Executive Overview
Mental health advocacy in higher education has entered a transformative era, driven by a generation of young leaders refusing to accept the status quo. At the vanguard of this 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 hand-picked cohort of brilliant, fiercely dedicated Gen Z activists representing campuses across the United States.
The Student Advisory Committee serves as the vital bridge between millions of students nationwide and the national leadership of Active Minds. These young leaders do more than simply advise; they shape national campaigns, guide chapter engagement and management, contribute to the planning of the organization’s landmark National Conferences, and act as prominent media voices for youth-led mental health initiatives.
As rates of anxiety, depression, and systemic burnout continue to impact young adults, the voices of the 2026–2027 SAC members are more critical than ever. This year’s cohort comprises exceptional individuals who are not only leading grassroots efforts on their respective college campuses but are also conducting groundbreaking scientific research, authoring public health policies, and driving conversations on equity, intersectionality, and community care. This article provides an in-depth look at the mission of the SAC, introduces the remarkable student leaders driving this year’s mandate, and explores the broader implications of youth-led mental health advocacy in contemporary society.
Detailed Chronology and Evolution of Student-Led Advocacy
The evolution of Active Minds from a grassroots campus group founded in 2001 by Alison Malmon—following the tragic loss of her brother, Brian, to suicide—into a national powerhouse is a testament to the power of student voice. Over the past two decades, the organization has expanded to thousands of high school and college chapters nationwide.
The Birth of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC)
As the network scaled exponentially, national leadership recognized a critical imperative: organizational strategy must be directly informed by the lived experiences of the students it serves. The Student Advisory Committee was consequently established as a formal mechanism to democratize decision-making and ensure that national initiatives remained authentically aligned with the evolving needs of Gen Z.
The 2026–2027 Selection and Onboarding Timeline
The selection process for the 2026–2027 SAC cohort was intensely competitive, drawing applications from hundreds of campus leaders, chapter presidents, and peer educators across the country. Candidates underwent rigorous evaluations assessing their leadership track records, commitment to diversity and inclusion, vision for mental health reform, and capability to manage national-level responsibilities.
Upon selection, the new cohort entered an intensive onboarding phase designed to align their grassroots experiences with national advocacy strategies. Throughout their tenure, these student leaders collaborate closely with Active Minds national staff, participating in strategic planning sessions, policy briefings, and leadership workshops. Their collective tenure is defined by an ambitious agenda: tackling fragmented healthcare systems, dismantling social stigmas, integrating intersectional approaches to wellness, and expanding peer-to-peer support frameworks in academic environments.
Meet the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee Cohort
The 2026–2027 SAC cohort brings a breathtaking array of interdisciplinary expertise to the table, blending neuroscience, computer science, public health, medicine, and public policy. Below is a detailed introduction to each member driving this year’s mission.
Kailani Goggans (Salem College)
- Academic Focus: Psychological Science & Public Health
- Leadership Roles: President, Active Minds Salem College; President, Students for Reproductive Freedom; President, Siblings Demand Justice
Kailani Goggans approaches mental health through the lens of holistic community care, systemic advocacy, and intersectional wellness. On her campus at Salem College, Goggans has established herself as a fearless mobilizer, leading multiple organizations dedicated to human rights, reproductive freedom, and institutional justice. Her work is anchored in the belief that mental health cannot be separated from social justice and systemic equity.
Professionally, Goggans envisions a future in medicine where clinical practice directly informs public policy. She plans to pursue a dual M.D. and Master’s in Public Health (MPH) to bridge the gap between individual patient care and large-scale systemic reform. When she steps away from her rigorous academic and advocacy schedule, Goggans enjoys indoor cycling, caring for her animals, and immersing herself in video games.
Dionisio (Dio) Taitano-Samora (Colorado State University Pueblo)
- Academic Focus: 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 essential, underrepresented perspective to the national mental health conversation. Taitano-Samora’s advocacy focuses heavily on dismantling educational barriers and building a more just, equitable education system for students of color.
Through his work with organizations like Young Invincibles, Taitano-Samora actively advocates for policies that expand young adults’ access to affordable healthcare, workforce development, and culturally competent mental health resources. Looking ahead, he aims to conduct rigorous academic research examining the intersection of STEM education access and public health outcomes to drive legislative health equity. Outside of his advocacy and studies, Taitano-Samora can be found hiking, experimenting with new culinary recipes, and learning foreign languages.
Rhea Makkuni (Johns Hopkins University)
- Academic Focus: Molecular and Cellular Biology and Computer Science
- Leadership Roles: President, Active Minds Johns Hopkins Chapter; Researcher, PALS Lab at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
At the intersection of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and psychiatry stands Rhea Makkuni. As a researcher in the PALS Lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Makkuni is pioneering the application of artificial intelligence to better understand and treat mood disorders, offering a technologically driven approach to modern psychiatric research.
On campus, Makkuni serves as President of the Johns Hopkins Active Minds chapter, where she translates high-level scientific inquiry into community-based mental health action. Her grassroots work sheds light on systemic global mental health challenges, including fragmented healthcare infrastructure, continuity of care gaps, and persistent cultural stigmas. In her rare moments of leisure, Makkuni enjoys cycling, singing, dancing, and engaging in spirited, non-stop conversations with friends.
Amy Senkerik (Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University)
- Academic Focus: Biological Science and Global Health (Certificate in Evolutionary Medicine)
- Leadership Roles: Outreach Team Member, ASU Counseling Services; Leader, Refugee Education and Clinic Team; Former Intern, Harvard Medical School & Fulbright Scholar, University of Toronto
Amy Senkerik’s resume reads like that of a seasoned medical professional rather than an undergraduate student. With a fierce commitment to suicide prevention, public health, and systemic advocacy, Senkerik has made waves across multiple institutional levels. Last year, she participated in the prestigious Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute and delivered a powerful address at the Active Minds Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C.
Senkerik’s hands-on experience in medicine and science is vast: she works as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), conducts cancer-neuroscience research at the Mayo Clinic and Cedars-Sinai, completed fellowships at Harvard Medical School, and served as a Fulbright Scholar in summer research programs at the University of Toronto. Furthermore, she balances this with her role in refugee education and community outreach. Having completed the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon and studied global health abroad in Australia, Senkerik aspires to practice as a physician operating at the critical intersection of mental health research, clinical practice, and public policy.
Arjun Nair (Virginia Commonwealth University)
- Academic Focus: Biology (Guaranteed Medical Admissions Program)
- Leadership Roles: President, Active Minds at VCU; Member, Student Advisory Board of the American Academy of HIV Medicine
Arjun Nair is deeply committed to destigmatizing mental health while addressing some of the most complex public health crises facing contemporary society. As President of Active Minds at VCU, Nair focuses on introducing his peers to sustainable self-care practices, breaking down cultural taboos around psychological distress, and driving robust student engagement.
Professionally, Nair’s research and advocacy center on advancing compassionate, barrier-free care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, alongside pioneering HIV prevention strategies within addiction treatment settings. By serving on the Student Advisory Board of the American Academy of HIV Medicine and conducting behavioral health research, Nair exemplifies the next generation of physician-advocates. As part of the Active Minds National Student Board, he aims to fortify inter-chapter connections and empower young people nationwide to become confident mental health champions in their hometowns.
Ivanna Sintes-Klein (The University of Texas at Austin)
- Academic Focus: 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; Founder, Bobcat C.A.R.E. (Texas State University)
Ivanna Sintes-Klein is a seasoned institutional builder and peer-support advocate. Before transferring to UT Austin, Sintes-Klein 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, Sintes-Klein has continued her tireless organizing. She founded and leads the UT chapter of Teddy Bear Hospital USA, a national non-profit utilizing interactive play to reduce medical anxiety in children while championing health education. Additionally, she serves as a Longhorn SHARE Support Specialist—completing rigorous peer support and Mental Health First Aid training—and sits on the Student Health Advisory Committee as a student government representative. Armed with certifications in crisis support and a passion for community building, Sintes-Klein is dedicated to making mental health resources universally accessible. In her downtime, she enjoys playing pool and writing poetry.
Supporting Context and Metrics: The State of Gen Z Mental Health
To fully appreciate the urgency behind the work of the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee, one must examine the broader statistical landscape of youth mental health in the United States.
- The Crisis on Campus: According to recent comprehensive data from the Healthy Minds Study, more than 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem, including depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.
- The Treatment Gap: Despite rising demand, campus counseling centers remain chronically understaffed. Over 45% of students report experiencing barriers when attempting to access professional psychological services, pointing to systemic failures in healthcare continuity.
- The Power of Peer Support: Research consistently shows that peer-led education and stigma-reduction initiatives—such as those spearheaded by Active Minds chapters—increase the likelihood of a student seeking professional help by up to 75%.
The 2026–2027 SAC cohort is directly tackling these metrics. By combining grassroots peer mobilization with high-level policy advocacy (such as Congressional briefings and institutional lobbying), these student leaders are pushing for systemic structural changes that move beyond surface-level wellness campaigns.
Official Statements and Organizational Impact
The unveiling of the new SAC cohort marks a milestone for Active Minds as the organization continues to scale its national footprint. National leadership has repeatedly emphasized that the credibility and efficacy of Active Minds stem directly from its youth-led model.
"The Student Advisory Committee is the beating heart of our national network," noted representatives from the Active Minds national headquarters. "These young leaders do not simply represent the future of mental health advocacy—they are actively rewriting the rules of how society approaches wellness today. Their diverse expertise, spanning artificial intelligence, public health policy, clinical research, and community organizing, ensures that our movement remains innovative, inclusive, and relentlessly student-driven."
Through media appearances, national conferences, and direct consultations with institutional leaders, the SAC ensures that the authentic, unfiltered realities of Gen Z are placed at the center of national discourse.
Future Outlook: Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond
As the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee officially steps into their roles, their agenda is both expansive and urgent. Over the coming year, the cohort will focus on several core strategic pillars:
- Expanding Intersectional Mental Health Frameworks: Ensuring that mental health resources are culturally tailored to meet the unique needs of marginalized communities, including students of color, LGBTQ+ youth, and first-generation scholars.
- Reforming Institutional Health Policies: Collaborating with university administrators and lawmakers to mandate comprehensive mental health training, reduce administrative barriers to care, and integrate peer support specialists into standard campus health frameworks.
- Strengthening Chapter Networks: Fostering deeper collaboration and mentorship among Active Minds chapters across hundreds of high school and college campuses, creating an unbreakable solidarity network.
- Leveraging Technology and Innovation: Supporting data-driven solutions—such as AI-assisted psychiatric research and digital peer-support platforms—to address systemic gaps in healthcare delivery.
The collective brilliance, empathy, and tenacity of leaders like Kailani Goggans, Dio Taitano-Samora, Rhea Makkuni, Amy Senkerik, Arjun Nair, and Ivanna Sintes-Klein guarantee that the future of mental health advocacy is in extraordinarily capable hands.
If your community, campus organization, or media outlet is interested in collaborating with your regional Active Minds representative to advance mental health action, please reach out to the national team at [email protected].
