Meet the Youth Advisory Panel

Aisha W-S. is a high school freshman in Texas. She enjoys public speaking, debate, hanging out with friends, and playing the drums. After moving from New Zealand to Texas, social media helped her connect with friends and family back home. At the same time, social media also gave her an unrealistic expectation of moving to America and making new connections. Aisha believes social media has its benefits and is a key part of day-to-day life, but too much time on it can lead to unrealistic expectations. She wants others to know that social media is fast becoming the world's biggest classroom, and the challenge we face is making it work for us. 

Alexander A. is a college freshman in Maryland studying information science. After returning to high school following the COVID-19 pandemic, he recognized the importance of youth mental health and its connection to social media and joined advocacy groups in his community. He has testified several times at local and state levels and discussed mental health legislation with congressional staff. Now in college, Alex remains engaged in his university’s Data Justice Scholars program, where he explores algorithmic bias, data collection, and bridging the gap between people and technology. He wants his peers to understand social media and technology design and reconsider how they interact with digital media. Outside of class, Alex enjoys playing trumpet in his university’s jazz and marching bands, hiking in National Parks, and photography. 

Amira P. is a college freshman in Georgia studying Economics on the Pre-Law track. She enjoys cooking new recipes, capturing beautiful scenery through photography, and spending quality time with family and friends. During high school, she served as Co-President of her school’s Black Student Union, a grade-level senator for three consecutive years, and completed her Bronze and Silver Girl Scout Awards. Driven by a passion to help others, Amira uses her experiences to inspire positive change in her community. She encourages young people to use social media as a tool for connection and creativity rather than negativity and hopes that parents, healthcare providers, and educators recognize the importance of healthy boundaries to build a positive online environment. 

Anahi O. is a college freshman in Massachusetts and is hoping to concentrate in Social Studies. She’s originally from Ecuador and moved to the U.S. when she was 11. She has many academic interests pertaining to youth development, ranging from leadership to caring for the mental health of youth. She's exploring many venues to address the well-being of youth through research and advocacy. On the YAP, she hopes to advocate for youth-minded solutions to address the impacts social media has had on youth mental health. As someone who understands the value of social media as well as the dangers, it is critical for her to bridge the gap between mental health and social media use of youth. 

August B. is a freshman in high school and a professional actor from California. Of African-American and Indian-American descent, August has appeared in TV shows, commercials, and film. A scene from his first television role briefly went viral as a funny internet meme, so he has been aware, from a young age, of the power of social media in both good and bad ways. When he’s not studying, acting, or volunteering in his community, August enjoys taekwondo, great food, creating funny memes, and spending time with his family. 

Dulce R. is a high school junior in California and a first-generation American born to Mexican and Salvadorian immigrants. While she is still figuring out her future career path, she is taking rigorous AP and honors courses, not only because she loves “stressing out over mountains of homework” (as she jokes), but also to become as well-rounded and educated as possible. Her hobbies include reading, playing volleyball, binge-watching Harry Potter, and hanging out with friends until her social battery runs out. Dulce aspires to raise awareness about the complex impacts of social media and challenge the idea that it can be labeled simply as good or bad, especially for teens like herself. 

Eli G. is a high school junior in Washington pursuing an Associate of Arts & Sciences with a focus in Biology through dual enrollment. He loves technology, enjoys spending time with friends, and participates in the National Honor Society and DECA chapter leadership. After high school, Eli plans to study biology and attend medical school to become a doctor. Eli is actively involved in youth mental health and digital literacy advocacy through peer-to-peer suicide prevention initiatives at his school and the AAP Youth Leadership Group on Suicide Prevention. Eli values social media as a tool for global connection and cultural learning and believes that, when used wisely, it can be a powerful and positive platform. 

Enoch P. is a high school freshman in Utah in a Spanish dual-immersion program. He loves playing volleyball and mountain biking—whether on teams or just for fun. Enoch also enjoys playing piano, backpacking, snowboarding, water sports, and anything active. He often meets up with friends and enjoys school because of both the people and the learning. Enoch has been surrounded by social media, but is not very active on it. He says, “It has sucked away my time and made me feel like I could have done something more fulfilling.” Still, he acknowledges that social media can be used in positive ways, such as “spreading knowledge and joy to others.” Overall, Enoch hopes people understand that social media can be good, but if not regulated, it can be harmful—especially to adolescents. 

Everett F. is a freshman in college in Washington pursuing a career in neuroscience research, with a focus on understanding the effects of addiction. He has worked with his university to develop an app for people recovering from opioid addiction. This work stems from his background in patient support: Everett has volunteered and led his state’s peer-to-peer crisis hotline since 2022, where he directly supports teens struggling with addiction—many of whom use social media as a coping mechanism. He hopes to teach others that social media isn’t necessarily negative, as many teens use it for support and even to learn about rehabilitation resources. Outside of this, Everett loves rock climbing with friends, collecting and listening to vinyl records, and rescuing his five cats from high-up cabinets they shouldn’t be on. Everett also serves as a youth representative on the Center’s Technical Expert Panel. 

Freya B. is a junior in high school in Arizona and passionate about mental health advocacy and public health. Freya is her school's Junior Class President and an active member of Bring Change to Mind (BC2M), a national mental health organization, where she serves on the regional board and as vice president of her school's chapter. She believes that social media, when used positively, can connect people and spread awareness. Through her editing account promoting body positivity, Freya encourages self-acceptance and celebrates diversity! She knows social media can have downsides, but believes that using it mindfully can make it a powerful tool. 

Gitanjali N. is a senior in high school in Georgia. She has been deeply passionate about pediatric mental health since realizing how many teenagers suffer from mental health disorders. Determined to bring change to her community, she founded an international nonprofit to provide mental health support to teenagers and destigmatize mental health disorders across communities worldwide. By joining the YAP, she hopes to continue this work and help change views about mental health nationwide. Gitanjali also serves as a youth representative on the Center’s Technical Expert Panel. 

Henry S. is a high school senior in Illinois with a deep interest in philosophy and history, and he hopes to explore how these subjects affect youth mental health and digital life. Outside the classroom, he stays active through basketball, volleyball, biking, and weightlifting. He also enjoys playing video games as a way to unwind and connect with friends. As someone who spends time both online and offline, Henry recognizes how social media can affect self-image and social expectations. While he sees the ways it can create pressure and distraction, he’s also found inspiration and motivation through online communities and creators. As a member of YAP, he wants to help other teens think critically about their digital habits and build better relationships with the technology they use almost daily. 

Jayleen G. is a college freshman in California studying psychology to pursue a career as a child psychologist. She comes from a Hispanic background, with family roots in various parts of Mexico. Jayleen enjoys crocheting, drawing, attending concerts, watching shows, listening to music, and spending time with friends. Social media has played a big role in her life; being on it from a young age, she has learned a lot—both positive and negative. It has helped her discover who she is and given her tools to spread awareness and support peers struggling with issues like body image, anxiety, and bullying. Jayleen uses social media to communicate with friends and family, find new interests, and make new friends. She hopes parents, peers, and doctors will avoid blaming teens for social media use and instead focus on understanding their feelings and creating safer online spaces. 

Kalan D. is a senior in high school in New York who hopes to pursue a career in cybersecurity. He is Caribbean-American, born to Guyanese and Trinidadian parents. Kalan enjoys sneakers, technology, taking walks, playing badminton, and traveling—usually with friends and family. He says social media helped him recognize both the positive and negative effects of technology. Kalan is passionate about creating a safer digital environment, especially for younger kids and teens like his little brother. He uses social media to connect with friends and peers, and wants families like his to see that social media can be a safe space if we all work together to put protections in place. 

Lanie F. is a first-year college student in Massachusetts who enjoys roller skating, baking, and sewing clothes for her cat, Kiwi. She engages in community advocacy initiatives by serving as her college class senator—acting as a bridge between the student body and student government. Having faced social anxiety in public school and experienced social isolation in a cyber school, Lanie possesses a unique perspective on digital media and connection. Overcoming these challenges has equipped her with valuable insights that she is eager to share with others facing similar difficulties. For Lanie, social media serves as a crucial tool for connecting with friends; it’s a platform she relies on for communication. Despite its highs and lows, Lanie believes social media can be a force for good, especially for those feeling isolated from their peers. 

Liam N. is a high school freshman in Maryland. Liam enjoys spending time with friends, gaming, and fishing. He is passionate about shifting the conversation around social media by highlighting its many positive impacts, such as building global connections and bringing people together around shared interests. Liam’s goal is to empower teens to embrace the benefits of social media while learning how to use it safely and responsibly. 

Lily M. is a junior in high school in Illinois. She loves reading, writing, cooking, and playing songs on her guitar. This year, she hopes to stay on the AP track, explore extracurricular activities, and strengthen her mental health. Over the past year, Lily has struggled with depression and other mental health challenges. However, she found that social media helps her relate to others in ways that make her feel better and cope. For Lily, one positive aspect of social media is that it helps her maintain close contact with friends. 

Lindsey Y. is a freshman in college in California studying psychobiology to pursue a career in medicine. She is still exploring which specialty to choose, but enjoys connecting biology to real-life applications for patient recovery. While Lindsey is trying new hobbies in college, she will always enjoy playing pickleball with friends, listening to music, working out occasionally, and trying new foods. For Lindsey, social media has affected her mental health in both positive and negative ways; there are times when she spirals down a rabbit hole of constant comparisons, but also times when she connects with friends and uses resources to create healthy habits shared by health professionals. She wants to highlight the positive aspects of social media—connecting and sharing useful information—to show that when used correctly, it can create a big impact. 

Madison W. is a freshman in college in North Carolina studying business and data science. She believes social media significantly shapes individuals and society at large. Madison feels that because social media and technology are constantly evolving, it’s important for adolescents, parents, pediatricians, and tech companies to collaborate on improving online health and safety. She is committed to fostering conversations and creating welcoming spaces where sharing experiences and questions is encouraged, especially in today’s fast-paced, often confusing digital environment. Madison is passionate about mental health support and reducing stigma around mental health. Madison enjoys listening to music, watching scary movies with friends, and exploring fashion. 

Michelle N. is a senior in high school in Maryland who enjoys listening to K-pop, podcasts, painting, and watching K-dramas. For Michelle, social media has always been a safe place to express her interests and learn more about herself. Growing up, she faced mental health challenges and often felt unsure where to turn. These experiences inspired her deep interest in understanding mental health and helping those who are struggling. Michelle aspires to become a facial plastic surgeon and open her own clinic one day. As a YAP member, she looks forward to adding a fresh perspective to conversations about teen mental health and being a voice for teens who may not always have the words to express themselves. 

Rin M. is a senior in high school in Wisconsin who loves cooking, eating, and spending time outdoors with friends, family, and cats. Rin also enjoys volunteering at a thrift store and a local humane society. He completed a Certified Nursing Assistant course through his high school, which sparked his interest in nursing, and he looks forward to continuing his nursing career in college. On the YAP, Rin hopes to promote social media as a communication tool while learning more about research and mental health.  

Sadie B. is a senior in high school in Washington who loves reading, dancing, and spending time with friends. She is the captain of her cross-country and track teams, which she credits with improving her mental health. Sadie plans to study psychology in college and hopes to combine it with her passion for social justice and helping others. She is excited to continue her work on the YAP, which has given her the opportunity to create content and learn how social media can benefit teens. Sadie appreciates how Instagram has helped her find confidence in her identity and body, and she hopes it can do the same for others. 

Shaelyn B. is a high school sophomore in Oregon with a strong interest in pediatric mental health, a passion she has pursued since the age of thirteen. She participates in a variety of extracurricular activities, including dance, FFA, reading, public speaking, and contributing to her family’s sixth-generation farm. Shaelyn’s advocacy journey began with her involvement in the Miss America Organization, which inspired her to champion pediatric mental health initiatives. Through her participation in YAP, Shaelyn hopes to educate the public and foster a more supportive environment by reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. 

Taanvi A. is a high school junior in Washington, an author of a mental health book, and the founder of a mental health platform. An Irish-born, Indian-American advocate, she works to transform mental health support in schools, creating spaces where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Taanvi serves as a youth mental health advisor for organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Harvard Medical Center, and the AAP’s Suicide Prevention Youth Leadership Group. She began advocating for youth mental health at age 12, inspired by her own struggles after moving across the globe at age 9. Taanvi believes social media, when used positively, can be a powerful tool for connection, education, and well-being.