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June 23 - 25, 2023
AERO
Conference
Happening
In Person at LIU Post in Brookville, NY & Virtually
A Hybrid
Event
Facilitators & Speakers
Day 1
Dennis Littky
What Should Our Priorities Be For Our Students? - Big Picture Learning has been committed to creating spaces for students, 5 years old to 65 years old that are safe, healthy and transformational. Dennis will discuss the work at The Met and Big Picture schools as well as College Unbound, a college for adults who have stepped out of school. Healthy environments lead to healthy individuals.
Dennis Littky is the co-founder and co-director of The Met School, Big Picture Learning and founder and President of College Unbound. He is nationally known for his extensive work in secondary education in urban, suburban, and rural settings, spanning over 50 years. As an educator, Dennis has a reputation for working up against the edge of convention and out of the box, turning tradition on its head and delivering concrete results.The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gave Big Picture Learning 20 million dollars to replicate The Met School nationally and internationally. Currently there is a network of 150 schools, 75 across the country, and 75 throughout the world.
Presently, Dennis’s focus has been on College Unbound. The innovative college is rethinking how we educate the 37 million adults who started college but didn’t finish. College Unbound is a NECHE accredited college, paving the way for other non-traditional, innovative higher education programs to reach the masses.
Dr. Littky holds a double Ph.D. in psychology and education from the University of Michigan. His work as a principal at Thayer Junior/Senior High School in Winchester, N.H. is featured in an NBC movie, A Town Torn Apart based on the book Doc: The Story of Dennis Littky and His Fight for a Better School. He wrote (along with Samantha Grabelle) The Big Picture: Education is Everyone’s Business, which went on to win the Association of Educational Publishers’ top award for nonfiction.
Dennis was recognized as a leader in education and awarded the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education. Fast Company ranked Littky #4 among the top 50 Innovators and the George Lucas Educational Foundation recently selected Dennis as part of their Daring Dozen Educators. Locally, Dennis was awarded the Local Hero Award by Bank of America and College Unbound was awarded The Innovative and Creative Program Award by UPCEA, New England. Dennis was awarded the New England Higher Education Excellence Award.
Dennis is presently beginning to spread College Unbound throughout the U.S and beyond.
Dennis Littky is the co-founder and co-director of The Met School, Big Picture Learning and founder and President of College Unbound. He is nationally known for his extensive work in secondary education in urban, suburban, and rural settings, spanning over 50 years. As an educator, Dennis has a reputation for working up against the edge of convention and out of the box, turning tradition on its head and delivering concrete results.The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gave Big Picture Learning 20 million dollars to replicate The Met School nationally and internationally. Currently there is a network of 150 schools, 75 across the country, and 75 throughout the world.
Presently, Dennis’s focus has been on College Unbound. The innovative college is rethinking how we educate the 37 million adults who started college but didn’t finish. College Unbound is a NECHE accredited college, paving the way for other non-traditional, innovative higher education programs to reach the masses.
Dr. Littky holds a double Ph.D. in psychology and education from the University of Michigan. His work as a principal at Thayer Junior/Senior High School in Winchester, N.H. is featured in an NBC movie, A Town Torn Apart based on the book Doc: The Story of Dennis Littky and His Fight for a Better School. He wrote (along with Samantha Grabelle) The Big Picture: Education is Everyone’s Business, which went on to win the Association of Educational Publishers’ top award for nonfiction.
Dennis was recognized as a leader in education and awarded the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Education. Fast Company ranked Littky #4 among the top 50 Innovators and the George Lucas Educational Foundation recently selected Dennis as part of their Daring Dozen Educators. Locally, Dennis was awarded the Local Hero Award by Bank of America and College Unbound was awarded The Innovative and Creative Program Award by UPCEA, New England. Dennis was awarded the New England Higher Education Excellence Award.
Dennis is presently beginning to spread College Unbound throughout the U.S and beyond.
Sonn Sam
Who is Big Picture Learning and How Student Centered Learning support the Well Being of All Students -Come learn how Big Picture Learning's student centered learning design helps students live life by their own design. By creating an eco-system with young people at the center, BPL has carved out a new pathway to cultivate the brilliance of every young person.
Sonn Sam, Ed. D is the National Director of Partnerships with Big Picture Learning, a national and international network of schools committed to activating the potential of schools, systems and education through student-driven, real-world learning. He has been an innovative educator for over 19 years serving in the capacity as teacher, principal, district lead and regional director. In alignment with BPL’s mission, Sonn provides coaching around student-centered learning practices such as Personalization (Student Voice & Choice), Advisory Systems & Structures, Interest-Based Learning, Internship Program (Real World Learning) and Authentic Assessments (Exhibitions/Portfolios). Sonn is also a proud ISTE’ s Certified Educator and Coach. As a current resident of central Florida, Sonn is passionate about helping his community reimagine what schools could be. In his downtime, he enjoys spending quality time with his beautiful wife and three children.
Sonn Sam, Ed. D is the National Director of Partnerships with Big Picture Learning, a national and international network of schools committed to activating the potential of schools, systems and education through student-driven, real-world learning. He has been an innovative educator for over 19 years serving in the capacity as teacher, principal, district lead and regional director. In alignment with BPL’s mission, Sonn provides coaching around student-centered learning practices such as Personalization (Student Voice & Choice), Advisory Systems & Structures, Interest-Based Learning, Internship Program (Real World Learning) and Authentic Assessments (Exhibitions/Portfolios). Sonn is also a proud ISTE’ s Certified Educator and Coach. As a current resident of central Florida, Sonn is passionate about helping his community reimagine what schools could be. In his downtime, he enjoys spending quality time with his beautiful wife and three children.
Eliane R. El Haber
Well being - A global priority -The presentation will include information about well-being, why it is essential to take care of it, and how to take care of it. It will also cover the importance of including social and emotional learning at schools and that's why, we, the youth of the world, incorporated that in the Youth Declaration on Transforming Education.
Eliane EL HABER is a master's student from Lebanon. She studied psychology and management, and she is now studying management of NGOs. In her professional life, Eliane works with students so they can overcome academic difficulties, make the right choices regarding their education or career, and find the financial support they might need. She also works on research at the national and regional level, focusing on curriculum and education system reforms. She is also a consultant at the Charity Donation Foundation, a non-profit organization working on poverty alleviation schemes. Eliane is also a youth and student representative of the UNESCO SDG4Youth network.
Eliane EL HABER is a master's student from Lebanon. She studied psychology and management, and she is now studying management of NGOs. In her professional life, Eliane works with students so they can overcome academic difficulties, make the right choices regarding their education or career, and find the financial support they might need. She also works on research at the national and regional level, focusing on curriculum and education system reforms. She is also a consultant at the Charity Donation Foundation, a non-profit organization working on poverty alleviation schemes. Eliane is also a youth and student representative of the UNESCO SDG4Youth network.
Ariana Gibson
Crowdsourcing Hope -In my presentation, I will encourage young people to talk to others about what they're feeling. I'll share clips from videos of other young people (aged 13-19) talking about different experiences they've navigated to show them they won't be alone in opening up.
Ariana Alejandra Gibson is a documentary filmmaker and mental health activist who born in Costa Rica to a father with schizophrenia. She is the Founder and CEO of STIGMA, a mental health startup that uses storytelling to fight loneliness and improve mental health. She is also one of the 46% of Americans who will personally experience mental illness in their lifetimes and believes the only way to normalize conversations about mental health is to be brave enough to have them.
Ariana Alejandra Gibson is a documentary filmmaker and mental health activist who born in Costa Rica to a father with schizophrenia. She is the Founder and CEO of STIGMA, a mental health startup that uses storytelling to fight loneliness and improve mental health. She is also one of the 46% of Americans who will personally experience mental illness in their lifetimes and believes the only way to normalize conversations about mental health is to be brave enough to have them.
Hani Rukh E Qamar
Mental Health Promotion for Youth in Advocacy and Leadership Positions -With the rise of social justice issues globally, such as access to healthcare, the rights of immigrants and refugees, and the climate crisis, youth are at the frontlines advocating for change in their communities. At the same time, very little resources exist to support the same young people who are burning out, experience climate anxiety, as well as lack of access to mental health supports due to economic and social factors. This presentation aims to provide attendees with the knowledge to practice healthy behaviors in relation to mental health, particularly youth advocates who may feel burnt out.
Hani Rukh-E-Qamar is the Founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Advisory of Women Immigrants (CAWI), a youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering immigrant women. Currently, she is pursuing a B.Sc. in Psychology with a double minor in Health Geography and International Development Studies at McGill University, where she is also a Global Health Scholar. As a Global Health Scholar at McGill, Hani supported a project on family factors and psychosis in India and Canada. In addition, she serves on the Steering Committee for Women in Global Health (WGH), at the Canadian Association for Global Health (CAGH). This summer, Hani worked as a Research Assistant with Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health with a Maternal Health team. Hani is also the Co-Chair of the Youth Working Group at the Canadian Partnership for Women’s and Children’s Health (CanWaCH).
Hani has received various awards for her work, including the McGill Scarlet Key Society Award, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants finalist, and CAMIMH’s Champion of Mental Health Award. Her work has also been published in the news, particularly her nonprofit work with immigrant women and girls. This year, Hani supported the Canadian Delegation to the Commission on Population and Development as the Canadian Youth Delegate. Additionally, Hani is passionate about conducting research and community work regarding equitable access to healthcare, social determinants of health, and the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Hani Rukh-E-Qamar is the Founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Advisory of Women Immigrants (CAWI), a youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering immigrant women. Currently, she is pursuing a B.Sc. in Psychology with a double minor in Health Geography and International Development Studies at McGill University, where she is also a Global Health Scholar. As a Global Health Scholar at McGill, Hani supported a project on family factors and psychosis in India and Canada. In addition, she serves on the Steering Committee for Women in Global Health (WGH), at the Canadian Association for Global Health (CAGH). This summer, Hani worked as a Research Assistant with Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health with a Maternal Health team. Hani is also the Co-Chair of the Youth Working Group at the Canadian Partnership for Women’s and Children’s Health (CanWaCH).
Hani has received various awards for her work, including the McGill Scarlet Key Society Award, the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants finalist, and CAMIMH’s Champion of Mental Health Award. Her work has also been published in the news, particularly her nonprofit work with immigrant women and girls. This year, Hani supported the Canadian Delegation to the Commission on Population and Development as the Canadian Youth Delegate. Additionally, Hani is passionate about conducting research and community work regarding equitable access to healthcare, social determinants of health, and the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Anagha Rajesh
Our world is at the cusp of a mental health epidemic. The stigma around mental health, shortage of psychology professionals and the expensive nature of existing interventions make mental health support inaccessible to a large number of young people worldwide.
Listening Circles is a community-centric initiative that is aimed at creating safe spaces for young people to have open conversations about mental health and support each other on their emotional journeys. The goal of this presentation is to introduce participants to the concept of a listening circle and help them figure out how they can custom-design this for their communities and educational institutions.
Listening Circles is a community-centric initiative that is aimed at creating safe spaces for young people to have open conversations about mental health and support each other on their emotional journeys. The goal of this presentation is to introduce participants to the concept of a listening circle and help them figure out how they can custom-design this for their communities and educational institutions.
Claire Ma
Your initiative, Your meaning -With the increase in mental health awareness advocacy initiatives started by youth around the globe, it is important for our global network to not only recognise each other, but also to offer guidance so that initiatives can be maintained and become a long-lasting habit. My presentation focuses on helping teens who would like to start or have already started a mental health initiative to identify a direction of advocacy that suits them personally and how to maintain a long. active relationship with their initiative.
Claire works with several international/national organisations to advocate for youth mental health awareness and to inspire more women to stand up against stereotypes and pursue their happiness. Currently she writes her own newsletter and run monthly letter exchanges in the community.
Claire works with several international/national organisations to advocate for youth mental health awareness and to inspire more women to stand up against stereotypes and pursue their happiness. Currently she writes her own newsletter and run monthly letter exchanges in the community.
Heela Yoon
Mental Health and Refugees.
Heela Yoon is the Founder of Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization (AYAPO), a grassroots NGO working in the Eastern provinces of Afghanistan focusing on UNSCR 1325 and 2250 and local peacebuilding. Through AYAPO, Heela has trained more than 80 young girls in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kabul on gender equality, leadership, and first responders to a humanitarian crisis. With her NGO, she has engaged with religious and tribal leaders through community peacebuilding dialogues in the Eastern zone to advocate for Afghan girls' education.
She has more than five years of experience working with humanitarian and human rights organizations. She has worked with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) as a Cora Weiss peacebuilding fellow focusing on localizing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and The Philippines. Before joining GNWP, she worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Afghanistan as a program coordinator for UNFPA.
Heela Graduated from Kabul University with a bachelor's in political science and a bachelor's in business finance from the American University of Afghanistan. She completed her master's in International Trade and Finance from Leeds Beckett University as Chevening Scholar. She is a Research consultant with Amnesty International focusing on the human rights situation in Afghanistan and works as a trainee with Oxfam Great Britain.
She was the Civil Society briefer for the 64the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in 2020 and was awarded one of the young emerging peacemakers from Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. Heela is also part of the 30 for 2030 youth leadership network that brings together young decision-makers, eminent civic and business innovators, feminists, entrepreneurs, technology pioneers, educators, activists, artists, journalists, and more by U.N Women.
Heela is currently the Afghan Coordinator for the International Parliamentary Network for Education.
Heela Yoon is the Founder of Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization (AYAPO), a grassroots NGO working in the Eastern provinces of Afghanistan focusing on UNSCR 1325 and 2250 and local peacebuilding. Through AYAPO, Heela has trained more than 80 young girls in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kabul on gender equality, leadership, and first responders to a humanitarian crisis. With her NGO, she has engaged with religious and tribal leaders through community peacebuilding dialogues in the Eastern zone to advocate for Afghan girls' education.
She has more than five years of experience working with humanitarian and human rights organizations. She has worked with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) as a Cora Weiss peacebuilding fellow focusing on localizing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and The Philippines. Before joining GNWP, she worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Afghanistan as a program coordinator for UNFPA.
Heela Graduated from Kabul University with a bachelor's in political science and a bachelor's in business finance from the American University of Afghanistan. She completed her master's in International Trade and Finance from Leeds Beckett University as Chevening Scholar. She is a Research consultant with Amnesty International focusing on the human rights situation in Afghanistan and works as a trainee with Oxfam Great Britain.
She was the Civil Society briefer for the 64the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in 2020 and was awarded one of the young emerging peacemakers from Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. Heela is also part of the 30 for 2030 youth leadership network that brings together young decision-makers, eminent civic and business innovators, feminists, entrepreneurs, technology pioneers, educators, activists, artists, journalists, and more by U.N Women.
Heela is currently the Afghan Coordinator for the International Parliamentary Network for Education.
Megan Padron
Bridging the gap between who you are now and who you could someday be - An intense workshop for young dreamers currently enduring heavy adversities - “There is a light that never goes out.”The purpose of this workshop is to help young dreamers undergoing great adversities outside of their academia; both to aid them in adapting a mindset for overcoming these adversities, and to set a long-term foundation that enables them to transcend to new heights across each arena that life has to offer. From personal experience of financial, emotional and physical-based hardships, I will do everything I can to equip these like-minded attendees with everything they need to navigate a route past their greatest adversities - to manifest a life worth fighting for.
An ambitious and driven 19 year old firmly looking to drive change in more ways than one.
Aspiring to practice RIBA chartered commercial architecture, I am currently a first year student at Manchester’s globally recognised architectural school; I aim to one day be able to contribute to the skyline and important structures within cities.
I am additionally writing the first draft of a novel that I hope to some day have published within the next few years. Its principal intent remains to challenge the prevailing stigma against mental health, directed towards young dreamers who are enduring heavy adversities.
An ambitious and driven 19 year old firmly looking to drive change in more ways than one.
Aspiring to practice RIBA chartered commercial architecture, I am currently a first year student at Manchester’s globally recognised architectural school; I aim to one day be able to contribute to the skyline and important structures within cities.
I am additionally writing the first draft of a novel that I hope to some day have published within the next few years. Its principal intent remains to challenge the prevailing stigma against mental health, directed towards young dreamers who are enduring heavy adversities.
Taylor Hawthorne
Finding Healing on an Advocacy Journey- The presentation will be a narrative of my mental health journey, and the resources and support I found in my community that got me on a journey of healing. It will highlight the opportunities I found for advocacy along with the pieces advice I’ve picked up along the way from experts, loved ones, and even the bystanders in between.
Taylor Hawthorne is a nineteen year old undergraduate student at Boston University, studying Public Relations and Journalism with an Entrepreneurship minor. She has battled mental illness most of her life, and spends her time now advocating for adolescents that struggle with clinical depression. She has gotten involved in school mental health clubs, taking a leadership role to find activities that will bring her community together to defeat the stigma surrounding mental illness. She hopes to one day start her own non-profit that focuses on supporting youth runners and other athletes in collaboration through school organizations and local sports leagues. Taylor is also an advocate for AFSP through their public policy groups. She is pursuing a career that will combine her love for journalism/storytelling and public relations that supports non profits, advocacy groups, and other social justice groups all over the world.
Taylor has undergone challenges in the past years that have led her to become the advocate she is today. She hopes to spread the message of how progress is not linear, but it’s a process that young people should band together to better understand how we can help each other.
Taylor Hawthorne is a nineteen year old undergraduate student at Boston University, studying Public Relations and Journalism with an Entrepreneurship minor. She has battled mental illness most of her life, and spends her time now advocating for adolescents that struggle with clinical depression. She has gotten involved in school mental health clubs, taking a leadership role to find activities that will bring her community together to defeat the stigma surrounding mental illness. She hopes to one day start her own non-profit that focuses on supporting youth runners and other athletes in collaboration through school organizations and local sports leagues. Taylor is also an advocate for AFSP through their public policy groups. She is pursuing a career that will combine her love for journalism/storytelling and public relations that supports non profits, advocacy groups, and other social justice groups all over the world.
Taylor has undergone challenges in the past years that have led her to become the advocate she is today. She hopes to spread the message of how progress is not linear, but it’s a process that young people should band together to better understand how we can help each other.
Stephnie Shuler
Toward Thriving.
Stephanie Shuler is a social entrepreneur. Her formal research explores thriving and multiliteracies. She is in her final year of Doctoral Studies at The University of Toronto/OISE in Canada. Stephanie is currently exploring Parents’ Narrative Accounts of Experiences with Their Child’s Learning Disabilities.
Stephanie has extensive background in Leisure Studies, camp, outdoor immersion, and holistic education. Bringing more than 30 years’ experience working with diverse populations in traditional and alternative environments, she is a founding visionary behind The Maui Aloha Project, an ecovillage initiative pursuing living and learning possibilities in Hawaii.
A parent to three wonderful young adults who sometimes join her for picnics and canoeing. She finds peace in music, dance, painting and Chi Kong Yoga Energetics.
Stephanie Shuler is a social entrepreneur. Her formal research explores thriving and multiliteracies. She is in her final year of Doctoral Studies at The University of Toronto/OISE in Canada. Stephanie is currently exploring Parents’ Narrative Accounts of Experiences with Their Child’s Learning Disabilities.
Stephanie has extensive background in Leisure Studies, camp, outdoor immersion, and holistic education. Bringing more than 30 years’ experience working with diverse populations in traditional and alternative environments, she is a founding visionary behind The Maui Aloha Project, an ecovillage initiative pursuing living and learning possibilities in Hawaii.
A parent to three wonderful young adults who sometimes join her for picnics and canoeing. She finds peace in music, dance, painting and Chi Kong Yoga Energetics.
Shivani Parikh
Acculturation vs. Assimilation: Mental Health & Identity for the Children of Immigrants - Youth deserve mental health conversations, dialogues, and interventions that go beyond addressing ""stress"" which can be addressed by a combination of self-care and/or medication. Reflecting on my public school experiences in a predominantly white suburb, the only acknowledgment of mental health was through our health class. As we navigate a society that is polarized, inequitable, and reckoning with a climate crisis, the presentation will focus on how the pervasive pressure to assimilate is a useful framework to understand the complexities that the children of immigrants navigate and how we can begin to demand better of our schools and communities.
Shivani Parikh is a Stein Scholar for Public Interest & Ethics and J.D. Candidate at Fordham Law School, a member of the board of advisors of MannMukti, and a board member of Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus. She has spoken at various conferences including the 2019 National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum’s Power Up Conference, Yale University's 2020 and 2021 South Asian Youth Initiative (SAYI) conferences, the 2020 Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative (FREC): Overcoming Racism Conference, the 2021 South Asian Mental Health Consortium's SAPNA Conference, and the 2022 Asian American Psychological Association's national convention. She is passionate about interdisciplinary justice and community movements, mentorship, and trauma-informed legal advocacy.
Listening Circles is a community-centric initiative that is aimed at creating safe spaces for young people to have open conversations about mental health and support each other on their emotional journeys. The goal of this presentation is to introduce participants to the concept of a listening circle and help them figure out how they can custom-design this for their communities and educational institutions.
Shivani Parikh is a Stein Scholar for Public Interest & Ethics and J.D. Candidate at Fordham Law School, a member of the board of advisors of MannMukti, and a board member of Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus. She has spoken at various conferences including the 2019 National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum’s Power Up Conference, Yale University's 2020 and 2021 South Asian Youth Initiative (SAYI) conferences, the 2020 Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative (FREC): Overcoming Racism Conference, the 2021 South Asian Mental Health Consortium's SAPNA Conference, and the 2022 Asian American Psychological Association's national convention. She is passionate about interdisciplinary justice and community movements, mentorship, and trauma-informed legal advocacy.
Listening Circles is a community-centric initiative that is aimed at creating safe spaces for young people to have open conversations about mental health and support each other on their emotional journeys. The goal of this presentation is to introduce participants to the concept of a listening circle and help them figure out how they can custom-design this for their communities and educational institutions.
Shelot Masithi
Thirsty and Hopeful
A story of a girl who's been thirsty almost everyday, but she's still here and hopeful that one day, just one day, all of us will have clean water to drink and better mental healthcare.
A story of a girl who's been thirsty almost everyday, but she's still here and hopeful that one day, just one day, all of us will have clean water to drink and better mental healthcare.
Ritika Saraswat's
Stress & Competition
Hi! My name is Ritika and I am a consultant at Deloitte and an avid mental health enthusiast. I always say I am impact-drive and it is my impact obsession that got me to Canada to study Kinesiology and similarly got me into consulting hoping to empower people and organizations. During my time at university, I wore multiple hats, I was and still am the founder of a non-profit, the co-founder of an upliftment platform, a content creator on LinkedIn, a motivational speaker, a mentor, and now a consultant as well. Even within the firm I further my passion for mental health & well-being through workshops, events etc.
Hi! My name is Ritika and I am a consultant at Deloitte and an avid mental health enthusiast. I always say I am impact-drive and it is my impact obsession that got me to Canada to study Kinesiology and similarly got me into consulting hoping to empower people and organizations. During my time at university, I wore multiple hats, I was and still am the founder of a non-profit, the co-founder of an upliftment platform, a content creator on LinkedIn, a motivational speaker, a mentor, and now a consultant as well. Even within the firm I further my passion for mental health & well-being through workshops, events etc.
Day 2
Madison Masterson
Who should I be today on social media? - This presentation is going to cover the difficulties of growing up on social media and battling mental health issues from the perspective of social media influencer and CEO, Madison Masterson. Specifically discussing how social media only shows one side of someone’s story, the side they want you to see.
"Madison Masterson is a 25 year old social media influencer and the CEO of Mad Marketing, a influencer and social media marketing agency in Tampa Florida. Madison is passionate about speaking about mental health awareness and disability awareness due to her living with multiple mental and physical disabilities.
Hello, I am Madison Masterson, and I am the CEO of Mad Marketing and a social media influencer with over 60 thousand followers on various platforms. Specializations in social media, influencer marketing, SEO, branding, and content creation. I am hardworking, creative, and a life-long learner.
Originally from Orlando Florida, I have now called Tampa Florida my home for 7 years. I stumbled on the world of social media marketing over a decade ago as a happy accident. I grew up a dancer and a signer and always had a passion for creating communities and sharing my story in the hopes that it would help and inspire others. Growing up my life wasn't easy, I had epilepsy with as many as 15 seizures a day and severe bullying which pushed me into being in a schooling program called hospital homebound. I had doctors tell me that there was no point in trying to go to college as I would never be able to be successful with health issues as severe as mine. Fast forward to today and I proved all of those doctors wrong. I not only graduated as a top 25 under 25 student with a bachelor's in marketing but I also graduated debt-free with a master's degree in marketing with a perfect GPA. I now have gone on to accomplish things I never dreamed of and have been blessed to be able to share my story with hundreds of thousands of people.
I am passionate about organic and content marketing. I spend much of my free time being a mentor for other up-and-coming young marketers and influencers. I have been a social media influencer for over 11 years and from that have learned how to utilize relationship-building to build lifelong authentic relationships through social media.
I have served as consultant for startups as head of organic marketing and am great at managing large teams and reorganizing departments.
I am resilient, passionate, and always ready for a challenge. My life motto is "Every day is another chance to make someone smile."
"Madison Masterson is a 25 year old social media influencer and the CEO of Mad Marketing, a influencer and social media marketing agency in Tampa Florida. Madison is passionate about speaking about mental health awareness and disability awareness due to her living with multiple mental and physical disabilities.
Hello, I am Madison Masterson, and I am the CEO of Mad Marketing and a social media influencer with over 60 thousand followers on various platforms. Specializations in social media, influencer marketing, SEO, branding, and content creation. I am hardworking, creative, and a life-long learner.
Originally from Orlando Florida, I have now called Tampa Florida my home for 7 years. I stumbled on the world of social media marketing over a decade ago as a happy accident. I grew up a dancer and a signer and always had a passion for creating communities and sharing my story in the hopes that it would help and inspire others. Growing up my life wasn't easy, I had epilepsy with as many as 15 seizures a day and severe bullying which pushed me into being in a schooling program called hospital homebound. I had doctors tell me that there was no point in trying to go to college as I would never be able to be successful with health issues as severe as mine. Fast forward to today and I proved all of those doctors wrong. I not only graduated as a top 25 under 25 student with a bachelor's in marketing but I also graduated debt-free with a master's degree in marketing with a perfect GPA. I now have gone on to accomplish things I never dreamed of and have been blessed to be able to share my story with hundreds of thousands of people.
I am passionate about organic and content marketing. I spend much of my free time being a mentor for other up-and-coming young marketers and influencers. I have been a social media influencer for over 11 years and from that have learned how to utilize relationship-building to build lifelong authentic relationships through social media.
I have served as consultant for startups as head of organic marketing and am great at managing large teams and reorganizing departments.
I am resilient, passionate, and always ready for a challenge. My life motto is "Every day is another chance to make someone smile."
Shadae Lezama
Your voice has power - Your voice has power is a message to spread that you have a strong voice to talk about your experience in life to talk about your passions to talk about your mental health and not feel you need to be silenced. As a black women this is a struggle I faced in this world and want to show that your voice does matter.
I’m the founder of Black Voices Matter a movement I started to amplify Black voices and Black creatives. I’m also the founder of Angelic Fashion House a digital marketing creative agency for the entertainment industry. I’m a songwriter, content creator and film maker.
I’m the founder of Black Voices Matter a movement I started to amplify Black voices and Black creatives. I’m also the founder of Angelic Fashion House a digital marketing creative agency for the entertainment industry. I’m a songwriter, content creator and film maker.
Ashmita Annamalai
(2 in 1) A Student's Experiences With Mental Health in Schools - I will be sharing my personal experiences in regards to the intersection between mental health and education in a high school setting. I will touch on topics regarding mental health education in schools, how teachers can better support students going through rough patches, and what supports can be set in place at the administration level. Turning Pain to Purpose - I will be sharing my personal story and journey at university and how the difficulties I faced in my life, has lead me to voulnteer and give back, while I raise awarenss about mental health inequity and call for change.
Ashmita Annamalai is a high school junior at Canyon Crest Academy and a mental health, suicide prevention, and social justice advocate. She channels her efforts into various organizations as a leader, speaker, writer, and journalist, including Mind Out Loud, the San Diego County Office of Education, the California Department of Education, and Mental Health America. She has an immense passion for learning, especially about personal wellness, psychology, education, and physiology/kinesiology. She is also a spirited dancer, poet, reader, and music enthusiast -- all stemming from her love of artistic expression.
Ashmita Annamalai is a high school junior at Canyon Crest Academy and a mental health, suicide prevention, and social justice advocate. She channels her efforts into various organizations as a leader, speaker, writer, and journalist, including Mind Out Loud, the San Diego County Office of Education, the California Department of Education, and Mental Health America. She has an immense passion for learning, especially about personal wellness, psychology, education, and physiology/kinesiology. She is also a spirited dancer, poet, reader, and music enthusiast -- all stemming from her love of artistic expression.
Srushhti Trivedi
From settling to unsettling : story of international student - Being an international student in a foreign land brings many challenges and hurdles, including both an academic and a cultural shock. I share a similar story. My 22 year old self flew from India to Canada to pursue the dream of studying bioethics and bringing in advocacy. Little did I know that being the youngest in my cohort will bring a series of self doubts, lack of confidence and home sickness. Battling academic pressure amidst COVID-19 and feeling unsettled, made me find a home within myself. My story is not different from hundreds of thousands of students who leave their comfort zone , their home country and fly to a foreign land to seek a better life, education and work opportunities. I wish to share things that worked out for me and help me stay sane during my student life in hope to make others like me feel that they're not alone.
Srushhti is a advisory committee member of a not-for profit missINFORMED which is designed to provide health education & to promote informed advocacy through evidence-based teachings for women & gender diverse people. She is also a healthcare consultant at Amaris Consulting company . Previously she has worked with St. Michael's Hospital as a Research Assistant on cost-effectiveness model for type-1 diabetes mellitus . Her previous experience also includes working with with Public Health Ontario (PHO), Canada and participating in meetings with Ontario Health Data Platforms and analyzed the ethical issues of using COVID-19 data for research and commercial purposes. She has also work on a quality improvement project with Access-Alliance which is a community based health providing agency focusing on new immigrants, refugees and youth.
Srushhti is a advisory committee member of a not-for profit missINFORMED which is designed to provide health education & to promote informed advocacy through evidence-based teachings for women & gender diverse people. She is also a healthcare consultant at Amaris Consulting company . Previously she has worked with St. Michael's Hospital as a Research Assistant on cost-effectiveness model for type-1 diabetes mellitus . Her previous experience also includes working with with Public Health Ontario (PHO), Canada and participating in meetings with Ontario Health Data Platforms and analyzed the ethical issues of using COVID-19 data for research and commercial purposes. She has also work on a quality improvement project with Access-Alliance which is a community based health providing agency focusing on new immigrants, refugees and youth.
Ayushi Anand
Working Through Generational Trauma - The presentation starts with an insight into the Indian household and education system where people-pleasing tendencies are internalized in children from a young age. Later, the focus shifts to different kinds of trauma one can go through and how each of them is just as valid as the other one. The presentation talks about trauma that originates from families and how important it is to identify the pattern, and subsequently break it.
Ayushi Anand is a freshman at Delhi University. As a psychology student in High School, she was deeply involved in supporting the mental health of fellow students and counselling her colleagues as a peer educator. She is a strong advocate of breaking unhealthy patterns and firmly believes that the first step to do so is identification. Her session talks about identifying these behaviors and how the youth can actively modify them.
Ayushi Anand is a freshman at Delhi University. As a psychology student in High School, she was deeply involved in supporting the mental health of fellow students and counselling her colleagues as a peer educator. She is a strong advocate of breaking unhealthy patterns and firmly believes that the first step to do so is identification. Her session talks about identifying these behaviors and how the youth can actively modify them.
Fatemeh Matin Moradkhan
(2 in 1) A Student's Experiences With Mental Health in Schools - I will be sharing my personal experiences in regards to the intersection between mental health and education in a high school setting. I will touch on topics regarding mental health education in schools, how teachers can better support students going through rough patches, and what supports can be set in place at the administration level. Turning Pain to Purpose - I will be sharing my personal story and journey at university and how the difficulties I faced in my life, has lead me to voulnteer and give back, while I raise awarenss about mental health inequity and call for change.
Fatemeh Matin Moradkhan is a 4th-year Biology Student and Science One Alumni at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about science communication, youth empowerment, and youth leadership. Her passion has encouraged her to be active in the community by volunteering and taking on several leadership roles. She worked as the Development and Youth Branch manager at Misdiagnosis Association and Research Institute (MARI YOUTH), which focused on raising awareness about healthcare, science communication, and creating the opportunity for youth to conduct research. As a student leader and being part of the Thaqalayn Muslim Association of UBC, she is committed to embracing diversity and advocating equity in the community and helping student in minority. Matin is a Fraser Health's Young Adult Health Influencer. She has been part of projects that aim to raise awareness about the Covid -19 pandemic by tackling misinformation, sharing credible sources, and engaging in discussions regarding healthcare. Being a Youth Canadian Roundtable of Health (YCRH) member and project lead and being part of the Canadian Youth Roundtable Discussions with the Canadian Delegation in preparation for the PAHO Directing Council and the World Health Assembly while engaging in global health diplomacy by facilitating the Canadian Youth Parliament has given her the opportunity to advocate for; health equity, post-pandemic recovery plans, equity in vaccine distribution, youth mental health, and access to proper mental health resources. Matin is a fierce advocate for mental health and being a member of the Abrar Trauma and Mental Health Services gives her the opportunity to aid newcomers and their challenges in Canada, and she has joined the UNICEF Canada advocacy program, to learn more about advocacy and creating effective change. Matin is inspired to continue her studies in the field of global health and entrepreneurship while focusing on innovation in healthcare and health communication. Matin aspires to be a health entrepreneur. She enjoys working with young leaders and innovators, empowering youth, and is devoted to creating positive change.
Fatemeh Matin Moradkhan is a 4th-year Biology Student and Science One Alumni at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about science communication, youth empowerment, and youth leadership. Her passion has encouraged her to be active in the community by volunteering and taking on several leadership roles. She worked as the Development and Youth Branch manager at Misdiagnosis Association and Research Institute (MARI YOUTH), which focused on raising awareness about healthcare, science communication, and creating the opportunity for youth to conduct research. As a student leader and being part of the Thaqalayn Muslim Association of UBC, she is committed to embracing diversity and advocating equity in the community and helping student in minority. Matin is a Fraser Health's Young Adult Health Influencer. She has been part of projects that aim to raise awareness about the Covid -19 pandemic by tackling misinformation, sharing credible sources, and engaging in discussions regarding healthcare. Being a Youth Canadian Roundtable of Health (YCRH) member and project lead and being part of the Canadian Youth Roundtable Discussions with the Canadian Delegation in preparation for the PAHO Directing Council and the World Health Assembly while engaging in global health diplomacy by facilitating the Canadian Youth Parliament has given her the opportunity to advocate for; health equity, post-pandemic recovery plans, equity in vaccine distribution, youth mental health, and access to proper mental health resources. Matin is a fierce advocate for mental health and being a member of the Abrar Trauma and Mental Health Services gives her the opportunity to aid newcomers and their challenges in Canada, and she has joined the UNICEF Canada advocacy program, to learn more about advocacy and creating effective change. Matin is inspired to continue her studies in the field of global health and entrepreneurship while focusing on innovation in healthcare and health communication. Matin aspires to be a health entrepreneur. She enjoys working with young leaders and innovators, empowering youth, and is devoted to creating positive change.
Sophie Szew
I am alive because I advocate, I advocate because I am alive: how mental healthcare activism sparked for lived experience is shaping policy - In March of 2018, I sat in front of my doctor as he told me that I was going to die within the next couple weeks because there was no way the mental healthcare system could serve me as an eating disorder patient who was already “weight restored.” I am not alone. I am part of the 95% of eating disorder patients who are not underweight according to the arbitrary, racist and inaccurate standard of the BMI, the measurement used in most eating disorder care settings to determine if one is recovered or not. In May of 2022, I stood in front of President Biden and shared my story, and the story of the silent 95%. My rage at a broken system saved my life: it gave me purpose and a basis to rebuild my identity after years of medical abuse. We need more of the 95% to share their stories. We need more people who have been marginalized by our corrupt healthcare system to speak out against it and we need them at the forefront of the reconstruction of mental healthcare.
Sophie Szew (she/her/ella, they/them/elle) is a Jewish Latina 3-time intern at the U.S. House of Representatives and youth leader at MTV’s Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House. Sophie is an internationally recognized poet and journalist, a Mental Health America Young Mental Health Leader, California Mental Health Consortium Member, the founder of the Youth Latinx Leadership Conference, and a former teacher to unaccompanied and undocumented child immigrants. She is also a Youth Advisory Board member for Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and a first-year student at Stanford University, where she hopes to double-major in American Studies with a concentration in mental healthcare justice and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, with two minors in Human Rights and Creative Writing. As an eating disorder survivor, Sophie combines their own experiences with injustice brought about by mental healthcare inequity with her passion for writing, advocacy, and leadership to uplift the voices of minority communities and fight for the systemic de-stigmatization of marginalized bodies.
Sophie Szew (she/her/ella, they/them/elle) is a Jewish Latina 3-time intern at the U.S. House of Representatives and youth leader at MTV’s Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House. Sophie is an internationally recognized poet and journalist, a Mental Health America Young Mental Health Leader, California Mental Health Consortium Member, the founder of the Youth Latinx Leadership Conference, and a former teacher to unaccompanied and undocumented child immigrants. She is also a Youth Advisory Board member for Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and a first-year student at Stanford University, where she hopes to double-major in American Studies with a concentration in mental healthcare justice and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, with two minors in Human Rights and Creative Writing. As an eating disorder survivor, Sophie combines their own experiences with injustice brought about by mental healthcare inequity with her passion for writing, advocacy, and leadership to uplift the voices of minority communities and fight for the systemic de-stigmatization of marginalized bodies.
Melanie De Sousa
From Advocacy to Service Provision in Mental Health - I'll be presenting on my personal journey from a youth mental health advocate to now working as a service provider (a therapist). I'll discuss the connections between the two fields and how advocacy and service provision go hand-in-hand when looking forward to an improved mental health field, and thus a mental health revolution. I'll elaborate on how the intricacies of this connection were not taught in school, even at the Masters level, and how experience in the field is the 'glue' surrounding what's taught - and not taught - in schools. Self-guided learning is a huge part of both self-help and learning to help others, and both involve transferrable skills and a person-centred approach.
Melanie De Sousa is a social work professional who works in the community as a therapist, trauma-informed mental health clinician, and wholistic community resource navigator. She is currently finishing her Masters of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University in Kitchener, Ontario. Melanie found her passion for mental health through the activism space, and that has since inspired her to move on to improving the state of the mental health field in Canada from the front lines. She has worked extensively in the non-profit sector and is passionate about sharing her eclectic mix of experiences, so as to teach by example about the many different avenues available to make a difference in the lives of others. When she's not working or studying, you can catch her lifting weights at the gym, cozying up with a good book, or scouring the city for the best cup of coffee. Feel free to reach out to her on LinkedIn or by email at desousamelanieanne@gmail.com!
Melanie De Sousa is a social work professional who works in the community as a therapist, trauma-informed mental health clinician, and wholistic community resource navigator. She is currently finishing her Masters of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University in Kitchener, Ontario. Melanie found her passion for mental health through the activism space, and that has since inspired her to move on to improving the state of the mental health field in Canada from the front lines. She has worked extensively in the non-profit sector and is passionate about sharing her eclectic mix of experiences, so as to teach by example about the many different avenues available to make a difference in the lives of others. When she's not working or studying, you can catch her lifting weights at the gym, cozying up with a good book, or scouring the city for the best cup of coffee. Feel free to reach out to her on LinkedIn or by email at desousamelanieanne@gmail.com!
Bernice Deng
Inside the Mind of a Youth - In my interactive, inspirational, once-a-lifetime presentation, you will learn more valuable information about mental health than you ever would! During the presentation, you will learn about mental health and how it relates to students' experiences. This presentation will be interactive and enjoyable; it is something you can not miss! While learning about this valuable information, you will feel inspired, for this presentation will be inspirational and beneficial. No matter what position you are currently in, YOU will feel an IMPACT with this short presentation. With storytelling, humor, and delight, you will find this incredible! Do not miss this valuable presentation!
Bernice Deng is a social entrepreneur and an activist. Her friends and family call her ambitious and passionate in any of her work. Bernice currently holds many leadership positions in many nonprofits, including Marketing Manager, Website Designer, and more. Her goal is to create an impact for a better world, whether it is through her companies or her voice. Bernice is also passionate about environmental science as well as marketing. During her presentation, she hopes to impact and educate others about the significant topic of Mental Health.
Bernice Deng is a social entrepreneur and an activist. Her friends and family call her ambitious and passionate in any of her work. Bernice currently holds many leadership positions in many nonprofits, including Marketing Manager, Website Designer, and more. Her goal is to create an impact for a better world, whether it is through her companies or her voice. Bernice is also passionate about environmental science as well as marketing. During her presentation, she hopes to impact and educate others about the significant topic of Mental Health.
Shunmei Levana Zheng
Depression in teens and pathophysiology behind it - What are the neural synapses and connections behind major depressive disorder? How is the study of biology affecting psychological disorder treatment? In this presentation, I will go over how the biology field has shaped and formed psychology into finding genetic and physical bases for disorders
Shunmei is a high school student who enjoys a wide variety of interests and activities. She likes to read, write and listen to music. She hopes one day the stigma against mental health will be gone so that people feel more comfortable in themselves.
Shunmei is a high school student who enjoys a wide variety of interests and activities. She likes to read, write and listen to music. She hopes one day the stigma against mental health will be gone so that people feel more comfortable in themselves.
Drishti Vidyarthi & Prameela Boorada
Re-Designing Social Impact Education - In this presentation we will be exploring different ways to create education platforms focused on teaching youth about social justice and advocacy. Currently, there are fairly limited structured resources for youth to learn about being advocate and about different social justice issues. Through this presentation we will explore the current ways youth are exploring social justice (what works and what doesn’t for them), what they tend to gravitate towards for learning platforms, and what they would like to see in youth-centered education spaces post pandemic.
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