2022 YMCA KEY LEADERS LUNCHEON: IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

DALLAS (October 4, 2022) The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas will host the 2022 YMCA Key Leaders Luncheon, presented by Southwest Airlines, Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Developed over 19 years ago, the event is designed to connect key community and business leaders with timely local issues that have regional impact while also sharing accomplishments and priorities of the Dallas YMCA.

This year's luncheon will be a focused discussion on a topic that has become more crucial to address due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pressures of the social media age, and our increasingly competitive society:  the mental wellbeing of our youth.

For the first time, the Key Leaders Luncheon will feature a panel of speakers, including:

• Sonya Parker Good, Grant Halliburton Foundation; The Grant Halliburton Foundation offers a variety of education programs, presentations, and an annual conference on mental wellness, suicide prevention, bullying, resilience, and other issues impacting youth mental health.
• Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, UT Southwestern Medical Center; Dr. Trivedi’s research over the last 25 years has focused on understanding the neurobiology and psychology of depression and bipolar disorder, with a particular focus on developing an empirical basis for improving treatment of depression.
• Dr. Jessica Gomez, Momentous Institute; Momentous Institute offers high-quality mental health services focused on treating childhood trauma, as well as education services, including its nationally acclaimed Momentous School, an elementary school that prioritizes academic achievement on par with students’ mental well-being.
• Cynthia Izaguire, WFAA anchor and journalist as emcee and moderator. Since 2011, she has produced and anchored the segments which help find abused and neglected children a safe and loving home. In addition, Cynthia is on the Board of Directors for TexProtects: The Texas Association for the Protection of Children

For more information, visit www.ymcadallas.org/KEYLEADERS.

“The Y values and supports mental wellbeing. We hope this event gives visibility into our efforts to educate and refer our community members to experts when they need it most,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “By just starting the conversation, we can help remove some of the stigma that often attaches itself to mental health.” 

The Dallas YMCA will also present the Catalyst Advancing Equity Award. This annual award will recognize one individual and one organization that has helped the Y serve the community by advancing the Catalyst Initiative. The Y’s initiative was created early in the onset of the pandemic, but has continued to allow the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas to use its power of convening to facilitate and deliver critical services to communities that are experiencing exceptional hardship. 

Sponsors of this year’s event include Southwest Airlines as the presenting sponsor and D CEO as the media sponsor. To learn more about the 2022 YMCA Key Leaders event or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.ymcadallas.org/KEYLEADERS.  

 

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 21 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.