Active Minds Young Adult Leader Honored with Life-Changing Gift

New York (February 7, 2020) – Justin Bieber made dreams come true this week. Julie Coker, a senior at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey was awarded a $100,000 life-changing gift live on MTV. Julie, who serves as president of her Active Minds chapter on campus, was honored with this gift for her tireless commitment to changing the culture around mental health for herself, her peers, and her community.

“Julie is an amazing representation of the powerful young adults who are the driving force behind Active Minds, and who are leading the way in changing the national conversation around mental health. It’s truly one of the biggest issues faced by young adults today. I’m thrilled Justin Bieber gave Julie this awesome surprise in honor of her important work,” said Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds. “Julie has been an outstanding advocate for mental health awareness on her campus, has helped nearly 4,000 young adults be screened for suicide, depression, or disordered eating behaviors, and has been a great Active Minds leader – serving as president of her campus chapter, as well as on the Active Minds Student Advisory Committee. Active Minds could not exist without our amazing student leaders and I’m thrilled that Justin Bieber recognized one of them today.”

Throughout her time at Stockton University, Julie has been a relentless activist for mental health awareness on her campus and shows up every day to help move Active Minds programs forward in order to change the conversation on mental health, create communities of support, and save lives.

The surprise gift from Justin Bieber will help launch an impactful career, as Julie’s advocacy is not expected to end after college. Julie plans to pursue her master’s degree in social work, eventually taking on the role of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

“I was blown away by this surprise. You don’t go into social work for the money, but for the deep desire to help people. So this life-changing gift will help me start my career on the strongest financial footing possible and will enable me to help even more people,” said Julie Coker. “Taking control of my mental health saved my life. When it came to choosing a major and career, it was just obvious that I would choose a career that focuses on helping others take control of theirs. I’m so grateful to Justin Bieber for helping me forward on that path.”

“Through her work, students across her campus and community have gained confidence in seeking critical treatment and support,” said Malmon. “She is truly an asset to the field and I’m excited that this gift will allow her to continue helping others
to take care of their mental health for years to come.”

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About Active Minds: Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults. Active Minds has a presence on over 800 college, university, and high school campuses nationwide, and is powered by a robust Chapter Network, the nationally acclaimed Send Silence Packing® display, and inspiring Active Minds Speakers. The organization is dedicated to changing the conversation about mental health, and creating supportive communities that will save lives. To learn more, visit www.activeminds.org.

 

Contact: Amanda Horn

Phone: 202-332-9595 X103

amandahorn@activeminds.org