Impact

"1 in 5 people in the U.S. have a mental illness. 5 in 5 people have a mental health. No matter who we are and where we come from, it is pertinent that we have resources that allow us to take actionable steps every day to protect our wellbeing." – Meera

TEDxUCLA 2023

Meera was the youngest speaker in TEDxUCLA history.

Wisdom of Wellness Mental Health Summit at UCLA

Meera was invited to speak with Oprah about the youth mental health crisis to an audience of over 1700 people at UCLA. She embraced vulnerability, shared her story, and fostered a safe space around mental health. Read about the event here.

Mental Health Conversation with Oprah – May 4, 2023

Gen Z Wellness Summit – February 25, 2024

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and Mental Health Advocate Lisa Kudrow.

Meeting Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

The White House Mental Health Youth Action Forum

Meera was invited to The White House to speak with President Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Surgeon General Murthy, and Selena Gomez about the youth mental health crisis and discuss policy initiatives to prioritize youth mental health. Read about the event here. 

ASK Campaign – MTV & Active Minds

Meera was part of the team that created ASK – a way for individuals to cultivate safe and open conversations around mental health and wellbeing. Learn how to support a friend who is struggling by clicking the link below.

Born This Way Foundation & MindSite News Youth Mental Health Panel – April 7, 2023

Burbank Board of Education Meeting – June 16, 2022

After her trip to The White House, Meera was feeling inspired to change mental health policy on a local level. She proposed a public policy initiative to print 988 on the back of Student ID cards. She worked with her school district make this policy come to life. 

Meera Varma Speech – Board of Education

The Shawn Mendes Foundation 

Meera was chosen as an inaugural Board Member of Shawn's Foundation. For two years, she worked alongside Shawn and his team and provided insight on mental health and social impact campaigns.

Check out the content Meera made for Shawn's Foundation for World Suicide Prevention Day!

Demand More for Mental Health – American Foundation For Suicide Prevention

 Meera was part of the team that ideated and executed AFSP's Mental Health Awareness Month 2022 Campaign.

Burbank Unified School District Youth Mental Health Panel – May 31, 2018