Youth Mental Health Summit Brings California Leaders and Young Voices to Discuss Youth Mental Health Challenges

The Coalition to Empower Our Future is hosting a mental health summit in Sacramento to examine complicating factors; Discuss the need for a comprehensive solution

Sacramento, California, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Empowering Our Future Coalition (CEF), a growing partnership focused on understanding the many contributing factors surrounding youth mental health and well-being, hosted a summit in Sacramento featuring a group of local mental health professionals, community leaders and youth voices. The half-day event featured a diverse set of voices discussing the complex factors that create youth mental health challenges and the need for comprehensive solutions.

The event featured a fireside chat with CEF Board Member and former Montana Governor Steve Bullock and former California Senate Speaker and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. It then moved on to a set of panels with mental health advocates, youth leaders and California community leaders focused on the complex challenges surrounding youth well-being and the types of solutions that drive progress.

“The debates in Sacramento exemplify both the pressing nature of this challenge and the incredible energy behind solving it.” Glenn Weiner, CEO of CEF. “Hearing such a wide range of voices underscores how complex and superficial this challenge can be, and how a narrow approach to solutions in this area leaves many young people behind. Our solutions must address a challenge that is thought-provoking.”

Speakers who participated in the panel included representatives from local and national organizations, student advocates and other community leaders, including:

• Daryl Steinbergformer Speaker of the California State Senate, former Mayor of Sacramento and founder of the Steinberg Institute

• Dear Steve Bellformer governor of Montana and board member of the Coalition to Power Our Future

• Leshon Francis, Senior Director, Behavioral Health, Kids Now

• Celeste Valley Permanent and Youth Engagement Advisor, CA Union Catalyst Center

• John WilkesExecutive Director, California Coalition for Youth

• Roman MusaFounder, Path to Positivity

• Peter McGuinnessYouth Advocate and Council Member, Coalition for Student Welfare

• Karen Larsonexecutive director of the Steinberg Institute

• Marilyn MorganExecutive Director, Health Together

• Christina Hakimi Gilan Director of Service Innovation, YMCA of San Diego County

“There is no more unifying or important issue than the happiness and health of our children, and today’s event demonstrates the value of thoughtful and inclusive dialogue as we all grapple with this challenge.” Steve Bell, former governor of Montana and CEF board member. “It’s exciting to hear from great minds working on mental health every day, and it’s a timely reminder that this challenge deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. As parents, community members and advocates, we must all come together to make sure we leave no opportunity on the table.”