When Alison's brother Brian died by suicide during her
freshman year of college, she decided to take action. Alison founded and is now
the Executive Director of a college mental health advocacy organization called
Active Minds in 2001. Over the last 9 years, Active Minds has grown to reach
over 240 campuses across the country, hosts a variety of award winning
programs, and is the home to The Heard Speakers Bureau. Alison's keynote
program educates, impacts, and inspires. She speaks from the perspective of a
survivor of family suicide, leader of a large nonprofit organization, and an
advocate for erasing the stigma surrounding mental health.
"Active Minds has been much more than just another club
for me, it has taught me that a small group of people can work together and
have a significant impact on the well-being of many others."