I orchestrated Mental Health Awareness Day, a transformative event that combined expert collaboration and community engagement to promote mental well-being and support diverse student needs.
Year
2022
Client
San Diego Unified
Mental Health
Advocate Award
recognized by
San Diego Unified School District & Rady Children’s Hospital
This award was granted in recognition of my outstanding contributions to mental health awareness. It was for my successful coordination and execution of Mental Health Awareness Day, where I collaborated with experts, community organizations, and local businesses to create an impactful event. My efforts in promoting mental health, engaging diverse student communities, and providing valuable resources were key factors in this achievement, highlighting my commitment to enhancing mental well-being within the community.
Animal Therapy 2022
Mental Health America Booth
Peer Mediation Class of 2022
Event Success and Nationwide Recognition:
As the organizer and team lead for Mental Health Awareness Day, I oversaw a comprehensive initiative that aimed to promote mental well-being and provide essential resources to students. This event, held during National Mental Health Month, garnered widespread attention and eventually earned nationwide recognition. The strategic marketing and outreach efforts I directed were pivotal in transforming this event into a model for mental health advocacy that other institutions have since adopted.
Marketing Strategy and Execution:
1. Pre-Event Social Media Campaign:
I led the creation of a multi-platform social media campaign to build momentum for the event. Utilizing Instagram and TikTok, we reached our target audience months in advance with engaging content such as countdowns, educational posts, teaser videos, and personal stories from mental health advocates. This consistent online presence generated anticipation and excitement within the student body, ensuring high participation.
2. Strategic Announcements and Build-Up:
To maintain interest, I orchestrated a series of strategic announcements, including:
• Teasers and Reveals: Gradually unveiling key event details to build excitement.
• Collaborations with Advocates: Partnering with mental health experts to share their stories and promote the event.
• Interactive Campaigns: Running Q&A sessions, polls, and challenges to foster engagement and discussion on mental health.
3. Engaging Content and Visuals:
I directed the design of visually compelling graphics and infographics, tailored for each platform, to maximize shareability. These visuals highlighted the importance of mental health and detailed the event’s features, boosting online engagement.
4. Hashtags and Trends:
To amplify visibility, I developed event-specific hashtags and tapped into mental health-related trending topics. These strategies drove conversations and allowed us to track engagement, further expanding the event’s reach.
Impact and Long-Term Outcomes:
1. Nationwide Recognition:
The success of Mental Health Awareness Day went beyond the local community. Due to the event’s impact, national media outlets and social media buzz helped position the program as a leader in mental health advocacy. Schools across the country have since adopted elements of our event design and marketing strategies, further solidifying the program’s nationwide reach.
2. High Levels of Engagement:
The event saw exceptional turnout and participation, thanks to the sustained pre-event marketing. Feedback from students and stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the effectiveness of the outreach and the program’s relevance to their needs.
3. Long-Term Impact:
The success of this event set the stage for future mental health initiatives. By establishing a strong precedent for collaboration with mental health experts and community organizations, we laid the foundation for ongoing awareness campaigns. The national recognition continues to drive conversations about mental health and inspire similar movements across schools.
SUMMARY:
Leading the Mental Health Awareness Day movement provided an opportunity to combine leadership, marketing strategy, and community outreach to create a lasting impact. By coordinating strategic social media campaigns, partnerships with mental health advocates, and inclusive outreach, I was able to scale the event to nationwide recognition. This event has since become a model for mental health advocacy, offering other institutions a blueprint for fostering a more informed and supportive environment for mental health.
“Cristian’s innovative approach to marketing and event planning made our Mental Health Awareness Day a huge success. His ability to engage students and generate nationwide attention has set a new standard for how we approach mental health.”
— Michelle Irwin, Area MS Superintendent
at San Diego Unified School District