Empowering Tomorrow
In 2025, Cornerstone is set to launch a unique project for local youth.
Youth Symposium 2024
NeuroYouth Symposium 2024: Empowering BIPOC Youth in Brain and Mental Health Research
NeuroYouth (est. 2023) is a youth-led organization hosted by Cornerstone Medical Services. The program’s mission is to provide BIPOC youth (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), aged 14-18, in King and Snohomish Counties with opportunities to explore brain and mental health research, develop their own community initiatives based on their findings, and receive funding, mentorship, and support from a community of like-minded peers. We actively address and dismantle
barriers that BIPOC youth face in the field of research, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to effect meaningful
change. We achieve this by pairing scholars with doctors and mentors from Cornerstone Medical Services and the University of Washington.
This year, NeuroYouth launched their first summer program which began in June of 2024. The program included over 20 youth-led
meetings, workshops, and time for the scholars to connect and grow together. Some meetings were held at the local library or cafe shop, while others were held online to accommodate for transportation. Midway through the program, the scholars celebrated by grabbing burgers and ice cream and playing a spirited game of Uno on the grass of University Village – a fun opportunity to bond with one another!
The end of the program was marked with the 2024 NeuroYouth Symposium on September 28th, 2024. The event was attended by more than 55 community members. Each scholar presented their research and initiatives, sharing both their findings and the impact of their work on the community.
Rohan B. conducted research on acculturative stress within Seattle’s immigrant communities, creating a multilingual poster campaign to raise awareness about how to mitigate acculturative stress. His posters, now displayed in public libraries across the city, offer coping strategies in 18 different languages, reflecting the area’s linguistic diversity.
Sophia R. shared her experience interning at the Dr. Moreno Lab at the University of Washington, where she studied the relationship between hummingbird heart health and brain function. Her research looked at the physiological processes that allow hummingbirds to maintain high energy levels and explored how this might offer insights into human brain health.
Nuani S. focused on eating disorder awareness among Black girls, addressing the cultural stereotypes that lead to stigmatization in this population.
She’s planning to bring her initiative to local schools through workshops aimed at promoting awareness and mental health education. Scholar Kushi S. also explored eating disorders along with her mentor Justyna Swierz, culminating in a literature review that she plans to submit to a peer-reviewed journal.
Regina V. blended her love for music with her research on personalized music therapy, investigating its use as a mental health intervention for young people dealing with anxiety and depression. She is hoping to continue exploring this research throughout college.
Liba M. launched a food drive for the Sofia Way, a shelter for homeless women in Bellevue, after exploring the link between food insecurity and mental health in marginalized communities.
Her initiative collected 40 meals.
Minh N. conducted research on the effects of sleep deprivation on high
school students, focusing on the gap in existing studies that fail to present the consequences in accessible terms for young audiences. She is developing an educational video that highlights the mental health impacts of poor sleep habits, which she plans to distribute to local schools.
The symposium ended with a Thai dinner, raffles, and Certificates of Excellence awarded to each scholar. Rohan B. was recognized as the NeuroYouth Inspiration Scholar of the Year for his exceptional commitment to community engagement.
As founder Jamie Kwon beautifully expressed in her closing remarks, “When students are given the right resources, paired with supportive mentorship and a tight-knit community, that’s when real impact unfolds. It empowers youth to recognize their potential as changemakers. And that all starts when someone believes in you, stands by you, championing your dreams. That’s our mission.”
NeuroYouth’s impact has extended beyond the summer program, with over 5.5k engagements on their website, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The program is supported by grants, including a $10,000 grant from
the Snohomish Community Foundation, submitted and written by founder Jamie Kwon under the direct mentorship from Cornerstone Medical Services.
NeuroYouth was made possible due to the support from medical director Dr. Mia Lee and Angela Lee.
The NeuroYouth team expresses deep gratitude to the mentors, youth leaders, and supporters who made this year’s program a success. Thanks to Jamie Kwon, Catherine Enriquez, Abhidi Brahnmath, Grace
Sudarman, and Amy Young for their leadership, and to the 2024 scholars: Rohan Badgandi, Nuani Santiago, Minh Nguyen, Regina Villasante, Liba Mutjaba, Sofia Riastakka, and Kushi Setty. Special thanks to the Dr. Moreno Lab, Justyna Swierz, Dr. Cho, and David Young for their mentorship.
NeuroYouth remains committed to empowering BIPOC youth in King and Snohomish County, Washington to make positive impacts in their communities.
EMPOWERING TOMORROW
In 2025, Cornerstone is set to launch a unique project for local youth. This builds upon the NeuroYouth project, which Cornerstone established in 2023 with a youth grant from the Community Foundation of Snohomish County. This youth-led initiative enabled seven selected young scholars to conduct research on topics close to their hearts and present their findings to the community and their families this past September. The event also drew University of Washington lab researchers, who attentively observed the students’ presentations and opened doors for some students to join lab research opportunities.
Recently, Cornerstone secured further support through ARPA youth funding from Snohomish County,
allowing the launch of another special project for youth in 2025. The project team conducted
extensive meetings, literature reviews, and studies to determine what is most essential for healthy
emotional development in adolescence. After much thought, they concluded that the most critical
element is consistent interaction with trustworthy, inspiring adults. This project is therefore designed
as a youth mentorship program, based on the concept of “wise intervention,” to support adolescents
in a safe space where they can express themselves and build a healthy inner world.
The project will be structured in three phases, designed to provide 30 young people with invaluable
foundational experiences and life-long treasures in 2025.
Starting in spring 2025, a weekend book club will be available for up to 30 middle and high school
students, organized into small groups. Each group will be led by dedicated, professional mentors, who
will guide them through discussions on various topics, creating a supportive environment where
youth can learn, share, and grow together.
In the summer, a week-long StrengthsFinder camp will be offered to book club participants. This
camp is focused on helping youth discover and embrace their strengths, giving them the confidence
to pursue their paths. A neuropsychologist and certified StrengthsFinder coach from Gallup will lead
the camp, guiding each participant through a strengths profile test and helping them analyze and
understand their results. The camp aims to provide professional guidance on each participant’s
strengths, aptitudes, and career directions.
In the fall, participants will showcase their learning at a symposium, presenting their projects and
personal growth experiences. The presentations may take the form of research findings or personal
storytelling, allowing each participant to share their journey. This event provides a valuable platform
for youth to express themselves and fosters a healthy community where young voices are heard,
creating a strong foundation for community building and resilience.
All students who complete the NeuroYouth project will receive a certificate of completion and, if
applicable, a letter of recommendation for college applications. Selected young scholars who present
their projects at the symposium will also have the opportunity to be awarded scholarships, adding a
tangible incentive to their hard work and commitment.
