Young Innovator in Behavioral Health Awardee

Tristan Harris has been an inspiration to me since I started my work in the field of educating folks on social media's addictive design. I have always looked up to him for his guest speaking capabilities, his deep expertise and intelligence, and his charisma. I look up to him as a leader, and I aspire to be as big of a changemaker as him someday. Additionally, I am inspired by those I have lost, for their kindness, creativity, and ability to put a smile on anyone's face. The work I do every single day is in honor of my lovely friends who struggled so much that they could not be here anymore.

I would like to see suicide emergency services be more effective and less traumatizing. It's such a big upheaval to change the system, but it's so important that when someone is in a suicidal crisis, they get empathetic care and support rather than traumatizing police encounters.

My superpower is resilience and drive. I have had many dark struggles in my past, and I have the unique capability to use those struggles as a form of motivation to make a change in the world. I am so passionate about helping others thrive and overcome their own mental health struggles, which in turn helps me stay mentally healthy and happy.