Another incredible internship semester has come to a close, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the energy, innovation, and unwavering dedication of our Spring 2025 interns as they embark on their next adventures! They’ve poured their hearts into championing a new era of mental health advocacy, and each brought unique ideas and invaluable perspective to the table. We’re deeply grateful for their efforts and contributions. Read on to discover their personal journeys, fun facts, and advice for those hoping to join our future internship classes!
Gillian Johnson (she/her) 
Social Media Team
What school do/did you attend and what are you studying?
I attended Pace University and majored in Film and Screen Studies.
Why is mental health advocacy important to you?
Mental health advocacy creates a space for individuals who are afraid to speak on what they are going through privately. It allows them to talk openly about things they probably wouldn’t have before, which can allow them to receive the help they need. At the age of 7, I lost a loved one who died by suicide, ever since then I’ve made sure to speak openly about mental health and encourage others to do the same, it can make a big difference.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or living, who would you most want to meet?
If I could meet anyone, it would be Malcom X.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most want to visit?
I’d love to visit Switzerland!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about interning at Active Minds?
Do it! Active Minds really does care for the interns and will support you through any goal you want to achieve while working here. Everyone is super nice and I’ve had the best conversations with other staff and interns through Coffee Chats, great career and life advice has been shared in those calls so definitely take advantage of the chats! Mental health is a priority here, so if there’s a need to make the schedule or workload flexible for you, they’ll make that happen so let them know! Stay determined and focused while also having fun and being your authentic self in your position.
Kimberly Hestermann (she/her) 
Corporate and Foundation Relations Team
What school do/did you attend and what are you studying?
I am a junior at Indiana University-Indianapolis double majoring in Philanthropic Studies at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Finance at the Kelley School of Business.
Why is mental health advocacy important to you?
Mental health advocacy and suicide prevention is important to me because of the loved ones I’ve lost to suicide, and the mental health struggles I’ve experienced. My dad died by suicide when I was 11 in 2015, followed by my uncle in 2020, along with several other loved ones. To honor their memory, I’ve raised over $4,700 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to run three Chicago Marathons. I remain deeply committed to advocating for accessible and equitable mental health resources. I’ve also been 1 of 25 individuals selected to fundraise for mental health to run the 2025 New York City Marathon on November 2.
In advocating for mental health, I am able to be a small piece in the movement towards lessening suicide, and reducing stigma surrounding mental health. I want to contribute to the growing mental health movement and positively impact the lives of young people and future generations. No one should have to feel alone in their struggles, and if sharing my story or advocating for change can help even one person feel seen, supported, or hopeful, then I think it’s worth it. Advocating for mental health is how I honor those I’ve lost, care for those who are still here, and work toward a future where mental health is treated with the urgency and compassion it deserves.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or living, who would you most want to meet?
I would like to meet Mary Wollstonecraft, the writer and advocate for women’s rights. Her work, particularly A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, was revolutionary in challenging the societal norms of her time and arguing for equality between men and women, especially in education. I would love to discuss her views on how far society has come in achieving gender equality and where we still fall short, modern feminism, how her ideas have evolved through history, and what she believes are the most pressing issues facing women today.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most want to visit?
I’d love to visit Japan. I’m fascinated by their architecture, from the historic temples and traditional wooden houses of Kyoto to the sleek, modern skyscrapers of Tokyo. The way Japan blends ancient traditions with innovation is really interesting. I’m also drawn to the country’s rich cultural heritage, including its art, cuisine, and festivals. I would love to experience the tranquility of Japan’s gardens and the cherry blossoms in bloom, which reflect a deep connection to nature and mindfulness
What advice would you give to someone thinking about interning at Active Minds?
A piece of advice I’d give someone thinking about interning at Active Minds is to go for the opportunity and submit your application! The culture of the organization is really positive and supportive. One unique aspect of the culture is the emphasis on coffee chats. Team members across departments are open and eager to connect with interns for one-on-one conversations and networking. In the internship, you’ll be surrounded by passionate, thoughtful people who care deeply about creating change, and you’ll leave with meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of how to turn advocacy into impact.
Matt Rosenstein (he/him) 
Development Team
What school do/did you attend and what are you studying?
I am a senior at Tulane University in New Orleans studying business with an economics minor.
Why is mental health advocacy important to you?
It is important to me because it can be hard for many people to feel comfortable sharing their feelings and struggles. Mental health advocacy aims to help people have access to resources and feel comfortable sharing any struggles they might have or are going through.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or living, who would you most want to meet?
I think being able to meet JFK would be very cool. He was a former president, seemed to be very well liked, and had a very interesting career before becoming president that I would like to know more about.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most want to visit?
Antarctica is at the top of my bucket list for a few reasons. First, I don’t mind the cold or snow at all. Second, it is a very outdoorsy place with some amazing wildlife. Lastly, it would bring me one seventh closer to visiting all seven continents.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about interning at Active Minds?
I would absolutely recommend interning with AM. A piece of advice I would give is to apply for an intern role that would expose you to new experiences and help you learn new skills. There is overlap between many of the roles as people work towards the same goal, so a new experience can help you become more well rounded as a person and a future professional.
Naomi Oshima (she/her) 
Graphic Design Team
What school do/did you attend and what are you studying?
I just graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design & Photography.
Why is mental health advocacy important to you?
Mental health advocacy is important to me because, coming from an Asian background, I’ve seen firsthand how mental health often isn’t taken seriously. There’s still a lot of stigma around talking about emotions or seeking help. It’s sometimes seen as a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of. Growing up in that environment made it hard to open up or even recognize when something wasn’t okay.
That’s why I care so much about advocacy, because I want to be part of changing that narrative. Everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and safe when it comes to their mental well-being, regardless of their cultural background. The more we talk about it, the more we break down those barriers.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or living, who would you most want to meet?
I would like to meet Bong Joon-Ho, a Korean film director. I absolutely love his films and would love to hear him talk about them!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most want to visit?
I would love to visit Vietnam and indulge in their culture, architecture, and definitely the food!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about interning at Active Minds?
While interning at Active Minds, take the initiative to schedule coffee chats with different team members across departments. These informal conversations are a great way to learn more about the organization’s work, ask thoughtful questions, and gain insight into various career paths within the mental health and nonprofit space. It’s also a great way to build relationships and show your genuine interest in the mission. Most importantly, remember to have fun! Soak in the experience, connect with others, and enjoy being part of a mission-driven team that truly cares.
Nyah Smith (she/her) 
Community Initiatives Team
What school do/did you attend and what are you studying?
I attend Howard University, and I am a psychology major and human development minor.
Why is mental health advocacy important to you?
Mental health advocacy is important to me because it helps break down the stigmas that keeps people from seeking help and becoming more knowledgeable. I believe everyone deserves access to mental health resources and understanding, especially the communities that have been historically underrepresented.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or living, who would you most want to meet?
If I could meet any famous person, I would choose Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka. She created “PsychoHairapy,” which connects black hair care with mental health support. Her work shows how culture and therapy can be intertwined together and produce beautiful outcomes. Having the opportunity to meet her would inspire me to create my own path in psychology and utilize my cultural heritage as a source of healing and strength for others.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most want to visit?
If I could travel anywhere in the world choose Grenada. Grenada is such a beautiful country with a rich history and culture.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about interning at Active Minds?
One piece of advice I would give someone who is interested in interning at Active Minds would be to be open to sharing their stories and listening to others share their experiences and stories too. Both sharing and listening to these stories and experiences will help you connect, learn, and be able to make an impact at Active Minds and in the world.
Serena Liang (she/her) 
Chapters Team
What school do/did you attend and what are you studying?
Vassar College
Why is mental health advocacy important to you?
As someone who has worked closely with students through various roles, I’ve seen firsthand how critical mental health advocacy is, particularly for young adults. My work organizing events like mental health discussion nights with Tongxueshe and my interest in philosophy’s exploration of the human condition have fueled my passion for addressing the systemic and personal barriers that people face in maintaining mental well-being. An internship with Active Minds excites me because it aligns with my commitment to creating supportive, empowering spaces where young adults can thrive.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or living, who would you most want to meet?
I would ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background, has equal access to quality education. Education opens doors to critical thinking, empathy, and opportunity, and I believe empowering people through education is essential for creating a more just and equitable world.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most want to visit?
I would love to visit Hawai’i to experience its stunning natural beauty, from its beaches to its volcanoes, and to learn more about the rich history and culture of the islands. It seems like the perfect place to reflect, recharge, and connect with nature
What advice would you give to someone thinking about interning at Active Minds?
Honestly, go for it! Interning at Active Minds is such a meaningful experience. You get to work with a super supportive team that genuinely cares about mental health and student voices. It’s a place where your ideas are heard, and you really feel like you’re making a difference. Plus, you’ll learn a ton — about advocacy, teamwork, communication — all while helping create real change on campuses. If you’re passionate about mental health and want to be part of something bigger, this is the place to be.
Elena Smith (she/her) 
Communications & Storytelling Team
What school do/did you attend and what are you studying?
I recently graduated from Liberty University Online with a Master’s in Visual Communication Design and have my undergraduate in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Psychology.
Why is mental health advocacy important to you?
My personal journey with mental health has been a lengthy one with many ups and downs. As a teenager I remember feeling a lot of shame and confusion about the world I was entering. I would follow accounts on Instagram whose focus were to educate and support those struggling with mental health and it made me feel less lonely. As I began to understand my own diagnosis, I found the power in sharing my story and advocating for awareness, education, and access to appropriate resources.
If you could meet one famous person, dead or living, who would you most want to meet?
Robin Williams or Bob Goff. Both exude an authenticity and unbridled sense of contentment that is rarely seen. Though Robin Williams ultimately took his own life, the way his mind worked creatively is something I would want to sit down with him over a cup of coffee to understand. Bob Goff similarly has a whimsical element about him that speaks “safety” as if you could talk to him about anything.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most want to visit?
I would like to travel to Italy. There is an equal amount of history, artistic influence, and beautiful artisan works and good that there would always be something new to explore. My parents recently visited and raved about both the cities and countryside. Ideally I would spend a month backpacking through the country to get the fullest experience and from there travel to other European countries (Greece has been on my list for a while as well).
What advice would you give to someone thinking about interning at Active Minds?
Take the chance on yourself! At the end of the day, there is no harm in putting yourself out there. I, myself, applied three times to the Active Minds internship program before getting the “yes.” If you’re passionate about mental health advocacy and the work Active Minds does, go for it! The best decision I made for myself was never giving up and applying as many times as it took.
