Award Winner and Researcher
2025 mPower Award Winner
Aria Rani Sindledecker is the 2025 recipient of the mPower Award. Aria Rani Sindledecker is a mental health advocate and neuroscience researcher. A 16-year-old rising senior at Mountain View High School, she has spoken alongside leading UC San Francisco psychiatrists at the SF Commonwealth Club, the UCSF Pritzker Psychiatry Building opening, on NPR, and at numerous national, state, and local panels to elevate the youth voice in mental health. Aria initiated her school’s peer counseling program, leads school and district-wide mental health efforts, and serves on multiple youth advisory boards, including Cal Partners and Bring Change to Mind. A four-time documentary award-winning filmmaker, she uses storytelling to humanize youth mental health, challenge stigma, and spark change. Aria is also a Youth Strategy Advisor for Stanford’s Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing to help develop a state-wide peer support guide. She has conducted neuroscience research at UCSF and UC Riverside, working on a qualitative study to develop solutions in making mental health resources more accessible to youth, and performing an independent research project on autism. Passionate about destigmatizing mental health and advancing brain-based solutions, Aria bridges science and advocacy to drive systemic change.
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Young Mental Health Leaders Panel and mPower Award Presentation
Friday, October 17, 2025
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM US EST