Meet our 2024 Executive Team!

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Founder/Co-Chair

 Jordyn (she/they/elle) is the Founder and Co-Chair of UYM. She is a BSc. Biology-Chemistry UNB alumni and current MSc. Med. Applied Health Services Research Candidate at MUN studying the long-term outcomes of social-emotional learning in K-12 education systems. After struggling with her own mental health, Jordyn wanted to learn more about what was going on within her. So, she left Canada to pursue Neurosciences and attend mental health conferences globally, where she quickly became an advocate for education as a tool of empowerment. In her spare time, Jordyn enjoys traveling, dancing, snuggling her cats, and hanging out with family and friends.  

Co-Chair

  Srijain Shrestha (he/him) is the 2024 Co-Chair for Unlock Your Mind Mental Health Conference (UYMMHC). Srijain is passionate about advocating and working towards creating more equitable and inclusive spaces for all groups. This is why he pursued a masters in global health systems from Western University. Working to end the burden and stigma of mental health challenges are his reasons for being a part of UYMMHC. Please reach out to him if you have any questions or want to talk. Srijain enjoys communicating, learning new things through art, and working out!  

Logistics Director

Rawan Mehrez (she/her) is the logistics director for the Unlock Your Mind Mental Health Conference 2024. She is a first year Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and students but has an interest in sharing mental health awareness and resources after her struggles with mental health. She is super excited to be part of the team and logisticate a successful conference! In her free time, she loves to swim, run and bike and talk about her cat! She enjoys helping people and is up for discussions so don't hesitate to reach out!

Resource Director 

 Shanae (she/her) holds a BOA with a Major in Sociology and a minor in English from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She has been directly and indirectly impacted and affected by suicide, mental health and substance use challenges. She attended and was greatly encouraged by this organization's conference in 2023 and wanted to be a part of the team’s efforts this year. Outside of this organization, Shanae currently works as a Prevention and Diversion Coordinator, which entails aiding individuals who are at risk of homelessness, or in homelessness, with the goal of keeping people in secured housing. Shanae’s faith is of utmost importance in her life, and it has been an anchor for her through many life challenges. Shanae enjoys learning, plants, helping others, and nature.

Speaker Director

 Annie (she/her) is the Speakers Director for UYM 2024. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Law in Society, she draws inspiration from personal experiences with mental health challenges and the associated stigma. She holds a strong passion and dedication for advocacy, aiming to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health to help promote an inclusive and welcoming environment. In her free time, she finds joy in writing, making music, cooking, as well as watching horror movies and documentaries.  

Delegates Director

 Melissa (she/her) is the Delegates Director for Unlock Your Mind 2024. She graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Recreation and Sport Studies, with a program focus on Health and Wellness. She plans to pursue a Master’s program in social work. Melissa holds mental health advocacy close to her heart and she strongly believes that all people deserve equitable access to the support they need to live well - mentally, physically, and socially. She is drawn to projects that build community through empathy and understanding. Melissa is pleased to be part of UYMMHC and looks forward to welcoming you!   

Community Relations Director

 Tran Au (she/her) is the community relations director for UYM for the 2023-2024 year. She is currently a 3rd-year BBA student at UNB, majoring in accounting. Tran holds a strong passion about mental health, especially in international student community, and dedicates to explore diverse perspectives on mental health advocacy. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with friends and finds joy in drawing and cooking. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director 

 Sadaf (she/her) is in her third year of Medical school at Dalhousie Medicine-New Brunswick. She completed her undergraduate degree at UNB Saint John in Biology and Psychology and then went on to do her Bachelor of Education at UNB Fredericton. Sadaf is very passionate about mental health, particularly in Newcomer and Muslim populations, and is currently doing research looking at the mental health needs and barriers in accessing mental health care for Muslim populations. She is also very passionate about advocating for accessible mental health spaces for all and encouraging self-care practices. In her free time, Sadaf loves to read, hike, spend time with her 2 cats (Momo and Coco), and decorate cakes!  

 Sponsorship and Financial Director 

 Casey (she/her) is the Sponsorship and Financial Director for Unlock Your Mind 2024. She is currently a 5th-year biology student, specializing in molecular biology. Casey is passionate about studying molecular techniques and plans to continue her studies, eventually becoming a research scientist. Currently, Casey is in Bergen, Norway, on an academic exchange to complete her bachelor's degree. Throughout her life, she has struggled with her mental health, and after seeking treatment, she decided to become a mental health advocate. In Casey's spare time, she likes to go on walks, hike, hang out with friends, and binge-watch Netflix series. If you ever want to chat about biology memes and jokes, send her a message! 

 Sustainability Director 

  Ashley (she/her) is acting as Sustainability Director for Unlock Your Mind 2024. She graduated from St. Thomas University with a Bachelor in Psychology and Anthropology. Ashley has a strong sentiment for supporting others with their mental health journey through empathy and compassion, as well as focusing on mental and spiritual growth. She is excited to be a part of a team who has the mission to reduce the stigma around mental health while providing resources and information as everyone deserves support! 

 Communications and Marketing Director 

 Alejandra (she/her) is the Marketing and Communicators Director for UYM 2024. Currently doing a major in psychology and communications and public policy. Her interest on mental health started when she moved to Canada from Ecuador. She wants to increase mental health awareness. In her free time she likes to read and spend time with her friends. Keeping in touch with her famity is always on her agenda as well.