Trans Filipina immigrant, Carla Ibarra is one of the 30 young creators selected for MTV's upcoming Health Youth Action Forum. The event will take place at the White House in Washington D.C. in May where creators and mental health activists will present their ideas about future mental health and public health campaigns. Carla Ibarra is currently a Master of Public Health student at USC and a council member of the Transgender Advisory Board of the City of Los Angeles.
As one of the applicants selected by the MTV Entertainment Group social impact team, she's gearing up to create impactful campaigns to change the thought surrounding mental health in marginalized communities. The group of creators are set to attend a six-week program by MTV to identify and work on developing a campaign for their communities to foster change. They'll get the exposure needed by partnering with MTV which includes PSAs, podcasts, digital art, and other digital tools needed to help improve mental health.
“It is our hope that the concepts that are presented at the Forum will be carried forward and developed into a tangible creative campaign that can reach millions of young people across the country."
VAUGHAN BAGLEY, SENIOR MANAGER OF SOCIAL IMPACT FOR MTV ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Looking to put an end to the stigma surrounding mental health, the event wants to reach young people who are least likely to seek help or not have enough resources available to them, according to Forbes. With the White House officials involved, senior officials and the individuals from the Department of Health and Human Services are expected to speak at the event. Best of luck is in order for Carla Ibarra as she not only will represent the Filipino community, but also the LGBTQ+ community.
Cover Photo Credit: Carla Ibarra Instagram
