Executive Overview
Mental health advocacy among youth and young adults has reached a pivotal juncture. As college campuses and communities grapple with unprecedented psychological challenges, the demand for authentic, student-led solutions has never been more urgent. At the forefront of this national movement is Active Minds, the premier organization dedicated to transforming the conversation surrounding mental health for young adults.
For the 2026–2027 academic term, Active Minds has officially unveiled its newly appointed Student Advisory Committee (SAC)—a powerhouse cohort of exceptional Gen Z leaders hailing from universities across the United States. These young changemakers are not only charged with representing the national student voice across various media platforms and public forums, but they also serve as critical advisors to Active Minds’ national staff. Their leadership directly shapes program planning, national conference execution, chapter engagement and management, and strategic youth outreach.
Powered by the boundless energy and relentless drive of young adults, the SAC remains an indispensable engine within a broader network of thousands of student activists nationwide. This article offers an in-depth look at the newly minted committee, exploring the unique backgrounds, academic trajectories, and visionary advocacy goals of each member as they step into their national leadership roles.
Detailed Chronology and Selection Context
The unveiling of the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee represents the culmination of a rigorous, nationwide search for student leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to mental health advocacy, public health, and community building.
The Evolution of the SAC
Since its inception, the Active Minds Student Advisory Committee has served as a bridge between campus-level grassroots activism and national policy dialogue. Each year, the selection process identifies individuals who not only lead their local university chapters with distinction but also exhibit a systemic understanding of how mental health intersects with race, socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and public policy.
The 2026–2027 cohort was assembled following months of evaluations, interviews, and portfolio reviews that highlighted applicants’ abilities to:
- Articulate innovative solutions to mental health stigma within diverse academic environments.
- Demonstrate measurable impact through campus organization leadership and community outreach.
- Balance rigorous scientific, medical, or public health academic pursuits with hands-on advocacy work.
By integrating these student leaders into national staff discussions, Active Minds ensures that its strategic initiatives remain deeply responsive to the evolving realities faced by Gen Z students in an increasingly complex world.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Face of Gen Z Activism
The urgency driving the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee is underscored by broader national metrics regarding youth mental health. According to recent public health data, college-aged adults continue to experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and academic burnout, often exacerbated by fragmented healthcare systems and persistent social stigmas.
The Role of Peer-Led Intervention
Research consistently demonstrates that peer-led mental health initiatives yield higher engagement and trust among young adults compared to traditional top-down institutional messaging. The SAC embodies this philosophy. By mobilizing thousands of student activists across hundreds of campus chapters, Active Minds leverages peer influence to:
- Deconstruct Stigma: Create safe, open dialogues surrounding mental health struggles.
- Bridge Resource Gaps: Educate peers on how to navigate complex university counseling and community healthcare systems.
- Promote Proactive Wellness: Shift the cultural paradigm from crisis intervention to holistic, community-based preventative care.
The six members chosen for the 2026–2027 cohort represent the geographical, academic, and experiential diversity required to address these multifaceted challenges on a national scale.
Meet the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee
The 2026–2027 cohort brings together an inspiring array of disciplines—ranging from molecular biology and computer science to public health and health communication. Below is the comprehensive profile of each student leader driving the future of mental health advocacy.
Kailani Goggans (She/Her)
- Institution: Salem College
- Field of Study: Psychological Science & Public Health
- Leadership Roles: President, Active Minds Salem College; Students for Reproductive Freedom; Siblings Demand Justice
Kailani Goggans is deeply rooted in the principles of community care, holistic wellness, and systemic advocacy. On her campus, she wears multiple leadership hats, spearheading organizations that champion mental health and social justice. Kailani’s work is characterized by an unwavering dedication to supporting, educating, and inspiring her peers to reclaim their voices and actively participate in civic life.
Looking toward the future, Kailani plans to attend medical school to obtain both an M.D. and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH). Her ultimate career objective is to bridge direct clinical medical practice with impactful community policy and grassroots action, ensuring that healthcare systems are equipped to address the social determinants of health. Outside of her demanding academic and advocacy schedules, Kailani finds balance through indoor cycling, caring for her animals, and unwinding with video games.
Dionisio (Dio) Taitano-Samora (He/They)
- Institution: Colorado State University Pueblo
- Field of Study: Public Health (Minors in Spanish and Leadership Studies)
- Leadership Roles: Member, Young Invincibles Youth Advisory Board (Colorado); Advocate, The Hub for Youth Centered Engagement
As a first-generation Chicano-CHamoru student, Dionisio (Dio) Taitano-Samora brings an invaluable intersectional perspective to the Student Advisory Committee. Dio utilizes his lived experiences and organizational background to advocate for a more just, equitable education system for students of color.
In addition to his campus commitments, Dio serves on the Youth Advisory Board for Young Invincibles in Colorado, where he actively pushes for progressive policies that safeguard young adults’ mental health, expand healthcare access, and strengthen workforce equity. Academically, Dio aims to conduct pioneering research on access to STEM education and its direct correlation with public health outcomes, striving to advance true health equity. When he isn’t studying or advocating, Dio enjoys hiking, experimenting with new culinary recipes, and language learning.
Rhea Makkuni (She/Her)
- Institution: Johns Hopkins University
- Field of Study: Molecular and Cellular Biology and Computer Science
- Leadership Roles: President, Johns Hopkins Active Minds Chapter; Researcher, PALS Lab (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine)
Rhea Makkuni sits at the fascinating intersection of hard science, technology, and mental health advocacy. At Johns Hopkins, Rhea conducts advanced research in the PALS Lab, where she applies artificial intelligence (AI) to the study and understanding of mood disorders.
As President of the Johns Hopkins Active Minds chapter, Rhea leads targeted, community-based mental health initiatives that shed light on systemic global challenges. Her work directly addresses critical barriers such as limited continuity of care, fragmented health systems, persistent stigma, and the difficulty of navigating available resources. Rhea proves that scientific innovation and compassionate community engagement can go hand in hand. In her downtime, Rhea enjoys biking, engaging in endless conversations with friends, singing, and dancing.
Amy Senkerik (She/Her)
- Institution: Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University (ASU)
- Field of Study: Biological Science and Global Health (Certificate in Evolutionary Medicine)
- Leadership Roles: Outreach Team, ASU Counseling Services; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Leader, Refugee Education and Clinic Team
Amy Senkerik is a powerhouse of academic dedication and multidisciplinary advocacy. Deeply committed to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and public health, Amy’s resume reads like that of a seasoned professional. Last year, she participated in the prestigious Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute and spoke eloquently at the Active Minds Congressional Briefing in May.
Amy’s leadership extends far beyond campus borders: she works as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), conducts cancer-neuroscience research at both the Mayo Clinic and Cedars-Sinai, and has completed competitive research internships at Harvard Medical School and as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Toronto. Furthermore, she is a marathon runner—having completed the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon—and has studied global health abroad in Australia. Amy aims to practice as a physician operating at the vital intersection of mental health, clinical research, and public health policy. Outside of her high-intensity schedule, Amy loves running, rock climbing, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Arjun Nair (He/Him)
- Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
- Field of Study: Biology (Guaranteed Medical Admissions Program)
- Leadership Roles: President, Active Minds at VCU; Student Advisory Board, American Academy of HIV Medicine
Arjun Nair is fiercely dedicated to destigmatizing mental health and equipping his peers with practical self-care strategies. As President of Active Minds at VCU, Arjun has successfully strengthened student engagement in mental health advocacy across campus.
Professionally, Arjun holds a deep interest in advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, alongside HIV prevention within treatment settings. He currently lends his voice to the Student Advisory Board of the American Academy of HIV Medicine and is actively involved in clinical research examining substance use, behavioral health, and healthcare access disparities. As a member of the Active Minds National Student Board, Arjun’s core mission is to forge stronger connections among campus chapters nationwide, empowering the next wave of youth to become undeniable mental health champions in their local communities.
Ivanna Sintes-Klein (She/Her)
- Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Field of Study: Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (Minor in Health Communication)
- Leadership Roles: Chapter Founder & President, Teddy Bear Hospital USA at UT; Longhorn SHARE Support Specialist; Student Government Representative, Student Health Advisory Committee
Ivanna Sintes-Klein is a seasoned builder of supportive communities. Her journey in advocacy is marked by foundational leadership: before transferring to UT Austin, she attended Texas State University, where she founded and led 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 during her presidency.
At UT Austin, Ivanna continues her tireless work. She serves as a Longhorn SHARE Support Specialist—completing rigorous training in peer support, mental health first aid, and resource navigation—and was appointed to the Student Health Advisory Committee to ensure student perspectives directly shape campus health policy. Additionally, she founded the UT chapter of Teddy Bear Hospital USA, using play-based education to ease medical anxiety in children. Passionate about making mental health support universally accessible, Ivanna spends her rare moments of leisure playing pool and writing poetry.
Official Statements and Vision for the Future
The launch of the 2026–2027 committee signals a renewed national commitment to youth-driven systemic change. National leadership at Active Minds has repeatedly emphasized that sustainable improvements in mental health care cannot occur without the direct input of the populations most affected.
By harnessing the distinct talents of leaders like Goggans, Taitano-Samora, Makkuni, Senkerik, Nair, and Sintes-Klein, Active Minds continues to validate the premise that young people are not merely beneficiaries of mental health resources—they are the architects, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers building the future of care.
Future Outlook: How to Engage
As the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee officially steps into its tenure, the focus shifts toward action, collaboration, and national mobilization. These six student leaders will spearhead upcoming initiatives designed to dismantle barriers, foster inclusive campus cultures, and influence legislative conversations surrounding youth mental health.
Active Minds encourages students, educators, and community members who wish to collaborate with their local campus representatives—or who are eager to take actionable steps toward mental health advocacy within their own communities—to reach out directly via email at [email protected].
The road ahead requires collective effort, and with visionary leaders like the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee at the helm, the future of mental health advocacy is brighter, stronger, and more inclusive than ever before.
