UTSA Sophomore Wins National Mental Health Advocacy Award
The Jed Foundation (JED) has selected 20-year-old Areli Rosales, a first-generation college sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio, for the 2024 Student Voice of Mental Health Award. She was chosen among dozens of undergraduate and high school applicants to receive this distinguished national award, which recognizes students who lead advocacy projects to establish youth mental health support systems and encourage help-seeking in their school communities.
Areli was raised in a Hispanic household by her immigrant mother and three sisters along the United States-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, while her father was imprisoned, she saw how mental health was rarely discussed.
A sexual assault and suicide attempt survivor, she drew strength from her struggles and founded “KeepInMind,” a nonprofit committed to raising mental health awareness. Her on- and off-campus advocacy efforts include raising awareness about sexual violence, promoting emotional well-being, and providing resources and education to teens, parents, and educators in the development of a national mental health and wellness curriculum.
Areli has expanded KeepInMind across her college campus via support groups and weekly workshops. The 20-year-old is a devoted mental health peer advocate, podcast host, writer, and short film producer. Her on- and off-campus advocacy efforts include raising awareness about sexual violence, promoting emotional well-being, and providing resources and education to teens, parents, and educators in the development of a national mental health and wellness curriculum.
