Three years ago, Didi Hirsch launched the Next Gen Advisory Council to engage emerging leaders who are passionate about mental health advocacy and committed to strengthening our community. The council has grown into a dynamic network of ambassadors helping to expand our mission, raise awareness, and connect new audiences to our work.
The 2026 Council includes:
Sarah Gilman, Chair, X. Ari, Katrina Baker, Mikkela Emery, Adia Fadaei, Noa Gasway, Michael Huynh, Kristen Lew, Sebastian Much, Arielle Pollock, Vanessa Porea, Rebecca Prassas, Jason Seto, and Andrea Stern.
The Next Gen Council has made a lasting impact on our work in the three years since its inception. Here are some of the many ways that our council members make a difference.
- Representing Didi Hirsch at community outreach events, conferences, and participating in our Speakers Bureau—raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, while connecting new audiences to our programs and services.
- Providing feedback and consultation for our programs such as Teen Line and Residential services, strengthening them from within.
- Mentoring teens in the Summer 2025 Suicide Prevention Center Youth Mental Health Ambassador Program.
- Supporting fundraising and partnership building by spearheading new community fundraisers and supporting legacy events like Alive Together.
- Introducing Didi Hirsch to new corporate and community partners, bringing additional resources and visibility to our mission.
- Contributing their individual talents and lived experiences in creative ways–from hosting wellness experiences for Didi Hirsch staff to helping amplify our work through podcasts, social media, and community storytelling.
As Didi Hirsch continues to expand services—including growing Teen Line, strengthening school partnerships, and providing a safe haven for youth at Our Third Place—the Next Gen Council brings new energy, ideas, and connections to this work.
We’re proud of the impact this group has made and look forward to continuing this work together!
For more information on partnership opportunities with the Next Gen Council, please contact:
Elana Helgesen at [email protected]
or Robin Hyerstay at [email protected].
