Executive Overview
In an era defined by rapid technological innovation, shifting societal norms, and an unprecedented youth mental health crisis, the need for empathetic, forward-thinking advocacy has never been more urgent. Enter Active Minds, the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students and young adults. Across high school and college campuses nationwide, Active Minds has consistently challenged the systemic stigmas surrounding mental health, striving to replace silence with open dialogue and proactive support.
At the engine of this vital mission are the organization’s interns—a hand-selected, highly driven cohort of young leaders who dedicate their time, intellect, and creativity to shaping the future of mental health advocacy. The Summer 2024 Intern Class represents a diverse mosaic of academic disciplines, ranging from neuroscience and public health to graphic design, mathematics, and public relations. Stationed across various organizational departments—including Chapters, MarComm, Development, Operations, K-12, Higher Education, and Workforce Development—these individuals do far more than complete administrative tasks. They serve as strategic partners, creative innovators, policy researchers, and grassroots advocates.
This comprehensive feature explores the backgrounds, aspirations, and personal motivations of the Summer 2024 cohort. By examining their unique intersections of pop culture, personal history, and professional ambition, we gain a profound understanding of the generation currently leading the charge in destigmatizing mental health.
Detailed Profiles: Meet the Summer 2024 Changemakers
The strength of Active Minds lies in the multifaceted perspectives of its team. Below is a detailed look into the brilliant minds that comprised the Summer 2024 internship program, highlighting what drives them to advocate for a mentally healthier world.
Sara Valencia | Chapters Team Intern
- Hometown: Orlando, Florida
- Education: Duke University (Neuroscience major with a certificate in Human Rights)
- In Their Free Time: Reading historical fiction, watching A24 films, and baking.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice.
- Dream Job: Psychiatrist and global mental health researcher.
For Sara Valencia, the intersection of brain science and human rights forms the foundation of her worldview. As an intern on the Chapters Team, Sara worked directly with student-led groups that form the lifeblood of Active Minds’ campus presence. Inspired by artists like Hozier and grounded in the analytical rigor of neuroscience, Sara’s ambition to become a global mental health researcher stems from a fundamental desire to dismantle barriers to care. Working with Active Minds offered her a direct avenue to witness how community-level recognition of mental health struggles can save lives and shift institutional paradigms.
Sam McCracken | MarComm (Marketing & Communications) Intern
- Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Education: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Clifton Builders Management)
- In Their Free Time: Barbecuing, listening to country music, and hanging out with friends.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Phineas from Phineas and Ferb (celebrated for his creativity).
- Dream Job: Chief Marketing Officer (though a "Professional Lottery Winner" remains a close backup).
Growing up amid the digital revolution, Sam McCracken witnessed firsthand how technology alters human connection and societal awareness. Recognizing that the rise of digital platforms has coincided with an increased focus on mental wellness, Sam sought out the MarComm department to merge his passion for strategic communication with a mission-driven cause. By expanding his digital marketing expertise at Active Minds, Sam utilized modern media channels to amplify messages of psychological well-being, proving that corporate and creative strategies can be effectively harnessed for social good.
Amanda Michael | Graphic Design Intern
- Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas
- Education: Kansas City Art Institute (Graphic Design, upcoming senior)
- In Their Free Time: Discovering new cooking recipes, working out, knitting, and spending time with loved ones.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Chihiro from Spirited Away (admired for her bravery and perseverance).
- Dream Job: In-house designer specializing in social advocacy.
As a young Egyptian woman hailing from a community where mental health discussions are frequently stigmatized, Amanda Michael understands the power of visual communication to cross cultural boundaries. Inspired by renowned designer Mohamed Samir and his dynamic use of Arabic calligraphy, Amanda dedicated her internship to mastering accessible, audience-centric design. Her work at Active Minds bridged the gap between visual aesthetics and mental health advocacy, equipping her with the hands-on experience necessary to spark vital conversations among younger demographics who are often left out of traditional dialogue.
Krystn Whitty | Development Team Intern
- Hometown: Summerville, South Carolina
- Education: University of South Carolina (Master’s in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counselor Education)
- In Their Free Time: Cooking dinners for loved ones, watching veterinary shows, and gaming.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Morticia Addams (celebrated as the ultimate fierce, unapologetically unique matriarch).
- Dream Job: Balancing a homestead with a career as a marriage and family therapist.
Krystn Whitty’s journey with Active Minds represents a full-circle evolution. Having previously served as the Vice President of her university’s Active Minds chapter, Krystn transitioned from campus-level advocacy to institutional growth as a Development intern focusing on foundations. Inspired by changemakers like Jane Fonda, Krystn combined her clinical training in family counseling with strategic fundraising operations. Her ultimate vision—balancing a sustainable homestead with clinical therapy—reflects a deeply holistic approach to wellness and community care.
Langdon Janos | Development Operations Intern
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Education: Washington University in St. Louis (Psychological and Brain Sciences major; Minors in Spanish and Children’s Studies)
- In Their Free Time: Singing, playing the piano, testing out new recipes, and socializing.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Ted Lasso (known for relentless optimism and empathy).
- Dream Job: Actor.
As a university peer counselor, Langdon Janos saw daily evidence of how difficult it can be for students to seek help, even in supportive environments. Seeking to understand the financial and structural engines behind nonprofit efficacy, Langdon joined the Development Operations team. Inspired by elite athletes like Simone Biles, who openly prioritize their mental health on the world stage, Langdon bridged his background in psychological and brain sciences with operational stewardship, ensuring that resources continually flow toward those who need them most.
Aubrey Hill | Operations Intern
- Hometown: Newmarket, New Hampshire
- Education: University of Delaware (Communication and Public Relations major; Minors in Advertising and Leadership)
- In Their Free Time: Visiting the beach, hiking, walking, and retail therapy.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Ren McCormack from Footloose (a passionate change-agent bringing energy to stagnant spaces).
- Dream Job: Travel writer.
For Aubrey Hill, mental health has always been an open, prominent topic within her family and her college experience. Recognizing Active Minds as a cultural vanguard, Aubrey stepped into the Operations department to master the internal logistics of a major nonprofit. By developing both hard and soft professional skills, she prepared herself for a future career in communications and travel writing, determined to weave narratives of mental health awareness into broader cultural conversations.
Shay Desai | K-12 Intern
- Hometown: Houston, Texas
- Education: University of Texas at Austin (Psychology major)
- In Their Free Time: Following football (a diehard Houston Texans fan), hiking, exploring nature, and discovering new foods with friends.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Patrick Star (admired for his carefree spirit and fierce loyalty).
- Dream Job: Clinical Psychologist running a private practice focused on youth and adolescent mental health, particularly young boys.
Shay Desai brought a vital, demographic-specific focus to the Summer 2024 cohort. Recognizing that young males and people of color face disproportionately high hurdles when seeking mental health support—often compounded by societal expectations of stoicism—Shay centered his internship on K-12 initiatives. Inspired by community philanthropists like NFL star JJ Watt, Shay aims to dismantle the cultural barriers that prevent young boys from speaking out about their psychological struggles.
Keanu Villagonzalo | Measurement Team Intern
- Hometown: Queens Village, New York
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles (Mathematics of Computation)
- In Their Free Time: Playing basketball, outdoor adventures, and club swimming.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Stitch from Lilo & Stitch (celebrated for his adventurous, disruptive spirit).
- Dream Job: Running a nonprofit utilizing artificial intelligence to advance education in impoverished neighborhoods.
Keanu Villagonzalo’s motivation for joining Active Minds is rooted in a profound personal tragedy: the loss of a high school classmate to suicide due to a collective inability to detect early warning signs. Utilizing his rigorous background in mathematics and computation, Keanu worked with the Measurement Team to analyze data and improve evaluation metrics. His long-term vision—leveraging AI to expand educational and mental health resources in vulnerable communities—exemplifies how technical brilliance can be channeled into life-saving humanitarian work.
Anna Gefke | Development Team Intern (Individual Giving & Community Fundraising)
- Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
- Education: Wellesley College (Studio Art major; Mathematics minor)
- In Their Free Time: Hiking, creating art, attending films, and running.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: The child from The Odd Life of Timothy Green standing with open arms to welcome the sunlight.
- Dream Job: A hybrid career blending studio art with youth education.
Anna Gefke’s artistic sensibilities heavily inform her approach to community building. Having previously interned with Active Minds, Anna returned for the Summer 2024 term to focus on individual giving and peer-to-peer fundraising. Inspired by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, Anna noted how exposure to Active Minds’ campaigns—such as the A.S.K. (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-safe) model and Cause + Career—fundamentally transformed how she communicates about emotional challenges with her own friends and family.
Pilar Parker | Workforce Development Intern
- Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Education: North Carolina State University (Psychology major)
- In Their Free Time: Reading literature and watching television.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Nancy Wheeler from Stranger Things (navigating life with fierce advocacy, empathy, and a drive to help others).
- Dream Job: Clinical psychologist dedicated to underserved communities.
Pilar Parker joined the Workforce Development department with a clear objective: to master professional communication and gain hands-on organizational experience. Drawing inspiration from visionary storytellers like Greta Gerwig, Pilar views psychological healing as a narrative process. Her internship provided her with the foundational tools needed to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, where she plans to champion mental health equity for marginalized populations.
Trace Terrell | Higher Education and Policy Teams Intern
- Hometown: La Pine, Oregon
- Education: Johns Hopkins University (Rising junior studying Public Health and Writing Seminars)
- In Their Free Time: Socializing, outdoor exploration, and ceramics/crafts.
- Literary/Cinematic Alter Ego: Otis Milburn from Sex Education.
- Dream Job: Policy advisor within a state or federal governmental agency.
Trace Terrell’s commitment to public health policy is deeply personal. Having openly shared that Active Minds played a critical role in saving his life during high school, Trace’s presence in the Higher Education and Policy department was nothing short of poetic. Inspired by public figures like Emma Stone, Trace spent his summer investigating how postsecondary mental health policies directly impact student well-being. By transitioning from a beneficiary of the organization to a structural architect of its policies, Trace is ensuring that future generations receive the institutional support they deserve.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Scale of the Youth Mental Health Crisis
To fully appreciate the labor undertaken by the Summer 2024 interns, one must examine the broader socio-educational landscape they are navigating. According to recent data from the American College Health Association (ACHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Rising Need: Over 60% of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety.
- The Treatment Gap: Despite high rates of psychological distress, a significant percentage of young adults fail to seek professional intervention due to persisting social stigmas, financial barriers, or a lack of culturally competent care—challenges directly addressed by initiatives led by interns like Shay Desai, Sara Valencia, and Keanu Villagonzalo.
- Institutional Evolution: Legislative bodies across the country are increasingly recognizing postsecondary mental health as a public health emergency. Policy research conducted by interns like Trace Terrell provides the empirical foundation necessary to lobby for campus mental health leave policies, increased funding for counseling centers, and mandatory peer-support training.
Active Minds operates on a peer-to-peer model that bypasses traditional bureaucratic detachment. By placing students and recent graduates at the forefront of MarComm, chapter coordination, fundraising, and policy formulation, the organization ensures its messaging remains authentic, timely, and deeply resonant with Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Official Statements and Organizational Impact
The cumulative output of the Summer 2024 cohort underscores Active Minds’ institutional philosophy: that young people are not merely the subjects of mental health intervention, but its primary architects.
Leadership at Active Minds frequently highlights the irreplaceable value that each intern class brings to the organization’s overarching strategy. Through meticulous chapter support, cutting-edge digital marketing campaigns, data-driven measurement evaluations, and foundation development, these eleven individuals contributed thousands of hours of specialized labor.
In a joint statement reflecting on the conclusion of the term, Active Minds expressed profound gratitude:
"A big thank you to our incredible Summer 2024 interns, our biggest advocates for mental health awareness! Every semester, our class of interns contributes to important initiatives, including chapter support, program development, fundraising, and so much more. We are deeply grateful for the work our interns have accomplished and their enduring contributions toward a culture where mental health is openly prioritized."
Future Outlook: Sustaining the Momentum
As the Summer 2024 interns transition back to their respective universities—ranging from Duke and Johns Hopkins to UCLA and the University of Texas—they carry forward a unified toolkit of professional skills, advocacy frameworks, and lifelong peer networks. Their experiences demonstrate that effective mental health advocacy requires a multidisciplinary approach:
- Policy and Research: Transforming campus observations into actionable legislative and institutional change (Trace Terrell, Sara Valencia).
- Creative Communication: Utilizing design, digital marketing, and storytelling to demystify psychological struggles (Sam McCracken, Amanda Michael, Anna Gefke).
- Equitable Outreach: Ensuring that underrepresented groups, including young men and marginalized communities, find culturally relevant pathways to healing (Shay Desai, Pilar Parker).
- Operational Rigor: Securing the financial and analytical infrastructure necessary to keep advocacy networks funded, measured, and expanding (Krystn Whitty, Langdon Janos, Aubrey Hill, Keanu Villagonzalo).
The work of Active Minds does not stop with the changing of a season. The organization continues to look ahead, recruiting subsequent waves of passionate students eager to break down stigmas. For those inspired by the journeys of Sara, Sam, Amanda, Krystn, Langdon, Aubrey, Shay, Keanu, Anna, Pilar, and Trace, applications for future internship semesters remain open, offering the next generation an invitation to help redefine the future of mental healthcare.
