinde Adebayo

Kelly Amos Harman lost her brother to suicide and believes that access to timely mental health support could have saved his life. As a parent of two teenage daughters who also experienced this loss, she is acutely aware of the pressures youth face, along with the ongoing need for compassion, awareness, and meaningful support.

Kenyotta Eave has a background in psychology and experience as a crisis counselor. She is passionate about empowering youth and fostering positive change in communities.

Kim Yaged is a writer with a background in TV, film, theater, and animation ad has has had her work featured in film festivals.

Ko-Hui Lin is a master’s-level art therapist with experience in inpatient, forensic, and community mental health settings. Her work centers on crisis-informed care, youth resilience, and strength-based creative expression, and she is passionate about supporting safe and empowering youth messaging.

Kong Vang is a versatile freelancer and filmmaker from the Central Valley. With a knack for storytelling, he’s excelled in numerous film festivals as a winner and top competitor. Kong strives to use art to improve wellbeing and connect people through narrative storytelling.

Kristie Wickwire is a creative leader and educator with a background in mental health advocacy and art. Founder, editor-in-chief, and creative director of the now-defunct multimedia arts and literary publication Please Hold Magazine, Kristie helped develop and teach a business of the arts course at Washington University in St. Louis, served on the young professionals board of NAMI St. Louis, and currently serves as chair of the “Abilities Connection Group” at Enterprise Bank & Trust, where she is also senior creative manager.

Kristin Giordani

Lauren Levine is an experienced TV producer and filmmaker. Lauren has also worked for a large California school district for over 7 years, making story-driven professional development content around bullying, DEI, MTSS, PBIS, FACE, and foster youth.

Leah Brooks is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience working with adolescents. In addition to hiking with her dog, she also enjoys spending time helping her community.

Leonie Persch is a songwriter, vocalist, and artist. Originally from Germany and now living in Los Angeles, she has been signed to a music publishing company for three years and has six years of experience in the music industry.

Lili Christian is an aspiring filmmaker who has judged over 200 films as a staff member for Access Framingham’s Access Filmfest. She has also curated a small gallery space and writes poetry, essays, and songs.

Linda Glass-Frederick has experience as a longtime high school teacher and counselor. She also believes that student art projects are an impactful way to make a difference around suicide prevention and mental health.

Linda Kelson is an artist specializing in oil painting and has tried to use her art to address social and environmental issues all her life.

Lindsay Heuer coordinates suicide prevention outreach and education efforts in Shasta County.

Lissa Thomson believes that empowering and supporting youth should be a high priority. Lissa seeks to help youth openly examine and find productive responses and solutions to mental health challenges and looks forward to the day when open discussions and community solutions are commonplace.

Liz Irons currently serves on the City of Elk Grove CA Art Commission. As a member of the Art Commission, Liz reviews art proposals and initiates public art projects, creating community musical and literary events  (at an affordable price or free to public) and nurturing up-and-coming artists. Liz believes that music, painting, writing, and filmmaking help people lead healthier lives.

Lori Dykstra is a retired visual arts teacher who has worked in CA, NY, NJ, MD, and Japan, including judging and curating art shows at the National Children’s Castle in Tokyo.

Lucky Ilodigwe is a strategy consultant with experience supporting organizations on social impact, public sector innovation, and youth-focused initiatives. He is enthusiastic about elevating youth voices, especially around mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and social justice.

Lyex Torres has prior experience serving as a board member for the San Bernardino High School theatre department, where he helped judge contestants for the Southern California Thespian Festival.

Lynn Marsh is a published author and a creative writer. Lynn sheds light on mental health and social issues through writing and art while working with non-governmental organizations to help make a difference.

M. Jami Macleod has a BA in media studies.

Madalyn Brion has been a school counselor in Cajon Valley Union School District since 2006 and is passionate about students becoming agents of change in their communities.

Magdalena Garcia looks forward to the day when youth mental health is truly recognized as a public health issue. As a survivor of suicide loss, Magdalena works tirelessly to destigmatize mental health issues in young people.

Maleny Lopez is an SEL coach/youth mentor for an afterschool program. As such, she is committed to contributing to her community by participating in programs and events where children are encouraged and supported.

Malik Muhammad is an artist and educator whose work explores identity, healing, and connection through creative expression. As such, he is passionate about supporting youth in using art to share their stories, reduce stigma, and foster inclusive communities.

Manuela-Lidia Grindei is a software developer with a keen interest in mental health issues and a certified mental health first aider.

Makenzie Simpkins is an aspiring artist who believes self-expression is vital and that youth need safe space to express themselves where they can be vulnerable and heal.

Malcolm Carter is a filmmaker with a love for the arts.

Marcel Harris is a behavioral health policy specialist with lived experience and years of advocacy experience working to improve behavioral health outcomes in partnership with underserved communities.

Marcelle Pratt is a psychotherapist actively engaged in and supportive of the Fresno art community, where she advocates for and encourages individuals to explore creativity as a powerful means of self-expression and emotional wellbeing.

Marhaly Ramirez serves the youth of Orange County as a community health worker; in the role, she leads a group of young people to become mentors and advocates for mental health and suicide prevention. She also uses her expertise as a communications specialist to increase awareness through various platforms, including social media, digital design, and other multimedia formats.

Maria Acot

Maria Alexander is a multiple award-winning author and former professional screenwriter.

Maria Chairez is deeply committed to helping youth in crisis get resources to address their needs, supporting the creation of media to reach all youth.

Maria Rodriguez is a school counselor with over 11 years of expertise who seeks to surround herself with experiences that can help her educate others about suicide.

Marissa McGilllick has a bachelor’s in psychology and is currently working on a master’s in mental health and wellness with an emphasis on grief and bereavement. She has been working with children with behavioral and mental health issues over the past year and looks forward to when mental health is no longer stigmatized.

Marjorie (Marjie) Biller believes in educating youth in emotional intelligence and in giving them skills early on through schools, family programs, and community organizations (using many alternative education programs, including meditation).

Mary Dominguez has a background in and a passion for psychology and pursues creative writing as a hobby. Having recently changed career paths, Mary is now working with youth both professionally and as a volunteer.

Mary Fregeau is a former high school mathematics teacher with a deep commitment to equity, student well‑being, and inclusive educational practices. Throughout her teaching career, she focused on creating supportive and culturally responsive learning environments, developing accessible curriculum and assessments, and collaborating with district teams to produce translated materials for Spanish-, Ukrainian-, and Farsi‑speaking students.

Mary Mast

Matthew Lynch is deeply committed to wellbeing and mental health, has experience working with youth, and understands the importance of addressing critical issues like suicide prevention.

Megan McComb (MSW) works as a program manager at the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center. She is passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.

Meitong Chen

Melissa Chitwood

Melissa Soo Hoo is a licensed adult clinical and health psychologist in private practice. In her spare time, she enjoys supporting leadership and community program development as a volunteer with Enhearten Unseen Leaders, a nonprofit organization.

Mia Kuo values mental health awareness and has seen many of her peers struggle due to stigma; by judging, she wants to gain experience helping more people increase their awareness.

Michael Adesanya is a PhD candidate in chemistry at Michigan State University with a research focus on renewable energy and sustainability.

Michael Gates is an avid life-long learner with degrees in numerous fields who enjoys giving back to others.

Michael Paraskevas is the creator of Maggie and the Ferocious Beast for NickJr. and is a well-known illustrator of children’s books. As such, he is always trying to push young people to expand their dreams and firmly believes everyone has something worthwhile to say.

Dr. Michelle Fortunado-Kewin, DSW, LCSW, PPS, is a 2nd-generation Filipino-American social worker in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has extensive experience in non-profit and educational settings; her areas of interest and expertise include youth suicidality, crisis intervention in schools, clinical supervision, and program and policy development.

Moses Farrow has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years as a therapist serving the underprivileged, marginalized, and survivorship populations. He is the founder of the #truthislouder social media movement, which focuses on saving adoptee lives from adoption trafficking and raising awareness of the suicide crisis among adopted youth and young adults.

Moses Fleischman is a student with a passion for filmmaking and working with other youth to make films.

Nanci Carol Ruby is a college professor in theater and screen arts; as such, Nanci works to empower students to tell impactful stories.

Naomi Thompson has a master’s in public health and is passionate about mental health, given her personal struggles with it. She is an avid connoisseur of film and is an advocate for suicide prevention, mental health, substance use disorder, adverse childhood experiences, and social determinants of health.

Natalie Rodriguez is an award-winning writer, director, producer, mental health- and anti-violence/trauma advocate based in Los Angeles, CA. In 2014, she graduated with her BA in cinema and television arts from CSU Fullerton.

Natalie Spagnola holds a BS in marketing and advertising and has a heartfelt passion for youth mental health and suicide prevention.

Natalie Vowell is a dedicated leader with a distinguished background in activism, public service, and community engagement. She served as a two-term senior board member of the St. Louis City Board of Education, including terms as Vice President and Secretary. Additionally, her nonprofit leadership includes serving as executive director of a Bentonville, AR-based nonprofit, where she promoted corporate and community support for workforce inclusion.

Naya Player is an associate therapist for a nonprofit organization and has worked with kids for the past 10 years in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, foster care, and after school programs. Naya is an advocate for creative expression and believes that it can be a healing experience.

Nohelia Villareal-Fong has been a school counselor for over 18 years in public education for grades K-12 and has seen adolescents suffer from stress, mental health issues, and other social peer pressure challenges in their environments. Nohelia helps students find motivation to change for the better and offers other support resources.

Noor Abdulkareem is an undergraduate student studying biology and public health policy with a focus on mental health promotion, prevention, and community wellbeing.

Nora E. Lindner, MPH, is a health communications expert with over a decade of experience in communicating about public health and behavior change topics. As an independent health communications consultant, she provides comprehensive communications services to clients in the federal government, state and local public health programs, and health-focused organizations and universities. With an MPH in social behavior and a BA in film studies, she brings a unique perspective to print and digital communications.

Obi Okafor

Olabode Lawal is an instructor at Cal state San Bernardino, Victor Valley College, Mount San Jacinto, and Chaffey College and a graduate of the master’s communication program at CSUSB. Originally from Nigeria, Olabode is particularly interested in African representation in Western media.

Olga Jurado has been supporting suicide prevention and awareness policies in her district by educating and training staff and students on knowing the signs. Olga believes we all play an important role in the lives of others and is passionate about the work she does to serve others, especially those in need.

Olleanna Stahler is an artist who works primarily with mental health themes; it is extremely important to Olleanna that these subjects are approached with the care and nuance they deserve.

Omar Carrillo is venturing into the exciting realm of combining the craft beverages industry, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. Omar also holds a certification in mental health and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Pam Ferko is a retired elementary school teacher and has taught the art program at a local K-8 school for the last three years. She also teaches online music classes for teachers at Dominican University.

Pamela Jones has worked in the mental health field for sixteen years.

Pamela Meza is a San Diego State University graduate and social worker whose career has allowed her to serve youth in community-based settings for over 10 years. Through this work, she has witnessed the restorative power that art holds for youth experiencing mental health issues.

Pamela Warden is an advocate for youth mental health.

Pascale Hendricks lives between Europe and Los Angeles while working in the tech industry and has a passion for art, community, and justice. She holds a BA in indigenous studies and social work, as well as an MS in international projects and policy, with her work centering on crisis response, relationship management, disaster intervention, and suicide intervention.

Patricia Saldana is a psychiatric social worker in the department of Crisis Counseling and Intervention Services at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Patricia has worked with youth for over 15 years, addressing mental health issues and providing support and resources to students and families in need.

Patrick Navas is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Phrani Diksa is a school social worker and has worked in various capacities with youth of all ages for over 30 years. Phrani is excited and relieved to see mental health taking a more prominent position culturally.

Precious Smith has lived experience of mental health challenges and has been writing poetry, lyrics, and short stories for over 20 years.

Priscilla Cohen

Priyanka Purkayastha is a storyteller working in tech with a background in film studies and advertising. She has written poems, worked on television commercials, and made documentary films and is deeply passionate about the art of storytelling as a tool for healing and self-care.

Qianli Wang is an advertising director and has also produced numerous public service advertisements.

Quinn Ayala is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Rachael Pollak successfully participated in the Directing Chang Film Contest in 2020 before attending Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film of Media Arts. She has since had the privilege of working with esteemed companies and professionals, creating content that spans a variety of genres and audiences.

Richard Tiland is a producer and CEO at New Evolution Video, a video production company in San Diego. Richard is an advocate for mental health awareness and has16+ years of experience in media.

Rikke Wilson is operations manager for All It Takes and mother to two adult daughters.

Robert Mansfield

Robynleigh Olson has assisted many organizations for years and has also judged an adolescent writing contest.

Russell Yee is a student majoring in cognitive science with a particular interest in the techniques people use to overcome their struggles.

Sadie Hellstrom has been immersed in suicide prevention for the past 4 years, first through an LGBTQ+ suicide prevention grant at San Diego State University, and now as a mental health clinician with Lifeline Community Services. In addition to supporting students and communities, Sadie enjoys making art and tries to blend heart, humor, and hope in everything she does.

Sanvi Chheda studied visual arts from elementary through high school and was accepted into a two-year arts high program.

Sara Mann

Sarah Hoeven is one of the creators of Bunny King Productions, home of Zoom’s Fairy Tales and Group Chat, where she contributes as a writer, actor, video editor, and producer. The focus of Sarah’s work is bringing artistic visions to life on stage and screen. She also creates instructional videos for oncology massage education.

Sarah Musich is a mental health advocate and school counselor working with 11^th and 12^th grade students at Windward School. In addition, she has a small therapy practice where she works with adolescents and young adults.

Sarah Nauman is a nurse’s assistant with experience as a 7 Cups mental health listener and a search and rescue volunteer. Formerly, she worked in the mental health field as a legal advocate for survivors of domestic violence.

Sarah Welsh

Saryna Konczey has been involved in the mental health field in various ways for over 15 years and  would love to see healthier and more accurate representations of mental health and the interpersonal and intrapersonal struggles people face when navigating mental health issues.

Sean Maulding is pursuing a PhD, has personal experience with mental health challenges, and supports efforts to reduce stigma.

Sebastien Tobler is a Filipino-Swiss independent feature film writer/director whose first feature set to be released in the US in 2026.

Seunggyu Kim is an artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area working under the name PQHAÜS and has a five-year practice in narrative figurative painting that translates observed human moments into psychologically driven visual narratives.

Shahrukh Asad is a Belfast-based visual artist, curator, and gallerist. She holds an MFA from Punjab University College of Art and Design and a master’s in business management from Queen’s University Belfast. Her work has been showcased internationally, including in Rome, Venice, Pakistan, Dubai, London, and Belfast.

Shannon Nielson is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Shannon Rice has been affected by personal mental health issues and by suicide in family and friends. She believes it is critical to support young people – especially through these traumatic times. Shannon also regards art as a great healer with the ability to express every emotion and feeling.

Sharon Hines worked in the healthcare field for 20 years and is now a filmmaker and entrepreneur. She is also a former youth coach with a passion for empowering the next generation.

Shelley Singleton is a brand strategist and copywriter who spent more than a decade working in the entertainment industry – from production to post-production to film marketing. She also served as membership director for The American Pavilion, a hospitality center on the Cote d’Azur at the Cannes International Film Festival.

Sheri Hanni has worked with Butte County Office of Education for over 30 years serving multiple roles related to student attendance, mental wellness, supportive student discipline, engagement integration, and multi-tiered systems of support implementation. She is dedicated to supporting students in a positive, compassionate manner that enhances meaningful engagement and capacity for lifelong learning.

Sheriza Khan is an enthusiastic nonprofit professional and strong advocate for the arts and community empowerment. She strives to support marginalized communities and break the stigma around mental health, especially in underrepresented communities, working to create a more inclusive and supportive future for all.

Shravni Aterkar is a licensed mental health counselor with a strong focus on supporting youth as they navigate mental health challenges.

Sofia Hollstein is a student at UCLA studying the interplay of biology and society with mental health, focusing on sexual and reproductive health in media. She has been a fellow and intern at the UCLA Center for Scholars and Storytellers and has worked to improve mental health efforts through individual peer counseling and campus-wide health implementation as a part of the Student Wellness Committee.

Sophia Lee is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Srikanth Kanameni is a results-driven professional with over 10 years of experience in the life sciences industry, specializing in validation, quality, and compliance within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

Stacey Chen is a multidisciplinary artist and designer originally from Taiwan, now based in Chicago. Her work blends meticulous realism with surreal and imaginative elements, creating visual narratives that invite reflection on emotion, resilience, and the human experience. She works across drawing, digital illustration, and sculptural forms, bringing a thoughtful, craft-driven approach to storytelling through art.

Stephanie Loscko is a program specialist for the Student Advocates for Mental Health (SAMH) program at the Orange County Department of Education. (The SAMH program supports youth-led mental health awareness campaigns and activities on school campuses across Orange County).

Stephanie Minor is a nonprofit leader, author of children’s and nonprofit resource books, and a capacity-building expert who works closely with organizations advancing mental health and community wellbeing across Riverside County. She is passionate about amplifying youth voices and supporting creative storytelling that reduces stigma, encourages help-seeking, and sparks meaningful conversations.

Steven Cathy is a college graduate and legal videographer with lived experience of mental illness.

Susan Herman works as a technical writer for Blue Shield of California and is mom to two young adults. She actively seeks opportunities to help children and teens practice self-compassion and build help-seeking skills.

Susan Klos is a mother to 2 adult children living with severe mental illness.

Suzanne Skees has dedicated her career to equal opportunity for all in education and jobs to end poverty worldwide; and her life-dream to be a mother has been impacted by mental health challenges and suicide loss. Suzanne puts her empathy, experience, and strength into supporting youth as they are – unique and beautiful individuals who deserve to thrive and realize their dreams.

Tanner Woodley is the creative director at All It Takes, striving to recognize the genius within youth and empower them to use their unique voices in positive, impactful ways. Tanner wrote, directed, and edited a statewide PSA that achieved over $3 million in broadcast ad-value over 3 months, with an audience of over 60 million.

Tanya Humphrey

Taylor Parker is a former foster youth with a passion for mental health advocacy. He is also a software engineer at Atticus, a mission-oriented start-up that helps people in crisis get life-changing aid.

Terence O’kane

Tess Veronda is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Tessa Bartholomew-Good

Thania Pineda is a nursing student eager to help the community.

Thomas Birbeck is a former middle school social studies teacher.

Thomas Kline is a veteran entertainment leader with broad experience across television, streaming, production, marketing, news, and radio, known for driving innovative programming and leading high-performing teams.

Tina Ryder is senior programmer for the Newport Beach Film Festival and has been reviewing short and feature films for the festival for 12 years. Tina also served as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) in Orange County, which included holding education rights for a CASA child (ages 13-18). As the mother of 4 grown children, she has a strong interest in supporting youth as individuals, meeting them where they are, and encouraging their passions and interests.

Tonya Ross is coordinator for health services for the Division of Pupil Services at Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). Tonya coordinates suicide prevention training for all Pupil Services staff and oversees policy and procedures for the suicide prevention awareness program.

Traci Barker-Ball retired after working as a high school teacher and counselor for 35 years. In her work, she created the Student Services Office, which helped teens deal with mental health issues.

Tracie Andrews works for Department of Mental Health for Los Angeles County and is co-chair for the LA Suicide Prevention Network.

Trinh Ngo is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.

Tynisha Dones has spent 20 years building soldiers to be leaders while growing as a person and dedicating her life to service.

Dr. Vaishnavi Pusapati is a physician and poet whose work has been anthologized in the Living Haiku Anthology and the Haiku Registry and has been analyzed by the Haiku Commentary. She is also a reviewer at the online journal, Consilience, and has appeared in literary journals in the US, the UK, Australia, and Asia.

Vanessa Hernandez is an LMFT, currently working in emergency services providing immediate support to those experiencing mental health emergencies. Vanessa’s background also includes working with children and adults on the autism spectrum, co-occurring treatment for justice involved adults, moderate to severe mental health in a children’s program, experience in an urgent care clinic for emergency psychiatric medication, and other roles within the mental health community.

Vi Le is an artist and college student with a strong interest in public health and is passionate about how art and film can reduce stigma and spark meaningful conversations.

Vicki N. recently retired after working as a clinical social worker for over 30 years, working with families to improve their mental health. She is inspired by the creative ways young people communicate and connect with each other.

Vincent Obidiegwu

Violeta Valdez is an ACSW providing mental health and social services for individuals, families, and groups in need. She is a mental health advocate and dedicates her work to talking about mental health in an open space and discussing topics around suicide such as prevention, treatment, and safety planning.

Virginia Kuhn is a film professor. Most of her work centers on media for social change by pairing the personal with the structural as the Directing Change program does.

Vivian Avila

Rev. Vivian Brocato, MA is enthusiastic about helping children and families heal from various adverse childhood experiences and mental health concerns, including suicide and suicidal ideation.

Wendy Woodhall is a mental health and wellness advocate and executive director of the Los Angeles Post Production Group, a leading industry organization for professionals who work in the field. She is also co-owner of Allied Post Audio, an award-winning audio post-production company for film and television specializing in sound for documentaries.

Wenqing Gu is an award-winning, internationally exhibited illustrator and visual storyteller (MFA, MICA) whose cross-cultural, bilingual practice spans picture books, editorial work, and 2D/stop-motion animation. Her short Taiji Massage was selected for Asia North 2023, and she is a two-time Illinois Student Invention Convention judge.

Whitney Wilson is a patient rights advocate in San Diego County.

Winette Belensen is a mom of a teenager with a passion for supporting young people and ensuring that their voices are heard. She believes that youth voices are powerful agents of change, especially when their stories, ideas, and creative works are shared in a manner that uplifts, educates, and inspires.

Xiaoyou Yi holds a master’s degree in film and cultural management from the University of Southampton and has experience in film festivals and museum collections. She formerly volunteered at a special education school and is passionate about supporting youth voices in film and art, particularly around mental health and social justice themes.

Ylberina Cuni is a mental health advocate, executive assistant, and the owner of GoToRecruiter. She is dedicated to promoting mental wellness in schools and beyond; has a passion for supporting students, faculty, and staff; and works tirelessly to raise awareness about mental health and provide resources to those in need.

Yesenia Mendez is a public health professional and MPH student at UC Berkeley focused on integrating behavioral and mental health into public health systems through BHSA and prevention efforts. Her connection to this work is both professional and deeply personal, driven by a passion for supporting youth storytelling that brings awareness, compassion, and change.

Yunyi Zhu is a director/producer/filmmaker based in LA with a degree in directing from Loyola Marymount University. She has accumulated a broad spectrum of experience working in prominent international film companies, and her work has screened at  film festivals worldwide.

Yvette Paez is a Youth Creating Change Youth Advisory Council member.