As youth and young adult mental health continues to anchor national discourse surrounding public health, institutional support, and community well-being, organizations driven by Gen Z leadership are stepping to the forefront of systemic change. At the vanguard of this movement is Active Minds, the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students. The organization has officially announced its newly appointed cohort for the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee (SAC).
Comprising a diverse and exceptionally accomplished group of undergraduate leaders from across the United States, the SAC serves as the national voice for student mental health. Members are tasked with advising Active Minds national staff on critical operational and strategic areas, including student engagement, community building, comprehensive program planning, chapter management, and the coordination of the organization’s flagship National Conference.
Powered by youth activists who refuse to let systemic barriers stand in the way of emotional well-being, the 2026–2027 SAC cohort represents a unique intersection of academic excellence, rigorous scientific research, legislative advocacy, and grassroots community organizing. This year’s members bring distinct lived experiences and intersectional perspectives to the table, ranging from first-generation college students and advocates for health equity to researchers applying artificial intelligence to mood disorders.
This report provides an in-depth profile of the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee, examining their individual backgrounds, campus initiatives, and professional aspirations, while placing their collective mission within the broader landscape of modern youth-led advocacy.
Detailed Chronology: The Evolution and Mandate of the Student Advisory Committee
The Active Minds Student Advisory Committee operates as an essential bridge between local, campus-based mental health advocacy and national-level strategy. To understand the significance of the 2026–2027 cohort, it is helpful to trace the structural evolution of student leadership within the organization.
The Foundation of Student-Led Governance
Since its inception, Active Minds has operated on a core philosophy: students are not merely the beneficiaries of mental health programming; they are the primary architects of solutions. Over the past two decades, as mental health crises on college campuses escalated—exacerbated by economic pressures, social isolation, and academic stressors—the need for a centralized, representative student body became paramount.
The SAC was established to formalize this dynamic. Selected through a competitive national application process, members serve multi-year or annual terms, acting as liaisons between hundreds of campus chapters and the national executive staff. They provide real-time feedback on emerging trends in youth mental health, evaluate the efficacy of existing toolkits, and help shape national campaigns designed to dismantle the stigma surrounding psychological distress.
The 2026–2027 Selection and Onboarding Cycle
The recruitment cycle for the 2026–2027 cohort prioritized candidates who demonstrated not only local chapter leadership but also a broader commitment to public health, systemic equity, and cross-disciplinary innovation. The selected members underwent a rigorous vetting process that evaluated their capacity for public speaking, media representation, strategic planning, and peer-to-peer mentorship.
Following their appointment, the cohort immediately assumed responsibilities ahead of the academic year. Their initial mandate includes collaborating on the strategic framework for upcoming national conferences, refining digital and campus-based engagement strategies, and spearheading initiatives that address the unique hurdles faced by marginalized student populations.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The State of Gen Z Mental Health and Campus Advocacy
The appointment of the 2026–2027 SAC takes place against a complex backdrop of statistical data illustrating the state of mental health among Generation Z. Understanding the environment in which these student leaders operate underscores the urgency of their mission.
The Campus Mental Health Landscape
According to recent epidemiological and higher education data:
- Rising Demand: Over 70% of college students report moderate to severe psychological distress, with anxiety and depression remaining the leading impediments to academic performance.
- Service Gaps: Despite increased awareness, campus counseling centers frequently face capacity constraints, leading to fragmented systems of care, long wait times, and inadequate continuity of care during academic breaks.
- The Power of Peer Interventions: Studies consistently show that students are significantly more likely to confide in a peer than a formal institutional authority when experiencing emotional crises. This reality elevates the importance of organizations like Active Minds, which train students in mental health first aid and peer support.
The Intersectional Approach of the 2026–2027 Cohort
What distinguishes the 2026–2027 SAC cohort is its deeply intersectional approach to public health. The committee members do not view mental health as an isolated psychological phenomenon; rather, they recognize its intrinsic connection to physical health, socioeconomic status, racial equity, and systemic policy. By integrating fields such as molecular biology, public policy, computer science, and health communication, these student leaders are equipped to address the root causes of psychological distress rather than merely treating its symptoms.
Meet the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee Cohort
The six members selected for the 2026–2027 Active Minds Student Advisory Committee bring a diverse array of talents, lived experiences, and professional ambitions to their national roles. Below is a comprehensive overview of each member’s background, campus involvement, and future goals.
1. Kailani Goggans (She/Her)
- Institution: Salem College
- Area of Study: 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 community care, holistic wellness, and systemic advocacy. On the Salem College campus, she is a driving force for student mobilization, holding leadership positions across multiple organizations dedicated to bodily autonomy, justice, and psychological support. Kailani’s work focuses on educating and inspiring her peers to recognize their civic power and engage meaningfully with their surrounding communities.
Professionally, 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 medical practice with community-level health policy and action, ensuring that clinical interventions are informed by social determinants of health. Outside of her rigorous academic and advocacy schedule, Kailani enjoys indoor cycling, caring for her animals, and playing video games.
2. Dionisio (Dio) Taitano-Samora (He/They)
- Institution: Colorado State University Pueblo
- Area 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 equity-centered perspective to the Active Minds SAC. Drawing from his personal background and his extensive work with national advocacy organizations like Young Invincibles, Dio is dedicated to dismantling barriers within educational systems and fostering environments that uplift students of color.
In his role on Young Invincibles’ Colorado Youth Advisory Board, Dio actively advocates for state and national policies that expand young adults’ access to affordable healthcare, robust mental health resources, and equitable workforce opportunities. Looking ahead, Dio aims to pursue academic research examining the intersection of STEM education access and public health outcomes, striving to advance true health equity. Outside of his advocacy and studies, Dio enjoys hiking, experimenting with new culinary recipes, and language learning.
3. Rhea Makkuni (She/Her)
- Institution: Johns Hopkins University
- Area of Study: Molecular and Cellular Biology and Computer Science
- Leadership Roles: President, Active Minds Johns Hopkins Chapter; Researcher, PALS Lab (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine)
Rhea Makkuni represents the cutting-edge intersection of hard sciences, technology, and mental health advocacy. At Johns Hopkins University, Rhea channels her technical expertise into cutting-edge research in the PALS Lab, where she applies artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to the study and diagnosis of mood disorders.
As President of the Johns Hopkins Active Minds chapter, Rhea leads localized, community-based initiatives that shed light on systemic global mental health challenges. Her grassroots work directly confronts issues such as fragmented care systems, the social stigma surrounding psychological illness, and structural barriers that prevent individuals from navigating available resources. In her personal time, Rhea is an avid biker, an enthusiastic vocalist and dancer, and someone who loves lively, continuous conversations with her friends.
4. Amy Senkerik (She/Her)
- Institution: Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University
- Area of Study: Biological Science and Global Health (Certificate in Evolutionary Medicine)
- Leadership Roles: Outreach Team Member, ASU Counseling Services; Leader, Refugee Education and Clinic Team; Alumna, Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute
Amy Senkerik possesses an extensive resume spanning academic research, clinical practice, and high-level legislative advocacy. A passionate advocate for suicide prevention and public health, Amy has worked extensively with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and ASU Counseling Services. Notably, she participated in the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute and served as a featured speaker at the Active Minds Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C.
Amy’s scientific endeavors are equally remarkable. She conducts cancer-neuroscience research at the Mayo Clinic and Cedars-Sinai, has completed research internships at Harvard Medical School, and studied abroad as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Toronto. Furthermore, she serves as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and leads the Refugee Education and Clinic Team. A marathon runner—having completed the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon—Amy aspires to practice medicine as a physician working at the direct intersection of clinical practice, mental health research, and health policy.
5. Arjun Nair (He/Him)
- Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
- Area of Study: Biology (Guaranteed Medical Admissions Program)
- Leadership Roles: President, Active Minds at VCU; Student Advisory Board Member, American Academy of HIV Medicine
Arjun Nair is deeply committed to destigmatizing mental health while addressing complex, intersecting public health crises. Serving as President of Active Minds at VCU, Arjun focuses on introducing his peers to sustainable self-care practices, dismantling emotional stigma, and increasing student participation in mental health advocacy.
Professionally, Arjun’s interests center on expanding compassionate, barrier-free care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, alongside advancing HIV prevention protocols within substance use treatment settings. He contributes to these fields through active involvement on the Student Advisory Board of the American Academy of HIV Medicine and through behavioral health research initiatives. As a member of the Active Minds National Student Board, Arjun aims to foster stronger collaborative networks among campus chapters nationwide, empowering young adults to act as localized mental health champions.
6. Ivanna Sintes-Klein (She/Her)
- Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
- Area 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; Founder & Former President, Bobcat C.A.R.E. (Texas State University)
Ivanna Sintes-Klein brings a wealth of founding and leadership experience to the SAC. 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 premier mental health advocacy organization, which earned Organization of the Year honors under her leadership.
At UT Austin, Ivanna continues her extensive advocacy work. She founded and leads the UT chapter of Teddy Bear Hospital USA, a national nonprofit that utilizes play-based education to alleviate children’s medical anxiety while promoting health literacy. Additionally, she serves as a Longhorn SHARE Support Specialist—completing rigorous training in peer support and mental health first aid—and was appointed by the Student Government to sit on the Student Health Advisory Committee. Dedicated to ensuring that students never feel they must carry their emotional burdens alone, Ivanna enjoys playing pool and writing poetry in her spare time.
Official Statements and Institutional Impact
The collective impact of the Student Advisory Committee extends far beyond individual campus boundaries. By serving as official advisors to Active Minds national staff, SAC members help shape national campaigns, resource toolkits, and policy stances that reach hundreds of thousands of students across the United States.
National leadership at Active Minds has repeatedly emphasized that the insights provided by the SAC are indispensable. In an era where institutional policies must adapt rapidly to shifting cultural and technological landscapes, the lived experiences of Gen Z leaders provide an authenticity and urgency that administrative bodies alone cannot replicate.
Through media appearances, national conferences, and direct consultations with policymakers, the 2026–2027 cohort is positioned to influence how universities, healthcare providers, and legislators approach youth mental health for years to come.
Future Outlook: The Road Ahead for Student-Led Advocacy
As the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Committee embarks on its tenure, the roadmap for youth mental health advocacy is clear, albeit challenging. Key focus areas for the upcoming term include:
- Expanding Digital and Hybrid Support Networks: Leveraging technology—such as AI-informed mental health resources and digital peer support networks—to reach isolated students and bridge geographical care gaps.
- Policy and Legislative Engagement: Pushing for systemic reforms at both state and federal levels to secure increased funding for campus mental health services, insurance parity, and culturally responsive care.
- Intersectionality and Inclusivity: Ensuring that mental health resources are tailored to meet the specific needs of marginalized groups, including first-generation students, LGBTQ+ youth, and students of color.
- Chapter Empowerment: Providing local Active Minds chapters with the leadership training, financial resources, and strategic guidance necessary to sustain grassroots momentum on hundreds of college campuses.
Communities, academic institutions, and student advocates interested in collaborating with their local SAC representatives or engaging in national mental health action are encouraged to reach out directly to Active Minds via email at [email protected].
With leaders like Kailani Goggans, Dionisio Taitano-Samora, Rhea Makkuni, Amy Senkerik, Arjun Nair, and Ivanna Sintes-Klein at the helm, the future of youth mental health advocacy remains resilient, innovative, and deeply rooted in compassionate community care.
