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Juan Acosta, born in Jalisco, Mexico and raised in Woodland, California, is a passionate mental health advocate, speaker, and community leader. He works closely with organizations and boards to address inequities in resource access, amplify community voices, and drive innovative approaches to mental health support, particularly for underserved communities. Through public speaking and advocacy, Acosta uplifts the experiences of the Latinx and LGBTQ+ community, challenging stigma and reminding others that vulnerability is a powerful form of strength.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
I believe my greatest career accomplishment to date was being able to speak alongside Dr. Jill Biden, Selena Gomez, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and other youth mental health leaders. That moment was special for many reasons but being able to have a public conversation surrounding mental health specifically while sharing my background and story will forever be a highlight. I hope those who identify with my work and story felt inspired. As a first gen. individual I do not take any moment for granted. The opportunities I have today are thanks to the sacrifices of my family and so many that came before me.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
My greatest personal accomplishment to date has been becoming confident in my voice. Owning my identity and my light. Growing up I felt like I needed to repress who I was and my ideas due to fear of rejection. I was bullied as a kid due to what people assumed my sexuality to be. It has been night and day since I reclaimed my power. For me, being able to draft a historic LGBTQ+ proclamation for my hometown of Woodland, California, was the moment I released myself from those insecurities and was reaffirmed in my mission as an individual. Being confident in my voice and committing to my passion for change has forever changed my life. I have become the person I needed when I was younger.
What do you do today to impact your community?
Today I continue to remain engaged in finding opportunities and ways to support our communities. Whether it be through advocating or partnering with individuals and organizations who are on the same mission. I serve on various mental health boards in hopes that I am able to continue doing what I can to shift and change the system.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I see myself continuing to do what I am doing. My heart and passion is with the community. I hope to continue engaging, advocating, and finding new ways to contribute. I also have goals like writing a book and launching my own non-profit that I hope to have accomplished by then. Most importantly I want to keep growing and learning as a person. I know I have so much more to see, learn, give and love.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
The biggest issue that I want to help solve is access to mental health resources that are representative and inclusive of the needs of Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. I want to have a system that is more preventative rather than reactionary. I also believe that youth should inform the future of what systems look like. My reasoning is my own lived experience. I know what it’s like to feel ashamed of feeling different and keeping things repressed due to stigma. I am determined to help contribute to that change because I believe no one else should have to go through that. Our communities deserve to thrive and not just survive.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
A specific moment was when I drafted the LGBTQ+ proclamation for my hometown of Woodland, California. Having it pass through the city council for the very first time and making history was incredible. What was even more impactful was seeing people in tears because they felt affirmed and welcomed. That moment has forever marked my life because I know it was something I did in honor of my younger self. I also constantly have youth mental health advocates reach out to me telling me they want to follow my path. Some of those youth have even used me for spotlighted me for their school projects. Those specific instances are impactful. To have youth who are the future in other states throughout the nation look up to my work really means the world to me. It reminds me of my why and that it’s always worth it even though it can become hard at times.
I have also been recognized by STAT News in their STATUS LIST for my “influential work in life sciences. Additionally this year I was recognized by California Senator Christopher Cabaldon and the California LGBTQ+ Caucus for my work in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
What advice would 10-year-old you be shocked to hear you followed?
I think my 10-year-old self has followed my parents classic and constant reminder of hechale ganas. As a kid I didn’t project my life this far out as I was going through a lot of inner conflict at the time. My parents have always gave it their all. They are my heroes. Now at the age of twenty-eight, that reminder to give it my all continues to fuel me because even though things can be complicated our communities have and will continue to be resilient and we will always give it our all with our heads held high.
What’s a cultural tradition that always brings you joy?
For me, celebrating Christmas on the 24th is always one of the most joyous times of the year. I also love our cultures, music, food, and how united we are as families in most cases rather than just having an individualistic mindset.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga and “Todos Me Miran” by Gloria Trevi.
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Connect with Juan Acosta on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
