Executive Overview
Mental health advocacy in higher education has entered a transformative era, driven by a generation that refuses to view psychological well-being as a secondary concern. At the forefront of this national movement is Active Minds, the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults. Recently, the organization unveiled its prestigious 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee (SAC), a handpicked cohort of exceptional Gen Z student leaders poised to shape the future of youth mental health policy, community care, and campus engagement on a national scale.
The SAC serves as the vital bridge between grassroots student experiences and national organizational strategy. Members of this elite committee are tasked with amplifying the student voice across national media platforms, advising Active Minds national staff on vital initiatives, and guiding chapter management, program planning, and the execution of the renowned Active Minds National Conference. Powered by the relentless energy of young activists, the committee represents thousands of students across the United States who are actively dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness.
As mental health challenges among young adults continue to demand urgent, innovative interventions, the appointment of the 2026–2027 SAC cohort marks a critical milestone. This year’s members bring an extraordinary breadth of expertise, ranging from artificial intelligence research in mood disorders and public health policy to intersectional equity and grassroots community organizing. This report provides an in-depth look at the mission of the SAC, profiles each of the remarkable student leaders driving this year’s agenda, and explores the broader implications of their work for the future of mental healthcare in America.
Detailed Chronology and Institutional Evolution
The establishment and continuous refinement of the Active Minds Student Advisory Committee reflect the organization’s long-standing commitment to youth-led leadership. Since its inception, Active Minds has operated on the core philosophy that young adults are not merely beneficiaries of mental health support, but primary architects of the solutions required to address the youth mental health crisis.
Historically, campus-based mental health initiatives often suffered from a top-down approach, where institutional administrators designed programs without fully grasping the evolving stressors facing modern students. Active Minds disrupted this paradigm by empowering local student chapters. Over the past two decades, this grassroots network expanded exponentially across hundreds of high school and college campuses nationwide.
Recognizing the need for a unified national student voice to guide its expanding portfolio of programs—including the Mental Health Advocacy Institute, national briefing events, and campus speaker series—Active Minds formalized the Student Advisory Committee structure. Each year, a highly competitive selection process identifies rising student leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to mental health advocacy on their respective campuses.
The unveiling of the 2026–2027 cohort represents the latest evolution of this legacy. Selected for their visionary leadership, academic excellence, and proven impact in community organizing, these six student leaders step into their roles at a time when youth advocacy is increasingly translating into legislative action, institutional reform, and cultural shifts regarding emotional well-being.
Supporting Context, Metrics, and the State of Gen Z Mental Health
To fully appreciate the significance of the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee, one must examine the broader socio-academic landscape confronting Gen Z today. Contemporary college students navigate unprecedented pressures, including economic uncertainty, rapid technological shifts, social isolation, and academic hyper-competition.
According to ongoing national health assessments:
- Rising Demand: A vast majority of college students report experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress during their academic journeys.
- Systemic Barriers: Despite a growing willingness among young adults to seek help, campus counseling centers frequently face resource constraints, leading to fragmented systems and continuity-of-care challenges.
- The Intersectional Divide: Marginalized students—including first-generation scholars, low-income students, and students of color—often face compounded barriers in accessing culturally competent mental healthcare.
Active Minds and its Student Advisory Committee are designed to directly counter these systemic hurdles. By fostering peer-to-peer support networks, promoting mental health first aid, and advocating for policy changes at both institutional and governmental levels, the SAC transforms individual campus victories into a cohesive national movement. The 2026–2027 cohort embodies this mission, leveraging backgrounds in public health, computer science, biological research, and health communication to tackle mental health through multidisciplinary lenses.
Meet the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee Cohort
The 2026–2027 cohort brings a diverse array of lived experiences, academic disciplines, and advocacy styles to the national stage. Below is a comprehensive look at the remarkable student leaders driving this year’s agenda.
Kailani Goggans (Salem College)
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Field of Study: Psychological Science & Public Health
- Campus Leadership: President, Active Minds Salem College; President, Students for Reproductive Freedom; President, Siblings Demand Justice
Kailani Goggans approaches mental health through the powerful lens of community care, wellness, and intersectional advocacy. On the campus of Salem College, she is a driving force behind initiatives that support, educate, and inspire her peers to actively engage with their communities and utilize their voices for social change.
Kailani’s dedication extends far beyond undergraduate advocacy. Her long-term academic and professional goals include attending medical school to earn both an M.D. and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH). By bridging medical practice with community policy and action, she aims to tackle systemic healthcare disparities. Outside of her rigorous academic and leadership commitments, Kailani finds balance and joy in indoor cycling, caring for her animals, and playing video games.
Dionisio (Dio) Taitano-Samora (Colorado State University Pueblo)
- Pronouns: He/They
- Field of Study: Public Health (Minors in Spanish and Leadership Studies)
- Campus & National Affiliations: Member, Young Invincibles Youth Advisory Board (Colorado); Contributor, The Hub for Youth Centered Engagement
As a first-generation Chicano-CHamoru student, Dionisio (Dio) Taitano-Samora brings a vital perspective to the Student Advisory Committee, fiercely advocating for a more just and equitable education system for students of color. Dio utilizes his extensive background with national advocacy organizations—such as Young Invincibles—to advance policy solutions that safeguard young adults’ mental health, improve healthcare access, and support workforce readiness.
Looking toward the future, Dio plans to conduct rigorous academic research examining student access to STEM education and its direct correlation to public health outcomes, using data-driven insights to advocate for true health equity. In his personal time, Dio enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, experimenting with new culinary recipes, and pursuing language learning.
Rhea Makkuni (Johns Hopkins University)
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Field of Study: Molecular and Cellular Biology & Computer Science
- Research & Leadership: Researcher, PALS Lab (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine); President, Active Minds at Johns Hopkins University
Rhea Makkuni represents the cutting-edge intersection of technology, biological science, and mental health advocacy. Operating within the PALS Lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Rhea applies artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to the study and understanding of mood disorders, showcasing how technological innovation can revolutionize mental health research.
On campus, as President of the Johns Hopkins Active Minds chapter, Rhea leads localized, community-based mental health initiatives. Her hands-on experience gives her sharp insight into global mental health challenges, including fragmented healthcare systems, limited continuity of care, deep-seated stigmas, and structural barriers to resource navigation. When she isn’t immersed in research or advocacy, Rhea loves biking, engaging in endless conversations with friends, singing, and dancing.
Amy Senkerik (Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University)
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Field of Study: Biological Science & Global Health (Certificate in Evolutionary Medicine)
- Affiliations & Experience: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; ASU Counseling Services Outreach Team; Mayo Clinic & Cedars-Sinai Cancer-Neuroscience Researcher; Fulbright Scholar (University of Toronto); Harvard Medical School Intern
Amy Senkerik brings an astonishing depth of research, clinical, and advocacy experience to the SAC. Deeply passionate about suicide prevention, public health, and mental health reform, Amy’s leadership spans individual support systems, community outreach, and systemic policy analysis.
Last year, Amy participated in the prestigious Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute and served as a featured speaker at the Active Minds Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C. In addition to her mental health work, she leads the Refugee Education and Clinic Team, works as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and conducts advanced cancer-neuroscience research. Having completed research internships at Harvard Medical School and as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Toronto—not to mention completing the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon—Amy aspires to work as a physician operating precisely at the intersection of mental health, clinical practice, scientific research, and health policy. In her rare moments of leisure, Amy enjoys running, rock climbing, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Arjun Nair (Virginia Commonwealth University)
- Pronouns: He/Him
- Field of Study: Biology (Guaranteed Medical Admissions Program)
- Leadership & Boards: President, Active Minds at VCU; Student Advisory Board Member, American Academy of HIV Medicine
Arjun Nair is deeply committed to destigmatizing mental health, promoting proactive self-care practices, and strengthening student engagement across campus. As President of Active Minds at VCU, he has cultivated a culture where students feel supported and empowered to prioritize their psychological well-being.
Professionally, Arjun harbors a profound dedication to advancing compassionate care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, alongside pioneering HIV prevention efforts within substance use treatment environments. He actively contributes to research examining behavioral health, substance use, and healthcare access. As a member of the Active Minds National Student Advisory Committee, Arjun’s overarching vision is to forge tighter bonds among campus chapters nationwide, equipping youth to become fearless mental health champions within their local communities.
Ivanna Sintes-Klein (The University of Texas at Austin)
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Field of Study: Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (Minor in Health Communication)
- Leadership & Initiatives: Chapter Founder and President, Teddy Bear Hospital USA at UT; Longhorn SHARE Support Specialist; Student Government Representative on the Student Health Advisory Committee; Founder of Bobcat C.A.R.E. (Texas State University)
Ivanna Sintes-Klein’s journey in health advocacy is defined by visionary institution-building and peer-to-peer empowerment. Prior to attending UT Austin, Ivanna attended Texas State University, where she founded Bobcat C.A.R.E. (Creating Awareness, Resiliency, and Empowerment)—the university’s inaugural mental health advocacy organization—which earned Organization of the Year honors under her leadership.
At UT Austin, Ivanna continues her extensive impact. She founded and leads the UT chapter of Teddy Bear Hospital USA, a national nonprofit that utilizes play to alleviate medical anxiety in children while fostering health education and empathy. Furthermore, she serves as a Longhorn SHARE Support Specialist—completing rigorous training in peer support and mental health first aid—and represents the student body on the Student Health Advisory Committee. Certified in crisis support and resource navigation, Ivanna is dedicated to ensuring that no student feels compelled to carry their emotional burdens alone. In her free time, she enjoys playing pool and writing poetry.
Official Statements and Institutional Vision
The leadership of Active Minds has consistently emphasized that the passion and intellect of young adults are irreplaceable catalysts for societal change. By placing student leaders at the decision-making table, Active Minds ensures that its national campaigns remain authentic, responsive, and deeply attuned to the realities of modern campus life.
National staff and organizational leaders have expressed immense enthusiasm for the 2026–2027 cohort. Through collaborative forums, media engagements, and strategic advisement, these six student leaders will help steer the organization’s response to emerging mental health trends. Whether advising on national conference curricula, refining chapter management resources, or engaging directly with lawmakers during congressional briefings, the SAC acts as the beating heart of Active Minds’ national strategy.
Future Outlook: The Road Ahead for Student-Led Advocacy
As the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee officially steps into its tenure, the horizon for youth-led mental health advocacy has never looked more promising. The convergence of diverse academic disciplines—ranging from artificial intelligence and molecular biology to public health policy and health communication—positions this cohort to tackle mental health through a uniquely comprehensive and modern lens.
The impact of the SAC is expected to reverberate across hundreds of college and university campuses in the coming years. By breaking down cultural taboos, advocating for structural institutional reforms, and modeling vulnerable, resilient leadership, Kailani Goggans, Dionisio Taitano-Samora, Rhea Makkuni, Amy Senkerik, Arjun Nair, and Ivanna Sintes-Klein are not just preparing for their future professional careers—they are actively rewriting the narrative of mental health care in America today.
Community members, campus leaders, and organizations interested in collaborating with their local Student Advisory Committee representatives or taking direct action for mental health are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected].
