Brandon Bond
Active Minds Speaker
About Brandon
Brandon Bond, MPH, LLMSW, CHES (he/him), is a devoted advocate for mental health and well-being in the academic sphere, serving as a Mental Health and Well-Being Student Advocate at the University of Michigan (UM) within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. In this influential role, he diligently assesses student needs, advocates for systemic changes, and strategically develops initiatives to foster health-promoting environments and practices. Brandon’s educational journey reflects his unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary knowledge. With a BA in Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience, and International Studies: Global Environment & Health from UM, he continued to elevate his academic pursuits, earning a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior & Health Education with a specialization in Injury Science, along with an MSW in Global Social Work Practice and Management & Leadership.
read full bio
Throughout his career, Brandon has actively contributed to well-being initiatives. As a Wellness Coach, he utilized Motivational Interviewing for 1:1 and group coaching sessions, with a focus on historically disadvantaged students. Notably, he served as a Lead Facilitation Specialist for the Young Black Men (YBMen) Program, piloted on UM’s campus, and organized an integrative wellness pop-up barbershop event for males of color during his participation in the Active Minds Emerging Fellows Program.
Expanding his impact nationally, Brandon collaborates with Active Minds and MTV Entertainment on the A.S.K. (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch) campaign, a youth mental health peer support initiative. Additionally, he advocates for federal peer support advancement policies through Mental Health America’s (MHA) Youth Policy Accelerator (YPA). Committed to community service, Brandon serves on the Board of Directors for Garrett’s Space, a young adult suicide prevention non-profit, and the International House Ann Arbor, promoting cultural humility and global understanding. Brandon further extends his impact as a mayoral-appointed Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Ann Arbor.
Beyond his professional and community engagements, Brandon, a Michigan native, finds joy in various hobbies. He enjoys playing tennis and swimming and has a passion for the arts, including reading, audiobooks, and attending plays and musicals. A versatile musician, Brandon has played clarinet, Chinese flutes, Afro-Cuban drums, and instruments in the Indonesian Orchestra. Embracing his culinary curiosity, he explores cooking through classes ranging from Italian cuisine to Asian street food. Brandon’s love for exploration extends to language studies, where he has studied Spanish, Portuguese, French, American Sign Language, and Mexican Sign Language, reflecting his commitment to cultural understanding. His adventurous palate leads him to try diverse activities, embodying his openness to new experiences and discovery.
show less
Booking information
Key topics
- Faculty/Staff Trainings
- Men and Mental Health
- People of Color and Mental Health
Brandon’s Presentation Options
Join Brandon on a heartfelt journey as he shares the different lives he’s lived while navigating his mental health struggles, victories, and path to healing in “Finding My Healing Lens: A Journey of Exploration & Reintroductions.” Throughout this session, you’ll delve into the complexities of mental health challenges and identity, exploring opportunities for fostering empathy and building inclusivity within our support networks. Through Brandon’s moving narrative, you’ll uncover invaluable practices for emotional healing and resilience, empowering you to navigate your own journey with courage and fortitude. Be guided through the transformative potential of introspection so you can envision your desired life and embody the person you aspire to be. Whether you’re a mental health professional, student, or community member, this presentation promises valuable insights and tools to navigate your path to well-being with compassion and understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, reflect, and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and growth.
View Testimonials
- “It was a pleasure working with Brandon and he was a great asset to our team! Brandon remained active and present in every aspect of our partnership. I could truly tell he was committed to serving our community and promoting healthy mental health practices. Using his creativity and graphic designing skills he produced a beautiful flyer for our conference promotional efforts. Additionally, he co-developed and co-facilitated a workshop centered around how to use positive self-talk and other strategies to combat the harm produced by the influence of misogynoir and negative self-talk on young Black women and girls. Brandon is an outstanding example of what it means to be an efficient, respectful, and considerate collaborator. I’m excited to see where he goes and confident he will make a positive impact wherever he goes!”
—Terrance R. Campbell, President and CEO of YOUR Center - “As a public health graduate student and leader of the student organization, Public Health Students of African Descent, I wholeheartedly affirm the profound impact of this presentation on our organization and community. Brandon’s insights not only deepened our understanding of mental health and wellness but also initiated crucial conversations that our community needed to address. In addition to shedding light on the nuances of mental health, Brandon provided clear and tangible strategies for setting boundaries, navigating our circles of control, and reshaping our self-talk practices. The nuanced perspective shared in the presentation has created a space where students of color feel seen, heard, and understood. It has empowered us to advocate for ourselves and the broader community. We extend our gratitude to Brandon for his expertise and dedication to fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for students of color in public health.”
— Darius Moore, Master of Public Health Student at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health
request a speaker
Get in touch and we’ll explain how to book one of our exceptional speakers!
contact us