Uplift Teens Today hosted Washington’s first Teen-Led Mental Health Summit and honored Crisis Connections and Teen Link with Community Impact in Mental Health Award.
Washington’s first Teen-Led Mental Health Summit took place on March 21 at the Aura Event Center in Renton. Designed for middle and high school students, the summit also welcomed parents, educators, and community advocates. The event was organized by Uplift Teens Today, a nonprofit founded by Taanvi Arekapudi in partnership with Nexus Hub, a digital platform that provides 24/7 access to peer-led mental health resources.
Teens Helping Teens
Like Teen Link, the event centers on a “by youth, for youth” model. Youth ambassadors led the conversation, sharing lived experience and offering practical coping strategies for the challenges youth face.
More than 300 youth, parents, educators, advocates, and volunteers attended. Washington State Representative Lisa Callan also made a special appearance. The summit aimed to expand access to early intervention tools, reduce stigma around mental health, and connect youth to help before they reach a crisis point.
Community Impact in Mental Health Award
Crisis Connections and Teen Link were honored to receive the Community Impact in Mental Health Award. Teen Link volunteer Julia C. accepted the award on behalf of our organization. Founded in 1996, Teen Link gives youth a place to turn for support from other teens. Volunteers offer a compassionate, confidential space to chat, text or talk openly about whatever is going on in their lives. This award belongs to the teens who volunteer their time, energy, and hearts to support others. We’re so proud to be part of this work.