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TOPIC: “Silent Struggles: Mental Health in the Shadows of Environmental Neglect”

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The environment is not just the land, air, or water around us, it’s the social, physical, and emotional conditions that shape how we live, survive, and are treated. At the 3rd Annual Speak Out Seminar, we will speak about the impact of water scarcity, disease, climate-driven migration, and how they intersect with social stigma and mental health challenges in vulnerable communities throughout the world. 

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Through powerful personal stories and expert insights, let’s talk about what it means to be a survivor and how sharing stories can create change. This year’s “Speak Out” will be centering voices affected by environmental injustice, stigma, and mental health struggles. Our courageous speakers will share their lived experiences of navigating skin-related discrimination and displacement.

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Join us as we speak truth to stigma and environmental neglect through an interactive seminar experience with the opportunity for participant engagement, collaboration, and community building. Be a part of a growing dialogue and movement that believes in the power of speaking out to transform lives and communities.

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The Speak Out History 

We started the “Speak Out” Campaign with the mission to facilitate discussions around mental health, uplift voices, create awareness, and reduce stigma. Our goal is to build community, help people get the support they need, and advocate for community change on a global scale.  

 

In June 2023 our first “Speak Out” event, “Raising Awareness for Mental Health” in Santa Monica, marked the kickoff to our pilot program addressing the multi-faceted issues related to mental health along with addiction and the use of Art for Healing.

 

In October 2024 we were so excited to take it Global and celebrate our 2nd Annual “Speak Out” Event online, “Globalizing the Understanding of Mental Health” in honor of Global Mental Health Day.  We celebrated health and wellness on a global scale, with wonderful speakers from the US to Africa.  

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Dr. Areej Semreen, Jordan

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Dr. Areej Semreen is Head of Protection and Mental Health at the Institute for Family Health (IFH), with more than 22 years of experience in trauma care, psychosocial support, and protection. She is a National Mental Health Expert, Regional Trainer, and staff-care specialist, recognized for her work with refugees, survivors of torture, and gender-based violence. Dr. Semreen has co-authored research on refugee mental health in the International Journal of Migration, Health, and Social Care. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Jordan and advanced training in Trauma and Recovery from Harvard University. 

 

Nabila Blessing Doh, Cameroon

Nabila Blessing Doh is a Mental Health Counselor, Nurse, and Psychologist with expertise in Psychiatric Nursing, Psychotherapy, and Humanitarian Outreach. She holds a BSc and Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing from Saint Louis University and has worked with organizations including Prohandicam Association. Fluent in English and French, she is an Ambassador for the Massé World Network in Cameroon, advocating for accessible, community-centered mental health care.
 

Jonathan Adabre,  Ghana

Jonathan Adabre a Atia a Ghanaian Development Practitioner, policy analyst, and social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in research, policy advocacy, and project management. He has held leadership roles with DRAC, TAMA Foundation Universal, Lazina Integrated Services, and ISODEC, and has worked extensively in governance, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods. Jonathan holds degrees from the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. His work focuses on empowering communities, including those affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases, and advancing inclusive development, particularly in Northern Ghana.
 

Reuben Sam, UK  Keynote Speaker

Reuben K. Sam is a cultural strategist, fashion model, speaker, and advocate whose work bridges identity, business, and inclusion. As founder of Enprise Network, he helps teams and leaders navigate cultural complexities by building strategies that unlock growth. Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Reuben is a visible advocate for vitiligo awareness and psychodermatology, collaborating with pharma brands and leading community initiatives such as Vitiligo Allies. Known for transforming personal stories into practical frameworks, he speaks internationally on self-acceptance, intercultural competence, and the power of visibility.