Taylor Locke

Mental Health Advocate

Taylor Locke is a trailblazing mental health expert, award-winning advocate, and global changemaker whose lived experience drives their mission in sparking societal change.
 
After surviving sexual assault, a suicide attempt, and being disowned by their biological family, Taylor’s journey from crisis to resilience has shaped their deep, personal understanding of mental health systems and the urgent need for addressing systemic barriers. They graduated with honors in math and physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and have since become a leading voice in mental health advocacy – bridging lived experience, academic research, and professional expertise.
 
While still in college, Taylor founded the Mental Health Week program, a student-led initiative that has since grown into a statewide movement. In 2024, it brought together 11 universities and over 100 organizations to host more than 65 individual community events, promoting healing, connection, and education across New York State.
 
Taylor’s reach extends far beyond their community, having served on national youth advisory councils and international academic journals. They are also a U.S. Representative with the Global Mental Health Peer Network, where they’ve led global workshops, helped organize the first Youth Agents 4 Change Mental Health Summit, and contributed to the United Nation’s action plan on addressing the interconnected climate change and mental health crises.
 
Whether they’re leading individual community support groups or influencing international policy, Taylor is rewriting the narrative around mental health with courage, compassion, and unstoppable purpose. Through nonprofit consulting and professional speaking engagements, Taylor empowers others to become their own champions in building inclusive communities and impacting powerful change.