CSM’s Active Minds chapter at the 2024 Active Minds Conference in Washington, D.C.
College of San Mateo (CSM) is proud to announce that its Active Minds Chapter has been awarded the Chapter of the Year Award at the 2024 Active Minds Conference in Washington, D.C. This significant recognition is a testament to the chapter’s dedication and innovative approach to mental health advocacy on campus. With over 600 Active Minds chapters across the United States, this accolade highlights CSM’s leadership in changing the conversation about mental health.
The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes a chapter that stands out as an invaluable asset to its campus and has been awarded to CSM’s Active Minds chapter. This honor results from the chapter’s unique qualities, such as an effective executive board, passionate chapter members, and innovative programs that engage many of the college population. Their commitment to inclusivity, awareness, and student-led initiatives has led to remarkable strides in transforming the campus culture surrounding mental health.
In addition to the chapter’s achievement, Léa Tillier, Mental Health Peer Educator (MHPE) and President of CSM’s Active Minds chapter, was honored with the Adam Carlson Student Leader of the Year Award. Léa’s leadership has profoundly impacted the CSM community, as she has demonstrated exemplary leadership, facilitated change, and built coalitions to advance mental health advocacy on campus. Her efforts in promoting mental health awareness and harm reduction, including spearheading a drug overdose response workshop and establishing the Harm Reduction Society student organization at CSM, have been pivotal in fostering a safer and more supportive environment for students.
Gil Perez, the advisor of CSM’s Active Minds chapter since 2017 and a tenured faculty member and personal counselor at CSM, expressed immense pride in the chapter’s accomplishments. “Our students have shown incredible dedication and leadership in mental health advocacy, setting a standard of excellence for campuses nationwide,” said Perez. “We are inspired by their passion and commitment to making a difference, and CSM is honored to support their efforts in leading us toward a more inclusive and supportive community.”
CSM’s chapter members were actively involved in several noteworthy activities at the conference. They showcased their peer support programs at the Innovation Expo, demonstrating their commitment to supporting their peers. They also engaged in a podcast recording and photoshoot for Active Minds, showcasing their communication skills and creativity. Gil Perez, advisor of CSM’s Active Minds chapter, shared his expertise as a panelist for the Youth Champion Roundtable, sharing strategies for supporting young adult mental health advocates.
CSM’s commitment to supporting mental health initiatives is further demonstrated by the college’s backing of the Active Minds chapter and the broader efforts to raise awareness and foster a culture of support and understanding. By empowering students to take the lead, CSM is not only nurturing future leaders but also emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness across its campus.
Congratulations to the Active Minds chapter at CSM for their outstanding achievements and for setting a powerful example of student-led advocacy. Their dedication to transforming the conversation about mental health inspires us all.
Please visit CSM’s Mental Health Peer Educators site for more information about the program and CSM’s Wellness Center’s various initiatives.
