Shilpa Narayan Email & Phone Number

Shilpa Narayan is a 26 year -old award winning social justice, mental health, intergenerational art activist oral history researcher, and peer support consultant. She is a graduate of the Gender, Sexuality, Women's Studies Department at Simon Fraser University and a Master's Candidate of the Family & Couples Counselling with Dramatherapy Program at Antioch University in Seattle, Washington. Shilpa's work focuses on the intersections between the LGBTQ+ community, mental health awareness and intergenerational arts activism using theatre and drama. At the age of 12, she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, facing tremendous adversity and struggling with self harm and suicidal ideation. However, she then realized that stigma should not get in the way of taking care of our mental health. Instead of calling her depression and anxiety a "struggle", she began to call it "her journey." She became an active voice to support others. Shilpa creates workshops for students, teachers, parents and social service providers to connect with resources and educate on mental health literacy and LGBTQ+ communities with the importance of creating safe spaces for those struggling and needing ways to cope. Shilpa also uses intergenerational arts activism as a unique way to shed light and break down stigma around the intersection of mental health awareness and queer youth. Shilpa has presented in multiple regions such as BC, Ontario, Montreal, USA, and Australia. She is a multiple award winner for her work in social justice, mental health, and theatre. She has been recognized from multiple organizations and institutions such as: Simon Fraser University, Canadian Mental Health Association, Surrey Board of Trade, Surrey School District, SHER Vancouver, The Province Newspaper, The Surrey-Now Leader Newspaper, Foundry BC, Kelty Mental Health, and The Vancouver Canucks Foundation (mindcheck.ca). Shilpa believes that no youth should face their challenges alone, therefore, she dedicates her life to ensuring that youth voices, specifically of those marginalized are heard and honoured. As she continues her work and her journey, she is honoured to present and host various mental health and social justice workshops in the local, national, and international sphere.

Listed skills include Leadership, Management, Project Management, Research, and 2 others.