Meet the 2026-2027National Student Advisory Council
The Work2BeWell National Student Advisory Council (NSAC) is a global network of teen leaders advancing mental wellness through Access, Education, Activation, and Connection
Representing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and communities, NSAC students help shape Work2BeWell’s programs, resources, and initiatives while leading conversations about mental health and wellness in their schools and communities. Together, they use their voices, ideas, and lived experiences to help create a world where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Access Team
Sara, Team Lead
Maryland
Sara Hamdaoui (she/her) is a Work2BeWell Access Team Lead. She is a senior at Crofton High School in Maryland. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, youth voice, and expanding access to support and resources. Sara serves as the Student Member of the Board for Anne Arundel County Public Schools and is a Co-Chair of the AACPS Student Service Leadership (SSL) team, where she helps develop county-wide service initiatives. She also holds multiple leadership roles within her school, such as serving on her SGA executive board and as President of a service club. As Access Team Lead, she hopes to reach more students across the nation and beyond, amplify youth perspectives on mental health, and create safe spaces where all voices feel valued.
Sara Works2BeWell by painting, reading, and playing badminton with her friends and family.
Lauren, Co Lead
New York
Lauren Crispino (she/her/hers) is a Work2BeWell Access Team Co- Lead. Lauren, from Westchester, NY, is a Junior at Somers High School. She is thrilled to be welcomed into such a wonderful team for her second year and to use her passion for mental health to uplift others, both in her community and globally.
In school, Lauren is an NHS member, Secretary of the Theater company, President of the SHS Biomedical Club, and is an active member in many other clubs, especially Student Council! Outside of school, she reads and has started getting deeper into performing and acting!
Lauren Works2BeWell by spending time with family and friends, listening to music, reading, performing, and working at camp during the summer months.
Adiel, Co Lead
Puerto Rico
Adiel Torres (he/him) is a Work2BeWell Access Team Co-Lead. Adiel, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a senior at University Gardens High School. Adiel is passionate about serving his community, supporting those in need, and ensuring that everyone feels seen, valued, and heard. He serves as Vice President of his school’s UNICEF Club, is a member of the National Student Council (NATSTUCO), served as a member of the NHS Workforce (Protocol Committee), and is the President of his school’s International History Bowl and Bee Club. Through these positions, he works to foster student engagement, promote service initiatives, and encourage meaningful dialogue and service among his peers.
Adiel Works2BeWell by spending time with his family and friends, learning about history, reading, and exploring.
Aditi
North Carolina
Aditi Ediga (she/her) is a senior at Panther Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina. This is her second year serving on Work2BeWell’s Access Team as a member. Aditi is passionate about mental health and cultural advocacy. Fun fact: she has been a classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer for nearly 10 years and shares her passion for cultural arts advocacy through dance! Through Bharatanatyam, she explores the intersection of culture and mental health stigma.
Aditi promotes open and authentic conversations through her work as one of two teen representatives on several of her town’s committees and advisory boards, by leading her school’s FBLA chapter as Co-President, and by writing poetry and op-ed pieces on mental health as part of a national column.
Aditi Works2BeWell by spending time with her family, dancing, and writing.
Ana
Arizona
Ana Cristina Del Castillo (she/her) is a senior at Douglas High School in Douglas, Arizona, a small border community at the Mexico-U.S. International Port of Entry. Being from a rural area, she is passionate about being involved in many student organizations. As a new member of Work2BeWell’s Access Team, she is enthusiastic because she understands the impact of limited resources on rural communities.
She has a strong commitment to student clubs/leadership, serving as the Arizona Association of Student Councils State President and Regional Officer, a nationally qualifying competitor with SkillsUSA, President of NHS, Student Body Vice President, and member of Key Club.
Ana Works2BeWell by creating artwork, playing tennis, and surrounding herself with people whom she loves.
Jordyn
Florida
Jordyn Jones (she/her) is a senior at Navarre High School in Navarre, Florida, and serves as a member of the Work2BeWell Access Team. Jordyn’s passion for mental health sprouted from her desire to support other students facing mental health challenges. She hopes to help others find ways to cope with stress, comparison, or pressures that are often overlooked. Through NSAC, she hopes to make mental health education and support easily accessible for everyone worldwide.
Within her school, Jordyn served as a District 1 FBLA officer and a confident witness on her school’s Mock Trial team. Jordyn continued to pursue her love of languages and cultures, earning a Gold Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. Outside of school, she interns with Julie’s Haven, a nonprofit whose mission is to inform, motivate, and empower parents and girls.
Jordyn Works2BeWell by doing ballet, painting, and hanging out with her friends at the nearest coffee shop.
Aryan
Connecticut
Aryan Khanna (he/him) is a junior at Rocky Hill High School in Connecticut. This is his second year serving on Work2BeWell’s Access Team as a member. Passionate about mental health advocacy and STEM, Aryan is committed to creating meaningful change through both science and service. He is actively involved in many activities, including FIRST Robotics and healthcare volunteering.
Aryan hopes to pursue a future in bioengineering, creating innovative solutions that make healthcare more accessible and effective
Aryan Works2BeWell by listening to music, walking outside, reading, and baking.
Manasvi
California
Manasvi Sharma (she/her) is a junior at Lynbrook High School in San Jose, California, and a new member of the Work2BeWell Access Team. She is passionate about adolescent mental health, public health, and making mental health education more accessible through research and youth advocacy.
As the founder of The Mind Initiative, Manasvi works to promote preventative mental health education and collaborates with youth organizations to create resources that empower students and reduce stigma. Through Work2BeWell, she hopes to expand access to mental health resources, elevate teen voices, and help build supportive school communities.
Manasvi Works2BeWell by reading, exploring new coffee shops, traveling, and spending time with her friends, family, and pet birdie.
Samuel
Maryland
Sam Park (he/him) is a senior at Eastern Technical High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, and serves as a new member of the Work2BeWell Access Team. Sam is passionate about student leadership, mental health advocacy, and empowering young people to create positive change in their schools and communities. He serves as a Student Member on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC), Vice President of Communications for the National Student Council (NASC), and has represented student voices through leadership programs, including Yale Young Global Scholars. Through these experiences, he works to strengthen communication, create meaningful connections, and share opportunities for students to make an impact.
Sam Works2BeWell by spending time with friends and family, creating fun videos and vlogs, staying active, and making time to recharge.
Roshini
Texas
Roshini Prabakaran (she/her) is a sophomore at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, Texas, and serves as a new member of Work2BeWell’s Access team. She is passionate about student leadership, mental health awareness, and creating a positive change within her local community.
Roshini is a senate member on the Student Council and an active member of HOSA, where she works alongside other students to promote well-being and opportunities. In her spare time, she volunteers at a local hospital, where she gains valuable experience in healthcare while giving back to her community.
Roshini hopes to pursue a career in medicine and is dedicated to ensuring young people feel heard and supported.
Roshini Works2BeWell by spending time with loved ones, baking new recipes, reading books, and drawing.
Solyanna
Washington
Solyanna Tedros (she/her) is a junior at Lindbergh Senior High School in Renton, Washington, and a new member of Work2BeWell’s Access team. As a member of the Access team, Solyanna aims to ensure that all students feel included in their learning environments and to provide rising scholars with the tools needed to address mental struggles. She is passionate about her community and jumps at any opportunity to support those around her.
She has co-founded Wellness Workshops with a peer, an initiative designed to provide students at Lindbergh with tips for conquering academic stress, tools to manage their time more effectively, and other valuable resources. She is also the lead student coordinator of her school’s semi-annual Student Summit, a gathering of peers and teachers to discuss prominent issues within her school and community while identifying ways to create a caring and supportive environment for all students at Linbergh. She is also an officer of her school’s HOSA chapter, aspires to work in the healthcare field, and looks forward to carrying the very same passion she embodies as a member of Work2BeWell into her future.
Solyanna Works2BeWell by spending time in nature, relying on her strong support system, and remaining steadfast in her faith.
Ipshi
Minnesota
Ipshita Tiwari (Ip-she-tuh Tih-war-ee) (she/her) is a Senior at Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and serves as a member of the Work2BeWell Access Team. Through NSAC, she strives to help bring greater mental health support and awareness to her community.
She is an active member of her city’s Sustainability Commission and spends weekends volunteering at her local hospital. At school, she is the director of the Film Club and the Captain of the Speech Team. She also enjoys exploring creative outlets, including classical dance and writing.
Ipshita Works2BeWell by journaling, practicing yoga, running, and watching old movies.
Sam
North Carolina
Sam Villanueva (he/him) is a junior at Central Academy of Technology and Arts in Monroe, North Carolina. He is a new member of Work2BeWell on the access team and a leader in many other school organizations, such as Student Council, Action for Good, and the Band of Blue. Through W2BW, Sam hopes to raise more awareness about mental health and bring more joy to other people’s day-to-day lives!
Sam Works2BeWell with spinning on Color Guard, Dancing, Theatre, laughing, and spending time with friends and family!
Erina
Japan
Erina Y (she/her) is a junior and a new member of the Work2BeWell access team. Located in Japan, she is currently a virtual online student. She is deeply passionate about advocacy and the global importance of mental health, recognizing its profound impact on students and its prominent presence in everyone’s daily lives. Drawing from her own experiences with mental health struggles, she is determined to find powerful ways to communicate, share knowledge, and break down the surrounding stigma. She strives to create breakthroughs against this stigma, choosing to dance her way through the challenges and promote mental health awareness for every individual across the globe.
Erina is actively involved in her community, participating in local cleanup events and joining her classmates in various volunteering projects and donation drives for local children’s shelters.
Erina Works2BeWell by dancing her way through life, singing out loud, and embracing all forms of self-expression.
Education Team
Logan, Team Lead
Nevada
Logan Edmiston (he/him) is a Senior at Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon in Las Vegas, Nevada. He serves as the Team Lead for the Work2BeWell Education Team and is actively involved in several leadership and service organizations, including National Honor Society, Student Council, and Scouting America. Logan currently serves as President of his school’s National Honor Society chapter, Student Body Historian, and is an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. Over the past three years with Work2BeWell, he has grown from a general member to Co-Lead and now Team Lead, helping empower other teens to prioritize mental health and support one another.
Beyond his leadership roles, Logan is passionate about traveling to new and exciting places and experiencing new cultures and people, including Alaska, Norway, France, Iceland, Germany, and many more! During the school year, he’s planning service projects, leading student initiatives, mentoring younger students, or advocating for mental health awareness. He believes that small acts of kindness, genuine conversations, and strong communities can have a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Logan’s passion for mental health advocacy began after losing a friend during his freshman year of high school. That experience, combined with his own personal challenges and witnessing the struggles of those around him, inspired him to become an advocate for reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental wellness.
Logan Works2BeWell by listening to music, traveling, taking photos, and hanging out with friends and family.
Emelia, Co Lead
Georgia
Emelia Amike (she/her) is a Work2BeWell Education Co-Lead. From Norcross, Georgia, Emelia is a Junior at Discovery High School. Her journey began with the Adolescent Health and Youth Development club at her high school. Since her freshman year, the club has helped her better understand the challenges her peers face every day and has inspired her passion for addressing topics often considered taboo among adolescents, with a strong emphasis on mental health.
In addition to Work2beWell, Emelia is Class President and Treasurer of the Thespian Honor Society at Discovery High School. She loves all forms of self-expression and highly values the performing arts. As one of VOX ATL’s Poet Ambassadors, she hopes her poetry can inspire and support others.
In her free time, Emelia works at one of AMC’s theaters, where she embraces her love of film as a self-proclaimed cinephile who has yet to see a sitcom she hasn’t seen. She also volunteers at her local church’s daycare, where she enjoys working with children and finds it empowering to give back to the community that helped raise her.
Emelia Works2BeWell by watching movies and TV shows, reading, writing, living in the moment, and acting!
Maya, Co Lead
Washington
Maya Iyer (she/her) is a Work2BeWell Education Co-Lead. From Washington State, Maya is a Senior at Mountain View High School. She is passionate about youth mental health, healthcare equity, and ensuring young people have a voice in the policies that affect them.
Through her advocacy work, Maya has lobbied members of Congress and helped secure a congressional co-sponsor for youth mental health legislation. She also serves as the Washington FBLA State Secretary and the Vice President of the Southwest Washington Red Cross, and has held national leadership roles with Girls Inc., where she advocates on issues affecting young people across the country.
Inspired by her experiences in public health advocacy, Maya hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of healthcare and policy. Through Work2BeWell, she is committed to empowering youth to share their stories, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and create meaningful change in their schools and communities.
Maya Works2BeWell by paddleboarding, running, eating fro-yo, and spending time with her family and friends.
Harper, Co Lead
Iowa
Harper Wendt (she/her) is Work2BeWell Education Co-Lead. From Iowa, Harper is a Senior at Ballard High School. As someone who is heavily invested in the mental health of youth around the globe, Harper hopes to help create a world where everyone feels valued as they open up about their mental health journeys and to provide resources to those in need.
With a goal of normalizing the conversation surrounding mental health in her rural community, Harper created the first Work2BeWell club in Iowa at her school.
Outside of her passion for mental health, Harper also has a love for learning, helping others, and exploring the world around her. She serves as a Student Global Ambassador for Ayusa and volunteers with various local organizations. Harper is also actively involved in her school’s fine arts programs, including speech, drama, and band, and is a member of the International Thespian Society.
Harper Works2BeWell by junk journaling, running, reading, and spending time in nature!
Eshita
Canada
Eshita Agarwal (ee-shee-tah uh-gar-wahl) (she/her) is a rising junior at Burlington Central High School in Ontario, Canada, and a member of the Work2BeWell Education Team. She is passionate about mental health awareness, youth advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces where students feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Eshita’s interests are reflected through her involvement in both leadership and STEM initiatives within her school community. She serves as Advocacy Lead for her school’s UNICEF chapter, where she helps raise awareness about global issues and supports outreach efforts. She is also an active member of the Equity Team, working to promote inclusivity and cultural awareness.
In addition, Eshita participates in robotics, STEM Today, and the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair, where she conducted research on hearing loss and assistive technology, combining her passion for science with real-world problem-solving.
Eshita Works2BeWell by going on bike rides, playing badminton, and spending time with her friends and family.
Laily
California
Laily Berjis (she/her) is a rising sophomore from Lafayette, California, and a first-year member of the Work2BeWell Education Team. She is deeply passionate about empowering young people to build healthier relationships with technology while supporting their overall wellbeing.
Through her leadership in digital wellbeing initiatives, including Headstream’s Youth Co-Creator Club, GoodforMEdia, and other youth-centered advocacy efforts, Laily has collaborated with organizations to uplift youth voices and encourage more intentional, balanced technology use.
Outside of Work2BeWell, Laily founded Power of the Pen, a creative writing and mentorship program that helps elementary school students build confidence, self-expression, and meaningful connection through storytelling and reflection. She is excited to continue helping design solutions to help young people build resilience and create healthier online and offline experiences.
Laily Works2BeWell by writing poetry, journaling, baking allergy-friendly treats, and staying active through taekwondo.
Varsha
Maryland
Varsha Bhandari (she/her) is a rising senior at Crofton High School in Maryland and is a new member of the Work2BeWell Education team. She is passionate about student advocacy and ensuring that students’ voices are heard in every space.
Varsha serves as president of her school’s FBLA chapter, an Officer of her HOSA chapter, and an Executive Team Member of her county’s Student Council. Through these leadership roles, she hopes to promote student engagement and represent students’ voices. Outside of academics, Varsha has been a Bharatanatyam dancer for 11 years and enjoys running for her school’s cross-country team.
Through Work2BeWell, Varsha hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within immigrant communities, and provide mental health resources to communities that need them most.
Varsha Works2BeWell by running, listening to music, and spending time with her friends!
Maya
Hawai’i
Maya Butts (she/her) is a Sophomore at Kalaheo High School in Kailua, Hawai’i, and serves as a new member of the Work2BeWell Education team. She is passionate about youth advocacy, public health, and civic engagement.
Maya is involved in her school community through various leadership roles in Student Council and Key Club. Last year, she served as her school’s Freshman class chairperson. She will now serve as her school’s Hawaii State Student Council Representative for the 2026-27 term, during which she will learn about issues affecting schools and amplify students’ voices through statewide meetings with other representatives.
Maya’s commitment to mental health awareness and advocacy began in eighth grade, when she joined her middle school’s Hope Squad program, organizing mental health awareness campaigns and Hope Weeks to reduce mental health stigma.
Maya Works2BeWell by journaling, running, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
Karthika
North Carolina
Karthika Challagundla (she/her) is a rising senior at Marvin Ridge High School in North Carolina and a member of the Work2BeWell Education Team. She serves as the North Carolina State Representative for the National Student Council, advocating for student leadership and civic engagement across the state.
Passionate about surgery, healthcare, and mental well-being, Karthika serves as her HOSA chapter’s Blood Drive Coordinator and Secretary and as the Regional Vice President for Sandhills HOSA. She is currently working toward her EMT certification and attended the Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders Conference, where she further explored her interests in medicine and global health. Karthika is also the founder of CURA, a local nonprofit that connects students with healthcare professionals through interviews while giving back to the broader healthcare community.
As a Youth Power Project Ambassador, Karthika advocates for public health and mental health legislation in North Carolina. She also manages Spark the Shift, a social media campaign with over 1,500 followers that promotes burnout prevention, mental wellness, and healthy habits among students. Through FBLA, she creates public service announcements that encourage positive online engagement, raise awareness about preventing cyberbullying, and promote mental health in the workplace.
Karthika hopes to pursue a career in surgery while continuing to advance healthcare access, youth advocacy, and mental well-being.
Karthika Works2BeWell by cooking meals for her family, listening to music, watching her favorite shows, and journaling.
Marissa
Oregon
Marissa Keys (she/her) is a junior at Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Oregon, and serves as a new member of the Work2BeWell Education team. She is passionate about helping people feel seen and heard, especially in times of struggle. Marissa aims to destigmatize the conversation around mental health by treating it with the same importance as physical health and normalizing open dialogue.
One of Marissa’s greatest passions is ballet, which she has practiced since the age of five. Through ballet, she has learned the importance of community, kindness, and perseverance. These are all values she carries into her consistent volunteering at a local food pantry, content creation for her school’s media program, and involvement in student organizations such as Setons and School Ambassadors.
Marissa Works2BeWell by dancing, baking, and spending time outside or with friends, family, and her dog.
Zara
California
Zara Lee (she/her) is a senior at Mills High School in California and a new member of the Work2BeWell Education Team. She is passionate about mental health, neuroscience, and healthcare and enjoys exploring how research connects to real-world experiences. Zara is currently a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a blog writer focused on translating biological research studies, where she works to make complex scientific topics more accessible and engaging.
At school, Zara plays basketball on the Varsity Basketball team, serves as President of the Geriatric Outreach Club, and has been Class Vice President for the past two years. She also tutors underrepresented children in a variety of STEM subjects and volunteers at Kaiser Permanente, where she continues to build hands-on experience in healthcare and patient interaction.
Through her involvement in both leadership and service, Zara is passionate about working with others and supporting her community.
Zara Works2BeWell by shopping with friends and family, playing basketball, and traveling!
Alex
Georgia
Alex Lee (he/him) is a junior at Lagrange High School in Georgia and a new member of the Work2BeWell Education Team. He is passionate about making mental health education more accessible for youth in rural and immigrant communities, driven by the belief that everyone deserves to feel supported.
Outside of Work2BeWell, Alex serves as President of West Georgia Key Club and is a member of the Youth Advisory Council for the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential. Through these leadership roles, he actively advocates for student wellness across the state. He has also researched how caffeine, sleep, and stress affect high school students, further strengthening his passion for improving youth mental health.
Through his work with Work2BeWell, he hopes to create resources to normalize conversations around mental health and make support a reality for underserved communities.
Alex Works2BeWell by playing tennis, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Mylo
Pennsylvania
Mylo Moel (he/him/his) is a Senior at The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School and a member of the Work2BeWell Education Team. Mylo is a student pilot, athlete, and youth advocate passionate about mental health, anthropology, and all things STEM.
He serves as the youngest commissioner in Pennsylvania on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, where he advises the Executive Branch on issues affecting Pennsylvanians ages 16-26. Mylo also serves as Student Council President, GSA Vice President, a Glisten Research Assistant, and the Youth Voice Fellow with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.
Through his leadership and advocacy, Mylo is especially interested in how access, education, policy, and advocacy can help disadvantaged students feel safer and more supported in their schools and communities.
Mylo Works2BeWell by training in martial arts, reading, ice skating, studying history and STEM topics, cooking, and traveling!
Sunny
Texas
Sunny Sixu Pu (she/her/hers) is a Senior at James E. Taylor High School and a member of the Work2BeWell Education Team. Sunny is an advocate for civic engagement, particularly among youth, mental health, and AANHPI representation in literature and media.
Sunny has been involved in multiple mental health initiatives, serving as a Mental Health Leader at James E. Taylor High School and as the Public Safety Committee Co-Leader for COHYA’s Youth Ambassadors. She is also the founder of Register the Future, an organization dedicated to increasing voter engagement among immigrant communities, and Silk and Ink Magazine.
Through her leadership and advocacy, Sunny is committed to empowering young people, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating opportunities for meaningful civic engagement.
Sunny Works2BeWell by hanging out with her friends, playing Roblox, and reading her favorite novels (A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin!)
Yisheng
Georgia
Yisheng Yao (he/him) is a Junior at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and is a new member of Work2BeWell’s Education Team He served as his school’s Student Council President for both ninth and tenth grade.
At school, Yisheng also competes in DECA and has qualified for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). He is interested in connecting his experience in leadership and stress management under pressure to advocate for mental health and support his peers on the Education Team.
Outside of academics, Yisheng spends his weekends volunteering at his local library, where he helps with book shelving and general customer service. He is passionate about finance, specifically researching business models, evaluating how they drive financial performance, and analyzing stress management under varying macroeconomic scenarios. Yisheng enjoys art and drawing, often with charcoal, colored pencil, and acrylic paint.
Yisheng Works2BeWell through physical training in weightlifting and calisthenics, finding purpose and staying grounded through his Christian faith, and spending time with friends.
Activation Team
Srika, Team Lead
Massachusetts
Srika (shree-kah) Balabommala (she/her) is the Activation Team Lead for W2BW and a Senior from Massachusetts. Srika discovered her interest in mental health by being a Youth Impact Advisor at Strong365, where she worked on mental health campaigns for institutions like Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Mental Health America. She also joined Strong365’s SWAY Advisory Panel to provide insight on psychosis-specific campaigns and has expanded her experience in mental health by serving as a Spring Fellow at Nunchi, a Headstream Youth Co-Creator, and a Community of Practice Member at NAMI. She currently serves as a Youth Advisory Panel Member with UC Irvine and as a Youth Advisor to Dr. Katherine Grill Consulting.
Beyond her passion for mental health, Srika is committed to youth advocacy. She serves as one of her school’s representatives to the Regional Student Advisory Committee to DESE (Department of Secondary Education), where she is Co-Chair, and is also a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Cabinet. She is the Executive Director of the Youth Entrepreneurship Association, where she previously served for two years as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and helped provide entrepreneurial resources to more than 500 students across the United States. In addition, Srika serves as President of her DECA chapter, leading more than 110 members, and is an International Finalist and three-time State Champion.
Srika Works2BeWell by binge-watching TV, going to the movies, hanging out with her friends, and reading!
Joy, Co Lead
Pennsylvania
Joy Oranwa (she/her) is an Activation Team Co-Lead and Senior at Penn Hills Senior High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is deeply committed to elevating student voice, advancing mental health advocacy, and ensuring young people are meaningfully included in decision‑making spaces.
At school, Joy serves as Student Council President, one of two Student School Board Representatives, and President of her district’s Superintendent Advisory Council. In these roles, she works directly with school and district leaders to bring student perspectives into conversations about school climate, academic access, and opportunity gaps in under‑resourced schools.
Beyond her district, Joy’s advocacy extends statewide and nationally through organizations such as Plan International USA’s Youth Advisory Board, where she serves as the MERL Lead, and the Bill of Rights Institute, where she is a Student Fellow. Through these programs, she has interviewed former ABC and Fox News journalist John Stossel and engaged in discussions with speakers like Dr. Michael Franklin on democracy, freedom, and individual rights. Joy also contributes to NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania, collaborating with youth leaders to push for stronger mental health policies and more equitable systems.
Manny, Co Lead
Georgia
Emanuel ‘Manny’ Palax Ocampo (he/him/his) is a Junior at Central High School in Georgia and serves as an Activation Team Co-Lead. He is passionate about youth leadership, mental health advocacy, civic engagement, and creating opportunities for young people to make a difference in their communities.
Emanuel serves as Chair of the Carroll County Youth Board of Commissioners and has founded several youth-led initiatives focused on civic participation, leadership development, and community service. He is also involved in student government, Model United Nations, academic organizations, and statewide youth advisory programs. As Activation Team Co-Lead, he hopes to inspire more young people to engage in conversations about mental health, expand the reach of Work2BeWell’s resources, and empower students to create positive change in their schools and communities.
Emanuel Works2BeWell by staying active, spending time with friends and family, exploring his community, and turning his passion for service into action.
Anushka, Co Lead
Texas
Anushka Velala (she/her) is a Senior at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas. As one of the co-leads of the Activation Team at Work2BeWell, Anushka is passionate about public health and making healthcare systems more translatable. Healthcare advocacy is important to Anushka because she wants to ensure everyone can take care of themselves and achieve well-being. Anushka loves achieving this using communication and research.
Outside of Work 2BeWell, Anushka is very involved in cancer equity research, working in labs at TCU/Duke and in health policy at Harvard. Through her research, Anushka has successfully lobbied for bans on harmful chemicals in feminine products in New York, California, New Jersey, and other states. Her cancer research has been published and utilized by the European Medicines Agency and the International Myeloma Society.
In addition, Anushka serves as Captain of both her school’s Debate Team and Team Texas Debate, earning competitive wins at numerous national and international tournaments. As the 2025 International Public Policy Champion, she enjoys policy analysis and using research to drive meaningful solutions.
Anushka Works2BeWell by watching Netflix, reading books, going on walks, playing pickleball, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods.
Shea
South Dakota
Shea Allen (she/her) is a rising senior from Lead-Deadwood High School in the Black Hills of South Dakota and a member of the Activation Team. Shea is a very involved student, participating in theater, band, volleyball, and many other activities. She serves as President of her school’s Youth Empowerment Team, is a Class Officer for Student Council, and previously served as the South Dakota State Representative for the National Student Council during the 2025-2026 term.
Shea hopes to continue her work with policy and advocacy by making an impact on youth mental health through Work2BeWell. Shea is most excited to bring resources, ideas, and inspiration from the Activation Team to her local Youth-Empowerment Team.
When Shea has downtime, she enjoys all types of arts and crafts and listening to music on vinyl.
Shea Works2BeWell by having cozy nights in her room, listening to music on long drives with her loved ones, traveling, and going to concerts!
Raphael
New Jersey
Raphael Capangpangan (he/him) is a Senior at Old Bridge High School in New Jersey and a member of the Work2BeWell Activation Team. Raphael is an active advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and youth involved in the child welfare system, serving on New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) Youth Council and Garden State Equality’s Youth Advisory Council, targeting the normalcy gaps and student well-being protections for both groups through legislation and surveys.
Within his school community, he founded Old Bridge High School’s PRIDE Club to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students and serves in student government, where he works to amplify student voices and strengthen school engagement. Through his involvement in youth leadership, advocacy, and community service, Raphael is committed to advancing equity, representation, and opportunities for young people.
Raphael Works2BeWell by spending time with friends and family, staying involved in his community, exploring new cultures and languages, and making time for the activities and causes he is passionate about, like watching anime or playing sports.
Audrey
California
Audrey Choi (she/her) is a Senior at Granada Hills Charter High School and a returning member of Work2BeWell’s Activation Team. As a passionate young Korean American woman, Audrey aspires to create spaces where like-minded youth can speak up, championing youth mental health in the process and reminding youth nationwide that they matter.
Outside of Work2BeWell, Audrey is deeply involved in her community. With eight years of student leadership experience, Audrey has served as class president for the past three years and is now ASB President. As a passionate public speaker, Audrey also serves as a Captain on her Speech & Debate Team, placing 9th in California this past year and becoming a two-time National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament Qualifier.
This year, Audrey is excited to continue giving back to her community as a part of the 2026 Bezos Scholar Program, where she will craft a community service project tailored to the needs in her community, aiming to amplify youth voices and advocate for youth mental health.
Audrey Works2BeWell by playing music on a variety of instruments, including the guitar, ukulele, and piano, songwriting, and painting watercolor cards for her loved ones.
Natalia
Puerto Rico
Natalia Echevarria Katwaroo (she/her) is a Senior from Puerto Rico and a member of the Work2BeWell Activation Team. Over the past several years, she has become passionate about community service, youth leadership, and promoting mental well-being. Natalia joined Work2BeWell because she recognizes the importance of mental health, especially within her community, and hopes to help others feel supported and empowered.
Throughout high school, Natalia has been actively involved in organizations such as Student Council, Confra, 4-H, and W2BW. She enjoys taking on leadership roles that encourage service, collaboration, and positive change within her school community. Outside of school, Natalia has completed over 100 hours of community service, volunteering with children, families, hospital patients, police officers, and people of all ages. These experiences have strengthened her passion for helping others and creating meaningful connections through kindness, compassion, and service.
Natalia Works2BeWell by cooking, listening to music, spending quality time with her family, and embracing every opportunity to grow, learn, and make a positive impact on those around her.
Noor
New York
Noor Elmarasy (she/her) is a Senior from New Hartford, New York, and a member of the Work2BeWell Activation team. She is passionate about youth leadership, mental health advocacy, and creating opportunities for others to feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through Work2BeWell, Noor hopes to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health while encouraging young people to prioritize their well-being and build meaningful connections.
Throughout high school, Noor has been actively involved in leadership and service. She currently serves as the Lieutenant Governor for New York District Key Club Division 19, a Student Representative on her Board of Education, and Secretary on the board of the New York State Council on Leadership and Student Activities, and is also President of both Model United Nations and Leadership Core Club at her high school.
Noor has a strong interest in law and spends her summer interning at a legal nonprofit organization that helps underrepresented communities. Through each of these experiences, she has developed a love for advocating for others, leading with empathy, and making a lasting impact.
Noor Works2BeWell by spending quality time with her family and friends, reading a good book, and swimming!
Gaby
Costa Rica
Gaby Foulger (she/her) is a member of the Work2BeWell Activation team and a Senior from Costa Rica. Over the past few years, she has developed a passion for mental health advocacy after becoming more aware of the mental health challenges experienced by teens around her, especially those related to academic stress. Gaby is inspired to provide resources for teens around the world and advocate for their well-being
At school, Gaby is pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme and is a member of her school’s National Honor Society (NHS) chapter. She is also actively involved in MUN and helps with the conference held yearly at her school. Throughout high school, Gaby has served on the Student Electoral Tribunal and will serve as President for the 2016-2027 school year. She is also passionate about volunteering and serves as a leader for a local organization that provides tutoring to children in at-risk communities.
Gaby Works2BeWell by reading, being active, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and baking!
Jack
Virginia
Jack George (he/him) is a member of the Work2BeWell Activation Team and a Senior from Richmond, Virginia. Jack is a passionate youth activist and political organizer who believes young people deserve to have their voices heard. Through his own experiences with mental health, he has developed a deep passion for advancing mental health reform in his school, community, and across the nation.
Outside of mental health advocacy, Jack serves as the 2026–2027 National Vice Chairman of the High School Democrats of America, representing more than 10,000 members and 500 chapters. He also serves in the policy and legislative sector of Team ENOUGH, where he focuses on youth-led advocacy for gun violence prevention. Jack has authored and introduced two bills in the Virginia legislature focused on youth civic engagement and career readiness, and has lobbied at the State Capitol and on Capitol Hill for youth-centered legislation.
In addition, Jack serves in several youth advisory capacities, including on the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, as a Superintendent’s Student Advisor, and as the Student Representative on his county’s Steering Committee, representing more than 50,000 students.
Jack Work2BeWells by traveling, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and engaging with every new opportunity to make a positive impact on those around him.
Brittain
Washington
Brittain Jura (he/him) is a Junior at Camas High School in Washington and a member of the Work2BeWell Activation Team. Brittain is passionate about serving his community, being a stronger leader in all areas of his life, and ensuring that young students have the support they need to feel safe and succeed both in and outside of school.
He is involved in several organizations dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of students, the elderly, and individuals facing health challenges in his local area. Brittain serves as Junior Class President in his school, an officer of his DECA chapter, the student representative of his district’s LAC (Legislative Advocacy Committee), and the Co-Chair of his district’s own SAC.
Through these leadership roles, Brittain strives to create positive change within his school district and across the state as he serves in other positions. He aims to give every student a voice and provide new opportunities for students everywhere. He is passionate about speaking up when students are negatively impacted and believes every student deserves to be heard. As a part of the Activation Team, he hopes to show students that they are not alone, that their voice matters, and that they have the power to create positive change.
Liev
Massachusetts
Liev Minkoff (he/him) is a Freshman at Gann Academy in Massachusetts and a member of the Work2BeWell Activation Team. Liev is passionate about leadership, service, and creating communities where everyone feels seen, supported, and included.
Throughout middle school, he served as a Student Government officer, co-founded his school’s Work2BeWell program, and brought the Stand Up to Hate Blue Pin Program to The Rashi School to encourage students to stand up against hate and discrimination. Liev also served on the JFS/Rashi Student Leadership Council, where he worked with Jewish Family Services on projects that supported members of his local community and helped lead grant-funded initiatives. In recognition of his leadership and service, he received the Adina Jick Student Leadership Excellence Award and the Ellen Block Youth Leadership Award. One of his proudest experiences was testifying before the Massachusetts State Senate’s Special Commission on Antisemitism about the importance of creating safe and welcoming schools.
Outside of school, Liev enjoys skiing, solving escape rooms, and restoring old dirt bikes. As a member of the National Student Advisory Council, he hopes to learn from and collaborate with other student leaders who are passionate about supporting mental health.
Claire
California
Claire Sim (she/her) is a Junior at Henry M. Gunn High School in California and a member of the Activation Team at Work2BeWell. Claire is passionate about youth mental health, civic engagement, and empowering young people to make a difference in their communities. She believes that when students feel heard, supported, and connected, they are given the space to reflect on who they are, and in that space, they are more likely to pursue both academic and personal paths with genuine passion and meaning.
Outside of Work2BeWell, Claire serves as President of her school’s National Art Honor Society and K-Pop Club, and contributes to local and state initiatives through youth advisory and civic engagement programs. As a dedicated musician, she serves as Concertmaster of her school’s chamber and symphony orchestras and enjoys using music and the arts to build community, reduce stress, and create meaningful connections. Claire is also involved in research, volunteer service, and projects that promote accessibility and transparency in legislation.
Through Work2BeWell, Claire is committed to elevating youth mental health awareness, breaking the silence around mental health, and driving resources for legislation that builds environments where every student feels valued, inspired, and empowered to thrive.
Claire Works2BeWell through the violin, art, photography, tea, meditation, dance, and writing.
Isha
Washington
Isha Supreeth (she/her) is a Sophomore at Bellevue High School in Washington State. This is her first year as an Activation team member at Work2BeWell. Isha envisions a future where all youth have access to educational opportunities and mental health resources.
Isha is involved in many local nonprofits and loves giving back to the community that helped raise her. She also competes in FTC robotics and is passionate about increasing access to STEM education, receiving international recognition for her work in this field. Isha also loves to voice out topics she cares about and is an avid Speech and Debate competitor, qualifying for the 2026 National Speech and Debate Tournament.
Isha Works2BeWell by doing Pilates, listening to music, and going out with friends.