Youth Advisory Committee
Meet our dynamic Youth Advisory Committee! These sixteen collaborators, hailing from 11 countries, are playing an integral role in shaping the conference. They are actively involved in reviewing abstracts, co-designing the programme, and creating opportunities for delegates to connect. We are excited to be working alongside these leaders who represent diverse global perspectives, and embody the inclusive and youth-driven spirit of this event.
Areesha Asim
"Hi there! She/her - I am from Pakistan. I'm 24 years old and have a masters in Clinical Psychology with certifications in Psychotherapy. I like sports, archery, anime and book reading. Adventures are my calling but sometimes I like to just sit and relax with some warm tea."
Logan Hansen
"I’m Logan Hansen, 22 years of age from Cape Town, South Africa. My pronouns are she/her and my areas of interest are youth engagement, radio presenting, and advocacy on social issues".
Benjamin Chay
"Hey Everyone, Benjamin Chay here from Malaysia! I'm passionate in researching the intersections between mental health, medicine and advocacy".
Denzel Whata
"I am a 19 year old youth advocate from Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe with pronouns He/Him. My main areas of interest include Mental Health, SRHR and climate change"
Bernard Frempong
"I’m Bernard (he/him), an MPH student at Yale University, originally from Ghana. My research focuses on understanding mental health challenges as chronic diseases and advancing HIV prevention among women and other at-risk populations."
Rafa Souza
"I am a 24-year-old non-binary researcher (they/them) from the favelas of Brasília. My work bridges participatory research and cultural youth expression to co-design tools for mental health and sexual education in Brazilian public schools. My mission is to center the leadership of marginalized Global South youth in shaping their own futures".
Nabiha Kassim Ally
"I'm Nabiha Kassim Ally, a 23 years old girl from Zanzibar. I'm she/her and I'm really interested in mental health and SRHR".
Daniela Moreno Farfán
"Daniela Moreno Farfán (pronouns she/her), 22 year old student of Government and Public Affairs, and current member of UNESCO´s SDG4 Youth Network, with interest on mental health, education, social development, and management and evaluation of impact projects."
Valery Tarqui Quispe
"Hi, I’m 18 years old and from Bolivia. My pronouns are she/her. I am a mental health activist with a strong interest in science, passionate about advocating for youth rights and well-being."
Manika Bamma
"I’m Manika from Nepal (she/her), 23 years old. I’m passionate about mental wellness, gender equality, and creating spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered."
Khairiah Hannah Mohamad Suffian
"I'm a 20-year-old Psychology student from Malaysia (she/her). I love exploring the intersectionality of psychology and individual cultures."
Liyema Saliwa
"I’m Liyema Saliwa, 21 years of age, from Delft, Cape Town. I’m a Psychology student at UWC, passionate about people, growth, and the power of mindset. I love exploring ideas around mental health, social change, and self-discovery and I’m always eager to challenge myself while inspiring others. Whether it’s through studying, creating, or connecting, I’m all about building a life that’s meaningful, impactful, and full of learning."
Giang Quynh Tran
"(They/Them) I’m a 21-year-old youth advocate from Vietnam, passionate about uncovering the nuances behind social issues. My journey takes me from grassroots villages to backpacking adventures across South & Southeast Asia, where I collect and share stories through digital media. Along the way, I lead advocacy skill trainings that empower young changemakers to speak up and create impact."
Boitumelo Mathekga
"21
Home: Rustenburg, NW.
I'm all about psych and healing souls".
Nianna St. Claire
"Originally from the Land of Many Waters, Guyana, now based in the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, Montserrat, I am Nianna St. Claire (she/her), 21. I champion social inclusion—ensuring equal access to opportunities for all, irrespective of background, ability, or circumstance."
Liaan Papier
"My name is Liaan, I am 23 years old based in Cape Town South Africa - originally from East London, my pronouns are they/them. Shaped by adversity and resilience, I channel my lived experience into unwavering advocacy for youth. I believe in the power of youth-driven initiatives to transform communities, and I dedicate my work to advancing global mental health, empowerment, and leadership. My story of overcoming trauma fuels my mission: to create spaces where young people not only heal, but lead with courage and purpose."