Meet the founders of the Hidden Healers movement
Maddox
Maddox (he/they) is a social impact visionary from the concrete jungle of NYC, who believes in the idea of Protopia. Protopia is the idea that every day we can actively work towards the world we want to see. MADDOX is a co-founder of Direct Cash Transfers as an intervention to end youth homelessness, he believes in the role imagination plays in ending youth homelessness. He has expanded the narrative shift beyond a seat at the table and supporting people with lived experience to, not just have a seat at the table but to also be supported to have their own homes both metaphorically and literally. Making sure that people who are directly impacted are at the forefront of the decisions that will impact their lives and that our policies are reflective of the needs of our most marginalized.
Kheira Bekkadja
Kheira (she/her) is a Muslim Algerian American, is an undergraduate student at George Mason University, passionate about creating spaces [literally] by studying civil & infrastructure engineering and [figuratively] by empowering individuals to create the change they want to see. Her involvement with Our Minds Matter has informed her passion for creating safe spaces that destigmatize mental health and promote wellness. She has also had the chance to share her story at Harvard University’s National Muslim Women’s Summit 2020, The Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University, and advocate with VOICE-IAF, This is My Brave, and Promote Care Prevent Harm. Kheira finds great joy in making others smile and helping them to believe in their best selves!
Ayanna Kelly
Ayanna Kelly (she/her/ella) currently serves as the Deputy Director for Human Capital in the National Security Council at the White House. She previously served in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the U.S. House of Representatives, in the Central Intelligence Agency, tech startups, and consulting. Ayanna is also a disabled veteran having served in the Army National Guard for eight years. Ayanna holds a Masters degree in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelors from University of Maryland University College. Ayanna is an active Poderistas Power Squad member where she helps uplift the Latina community through civic engagement, social justice initiatives, and mental health advocacy. She is a mental health advocate with her own podcast and co-founded of the Hidden Healers campaign. She is an Afro-Latina and a daughter of Dominican immigrants. She currently resides in Virginia with her spouse, two children, and chocolate lab.
Mahmoud Khedr
Mahmoud is an Egyptian-American innovator and holistic mental health leader who combines 15+ years of lived experience with a visionary, systems-driven approach to transform youth mental health. He co-leads the Hidden Healers movement, dedicated to centering ancestral healing practices for BIPOC youth through accessible, culturally grounded approaches, community, and love. This movement includes the MTV Hidden Healers Campaign, a historic initiative that reached over 10 million people, and the Hidden Healing Fund, a $1M partnership with Pinterest and MTV to accelerate holistic healing. As the founder of FloraMind, Mahmoud created one of the first culturally relevant mental health programs for youth globally. Across his initiatives, including FloraMind, campaigns, engagements, and consulting/advising corporations, governments, and nonprofits, Mahmoud's work has impacted over 15 million youth and families, advocating for youth mental health investment and leadership. Mahmoud has been honored at the White House by President Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, MTV, and the Surgeon General as a top youth mental health advocate. Recognized by President Bill Clinton, Ashoka, and Forbes, he is also a Stanford d.School Innovation Fellow. Known for redefining mental wellness, Mahmoud's TED talk on toxic positivity has sparked vital conversations. He serves on the board of Mental Health America and the 988 National Steering Committee for suicide prevention.