Youth Activist, Program Officer, Sierra Health Foundation
Juan Acosta is a first-generation Mexican immigrant who grew up in Woodland, California. He is a renowned mental health and LGBTQ+ activist, content creator, and public speaker. He began his advocacy work locally at age 13. At 21, Juan drafted a historic LGBTQ+ proclamation for his hometown of Woodland. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Francisco State University. His work is focused on underserved communities. He has served on various national mental health committees, and his speaking engagements have included United Nations Side Events and the first-ever Youth Mental Health Action Forum White House Event, where he spoke alongside FLOTUS Dr. Jill Biden, Selena Gomez, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. In 2024, he was also invited to the first-ever White House Creator Mental Health Summit. Juan co-authored the New York Times bestseller “Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community” with musical artist and actress Lady Gaga and other Born This Way Foundation reporters. He regularly partners with organizations and brands whose messages are aligned with his as a content creator. His work has been featured by DOSOMETHING, MTV, Yahoo, LGBTQ Nation, Out Magazine, and more. In 2023, Acosta was recognized by STAT News in their 2023 STATUS list for his influential work in life sciences and by The Advocate Magazine in their 2023 30 Under 30 List. In 2024, Acosta was recognized as a Young Innovator in Behavioral Health Awardee co-presented by Behavioral Health Tech, Hopelab, Pivotal Ventures, Resonance Philanthropies, and Manatt. In 2025, Acosta was recognized as a Pride honoree by the California Legislative Caucus for his efforts, for helping to advance representation, as well as for being an inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.