New research on LGBTQ+ mental health, SDOH, and suicide risk.
An interdisciplinary researcher and compassionate advocate with experience in mental health outreach, LGBTQIA+ support, and community engagement. Brings 2,000+ service hours, strong communication skills, and a trauma-informed, equity-driven approach.
Over 4 years in youth-led mental health advocacy, crisis awareness, and LGBTQIA+ support
Trauma-informed peer communication, active listening, and community-based resource navigation
Collaborated with nonprofits & public agencies to lead outreach, facilitate panels, and develop affirming mental-health campaigns
Crisis Intervention & De-escalation · Active Listening & Empathy · Peer Support & Youth Advocacy · LGBTQIA+ Affirming Practices · Trauma-Informed Communication · Public Speaking/Facilitation · Graphic Design (Adobe, Canva, Branding) · Website Design · Community Outreach & Fundraising · Records/Databases (Salesforce, Compulink)
University of California Santa Cruz, UCSC — Santa Cruz County, CA | Sept 2025–Present
Designed and executed an independent interdisciplinary research project examining how social determinants of health (SDOH) influence suicide risk among LGBTQIA+ populations
Developed a conceptual framework analyzing how intersectional identities (“multi-axis”) compound mental health disparities, integrating psychology, public health, and social theory
Conducted extensive literature review and cross-disciplinary synthesis, transforming an initial article into a 50-page research paper, later refined into a publication-ready manuscript
First-author researcher on an interdisciplinary literature review accepted for publication in the UCSC Journal of Social Medicine (JSM) following peer review and revision
Selected to present research at multiple academic conferences, including: UAEM North America Conference (UCLA), Spartan Psychological Association Research Conference, UCSC Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Symposium , Cornell Undergraduate Psychology Conference
Delivered poster presentations communicating complex research findings to academic and public audiences
Integrated clinical experience as a Crisis Specialist I (988 hotline counselor) into research analysis, bridging real-world mental health practice with academic theory
Collaborated with faculty mentors to refine research direction, methodology, and dissemination
Advanced a mission of public scholarship, translating complex psychological and public health concepts into accessible formats for broader community impact
"Factors of Growth: Examining the unique effects of social determinants of health on LGBTQIA+ populations, with a focus on suicidality"
After after rigorous peer review and a round of revisions, my research has officially been accepted for publication in the UCSC Journal of Social Medicine (JSM)
The JSM is produced by a team of undergraduates from a diverse array of academic disciplines. They are dedicated to establishing a platform for undergraduate students to publish and showcase their work, and for readers to engage with the revolutionary public health research and discoveries emerging at UCSC
Founder & Director, Break the STIGMA (Rooted in Pride, We Bloom) — Marin County, CA | Feb 2024–Present
Built a countywide youth-led campaign reducing LGBTQIA+ mental-health stigma; created educational toolkits, ran outreach, and launched a resource website.
Facilitated LGBTQIA+ panels and youth-led discussions on stigma, identity-based trauma, and access to affirming resources.
Promoted suicide-prevention initiatives; organized awareness campaigns & community outreach with BHRS.
Formed the BTS Coalition with nonprofits, community orgs, and local stakeholders to continue LGBTQIA+ advocacy efforts in Marin County
Media & speaking: Featured by Patch (Apr–May 2025) and Active Minds (June 2025); spoke at a Marin County Board of Supervisors Mental Health Month session (Apr 22, 2025).
Policy analysis & planning for LGBTQIA+ youth mental-health equity; met with Rep. Jared Huffman (2025) on strategies to resist anti-LGBTQ+ actions; discussed sustainability coalition plan with local orgs.
Supported the "What Could UCSC Be?" and "What Could Santa Cruz Be?" listening initiatives
Built and managed a WordPress website for the project
Utilized participatory technology to gather ideas and perspectives from students, faculty, staff, and community members about the future of our university and region
Aided in design of a public interface for the listening process
Supported data visualization and presentation of results
Contributed to the early-stage development of a new UC ProSocial Tech Lab exploring civic tech, AI, and deliberative democracy
Integrated and managed Pol.is conversations, Pol.is is an open-source platform used around the world to facilitate large-scale democratic conversations
The Building Belonging program provides undergraduates with paid, faculty-mentored research and service-learning opportunities.
Students are selected to support faculty members with high-impact research projects.
Students become part of a community of knowledge producers, learn valuable new skills, and discover how to use research as a tool for creating positive change.
Students build relationships with their mentors which help them develop a deeper sense of belonging within academia and realize what they can contribute.
Student fellows receive $1,500 per quarter and are expected to contribute approximately 80-90 hours per quarter to the project.
I was selected to work with the Right Livelihood Center on their What Could UCSC Be? and What Could Santa Cruz County Be? projects.
Fostered a safe, inclusive, and academically supportive residential community for students
Built strong relationships with residents through consistent visibility, engagement, and support
Mediated roommate and community conflicts, promoting respectful communication and accountability
Provided peer support and connected residents to campus resources and services
Planned and facilitated community-building programs, including orientation and welcome events
Enforced housing policies and educated residents on community standards and safety expectations
Served on an on-call rotation, responding to emergencies, incidents, and resident concerns
Conducted regular community rounds to ensure safety and address issues proactively
Documented incidents and maintained accurate reports in compliance with university policies
Collaborated with professional staff through trainings and meetings to support resident success
Respond appropriately to all incoming calls to the hotline on all counseling lines in accordance with training and established practices.
Responsible for maintaining accurate and thorough call records and documentation in accordance with current procedures.
Attend in-service meetings as scheduled.
Maintain updated knowledge of, and implement, program protocol changes.
Assist in the training and mentoring of new counselors on shift.
Responsible for keeping accurate time records of all shifts worked.
Attend all scheduled staff meetings, in-service meetings, and trainings as scheduled.
Complete ongoing training assignments as required.
Review email, announcements, resource books, manuals and directories during each shift worked.
Branding & campaigns for nonprofits, political campaigns, small businesses; toolkits, logos, newsletters, merch, social graphics.
Select collaborators: Eric Lucan for State Assembly, Marin LGBTQ Center, Brian Colbert for Supervisor, Youth in Arts, SQ Skunkworks, Felidae Fund, Hapi Bear.
Designed Rooted and Resilient campaign graphics; supported intergenerational LGBTQ+ Senior Group with inclusive materials and outreach.
Member of the Youth Action Team at the Suicide Prevention Collaborative; contributed to countywide prevention efforts and presentations.
Delivers training on LGBTQIA+ competency, inclusive practices, mental health awareness, crisis response, and pathways to affirming care for diverse communities and organizations.
Contacting supporters and potential voters around District 2, distributed campaign flyers with vital information to promote the campaign, walked in parades with Brian Colbert and helped represent the campaign at tabling events, provided graphic design support for print and social media working closely with the campaign manager.
Curated youth LGBTQIA+ exhibitions; 2025 theme “Breaking the Stigma Through Art” aligned with my campaign; led calls for art, reception programming, and publicity.
The Here & Queer art show has been passed off to the LGBTQ+ Planning Team from Find Your Way
Provide comprehensive branding, media, and program support to amplify organizational visibility and impact. Key contributions include:
Drafted the first official organizational report, establishing a baseline for program evaluation and transparency.
Served as Media Team Lead, spearheading online communications and social media strategy to increase audience engagement.
Facilitated the transition to an organizational platform (Buffer) to streamline content scheduling and team collaboration.
Coordinated local community efforts, including representing SQSW at local conferences.
Manage and produce the Substack newsletter, providing consistent updates and highlighting program achievements.
Delivered presentations and facilitated Q&A sessions, including a keynote speech at the screening of an Oscar-nominated film.
Proficiency in designing and executing comprehensive market research projects to gather and analyze data, providing valuable insights for strategic decision making.
• Analyzed bodycam footage and police reports and contributed to case preparation and strategy.
• Provided support during preliminary hearing by assisting attorney and taking detailed notes
•Demonstrated a commitment to procedural excellence while gaining hands-on experience in criminal law proceedings and evidence analysis
Collaborated with Mental Health Intern to facilitate a Queer Voices Panel, providing a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their experiences and perspectives.
Demonstrated a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and community empowerment while promoting safety, equity, and affirmation for LGBTQ+ and HIV communities in Marin County.
Collaborated with team members to develop and implement efficient administrative policies.
Managed and maintained databases, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records of donors, volunteers, and community members.
Demonstrated a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and inclusivity while gaining valuable hands-on experience in non-profit operations.
Helping with organizing and cleaning art supplies for the coming 2023-2024 school year. As well as working with children of all ages at Youth in Art's Annual C Street Celebration. Setting up tents, setting out art supplies, and arranging community circles.
Developed conservation-focused digital content, including toolkits, awareness graphics, and educational resources highlighting wild cat species and ecosystem protection.
Strengthened audience engagement by translating complex ecological research into accessible visual storytelling across multiple platforms.
Created and launched a complete Brand Identity Toolkit (designing the organization’s logo, typography system, and customizable templates for print and digital use)
Established a cohesive visual identity that enhanced fundraising campaigns and unified the nonprofit’s community-facing materials.
Interacted with customers by phone, email, or in-person.
Organized and maintained patient chart filing system.
Used Compulink to schedule appointments for visits and procedures.
• Cleared tables to maintain a high turnover rate.
• Swept, mopped, and removed debris indoors and outdoors.
• Addressed and resolved concerns, complaints and issues.
I use public platforms to advocate for mental health, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and equity through storytelling, research, and community engagement. From event speeches and addresses to our elected officials to published essays and press features, my work amplifies youth voices and sparks dialogue across diverse audiences.
Spoke on a panel of LGBTQ+ youth and young adult advocates on how we can help create safer, more supportive communities. This webinar was held by Active Minds and Born This Way Foundation on Thursday, March 26th on how to be an active ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
I spoke about my experience as a planner of UCSC's Practical Activism Conference (PAC) on KSQD, Santa Cruz's local radio station.
Multiple articles covering Break the Stigma and Here & Queer 2025, amplifying LGBTQ+ mental health awareness. Read the exclusive story here.
In Progress; Expected May 2029
B.A. Intensive Psychology
B.A. Global and Community Health
Summer Sessions; June–Aug 2024
Modes of Writing (Prof. Melanie Abrams) — A
Accepted with Honors · AP Scholar with Distinction (7 APs passed) · Dean’s List (4 years)
2021-2025
Certified in identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
Trained in crisis intervention, de-escalation strategies, and connecting individuals to professional and community resources.
Strengthened ability to provide immediate, compassionate support in high-stress situations.
Completed an internationally recognized training program focused on supporting peers through mental health struggles.
Gained practical tools for having safe, respectful, and stigma-free conversations about mental health, while promoting inclusivity and empathy in community and advocacy settings.
Supported arts education and youth-led programs by assisting in event coordination, workshop facilitation, and community engagement. Helped create inclusive spaces for young artists to showcase their work.
Provided hands-on support for therapeutic horseback riding sessions, ensuring participant safety and fostering emotional well-being through equine-assisted activities.
Delivered snacks, comfort items, and companionship to patients, enhancing the hospital experience and supporting staff in patient care initiatives.
Participated in restorative justice programs for youth, facilitating peer-led solutions and promoting accountability, empathy, and community engagement.
Evaluated community service projects submitted by local youth, recognizing outstanding contributions and encouraging civic engagement.
Mock Trial — Understudy, Witness; Lead Prosecution Attorney (2023-25)
Model UN — President (2023-24)
Multicultural Club — Secretary; VP (2023–24); President (2024–25)
Ocean Conservancy Club — President & Social Media (2021-24)
Black Box Theatre Club — Writer, Stage Manager, Social Media, President (2021-25)
MC Live Club — Producer, Stage Manager, Social Media (2021-25)
MC Admissions — Student Ambassador; MC Big Cat / Executive Big Cat (2023-25)
Theatre Credits (MC Theater)
Arsenic and Old Lace (2022) — Costumes/Set
Singin’ in the Rain (2023) — Asst. Stage Mgr, Costumes, Publicity
A Delightful Quarantine (2023) — Publicity
The Little Mermaid (2024) — Stage Manager
MC LIVE (2024) — Stage Manager, Costumes
Blackbox (2024) — Publicity, Set, Costumes, Writer, Stage Manager, and Director
Matilda (2025) — Assistant Director
Youth Courage Award - Honored by the Marin LGBTQ+ Center for planning Queer Prom, Queer Homecoming, and Queer Craft Nights.
Medal of Distinction in Christian Service, English and Yearbook (May 2025)
Meave Poetry Contest — First Place (Apr 2023; Mar 2024)
Creative Youth Awards (2023) — Bay Area Creative Foundation gallery feature
California Scholarship Federation (2021–Present)
National Honor Society (2022–Present)
Fundraising: Raised $430 for The Spahr Center (2023)