SARAH SHELKE

About Sarah
Sarah is a 17-year-old mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and author of "A Guide to Teen Mental Health." After founding what is now the largest youth-led mental health nonprofit, Mind4Youth, she has scaled her advocacy efforts to impact more than 2.5 million youth around the world, work with companies to raise $496,000 in donations, and form a team of 25,000+ youth volunteers involved. Sarah's goal is to inspire other youth to take action in their community by giving back to those in need and standing up for others.

Leadership

Co-Founder and CEO
In March 2023, Sarah Shelke founded Mind4Youth, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to honor a close family member who struggled with depression. Mind4Youth is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness among teens and providing accessible resources to underserved youth globally. Over the past few years, Mind4Youth has expanded to include over 25,000 volunteers across 72 countries. The organization has raised more than $498,000 to support its mission of making mental health resources accessible to all. Through its HeartCare and S.E.L.F Care programs, Mind4Youth has distributed over 5,100 mental health kits across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, benefiting youth from low-income backgrounds.
Additionally, the organization has funded 1,800 therapy sessions and donated 52,000+ items, including books and self-care products, to schools and shelters. Mind4Youth has also facilitated over 101,000 volunteer hours and established 151 chapters worldwide. Under Sarah's leadership, Mind4Youth continues to empower young individuals to prioritize their mental well-being through compassion, innovation, and collaboration.

Board Member
Sarah was elected as the first youth representative to serve on the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders since the foundation was founded in 1991. IFFGD is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information, supporting research, and raising awareness about various digestive health issues. The foundation holds events, including an annual advocacy event on Capitol Hill where legislative needs are discussed with U.S. Congress Representatives. Sarah has made efforts to represent youth voices in health policy and voice the mental health struggles of youth with chronic health conditions.
Honors and Awards
2026:
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Princeton Prize in Race Relations SF region; $2,500 scholarship
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2025:
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Disney Dreamers Academy (1 of 100 nationwide); <1% acceptance rate
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Princeton Prize in Race Relations Award San Francisco
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Matt Kurt Kindness Award $250 Recipient
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Congressional Medal of Honor Top 20 Finalist in "Youth Service" Category​
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2024:
Top 3 International Children's Peace Prize Finalist​
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NSHSS Speak Up! Scholar $2000 Recipient
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George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award
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Jefferson Award Recipient (Students in Action)
​- Special Guest SIA Multiplying Good Conference
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​Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) USA 2nd place
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Gold President's Volunteer Service Award
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1st place FBLA California State Champion: Intro to Event Planning
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Global Recognition Awards
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