JCI Las Vegas Hosts Successful Inaugural Mixer & Community Panel Highlighting Mental Health Awareness

In a groundbreaking effort to raise awareness and encourage open dialogue on mental health, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Las Vegas held its Inaugural Mixer and Community Panel on Tuesday, September 24th. The event, hosted at 6675 S. Tenaya Way, brought together influential community members, mental health professionals, and local leaders for an evening of meaningful discussions.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the Masters of Ceremonies, Marco Roxas, Vice President of Community Development, and Ashlynne Valdez, Vice President of Membership Development. This was followed by inspiring remarks from Catherine Francisco, Founder and President of the AAPI Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing critical issues like mental health. She praised the collaboration that made the event possible and highlighted her commitment to strengthening the community through initiatives like this. Francisco’s passion for making a positive impact set the perfect tone for the evening’s discussions.

A special highlight of the evening was the appearance of County Commissioner Justin Jones, who not only provided insightful commentary on the role of local government in improving mental health services but also shared his personal connection to the topic. Mental health, he explained, is a subject close to his heart, and his vulnerability in discussing his own experiences resonated deeply with the audience. His willingness to open up about his struggles served as a source of inspiration, demonstrating that mental health affects everyone, regardless of status or profession. His candidness added a personal, heartfelt dimension to the evening and left many feeling uplifted and empowered.

MK Cordova, Local Chapter President of Junior Chamber International Las Vegas also gave his opening remark. In his speech, Cordova welcomed the attendees and expressed his gratitude for their participation, before taking a moment to explain what JCI Las Vegas stands for. He emphasized JCI’s global mission to empower young people to create positive change within their communities. JCI Las Vegas, Cordova noted, focuses on leadership development, community service, and providing opportunities for professional growth. He stressed that events like this one are a key part of JCI's mission to address critical social issues and contribute to building a better, healthier society. Cordova's remarks set the tone for a night dedicated to learning, sharing, and inspiring action around mental health awareness.

JCI Las Vegas invited a panel of distinguished mental health experts that provided an engaging and educational discussion on various aspects of mental health. Joshua Nelsen, a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, shared insights on the clinical side of mental health and the need for accessible care. Annika Roseen, Program Director at the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), emphasized the role that community support can play in addressing mental health issues and shared how NAMI’s programs offer crucial resources to those in need. Nate Johnson, a Clinical Professional Counselor, focused on practical coping strategies for managing mental health challenges, particularly in high-stress environments. Lastly, Sariah Nokes, NAMI Peer Program Manager, highlighted the importance of peer support programs, which help connect individuals with others who have shared experiences, making the path to mental wellness less isolating.

These expert contributions underscored the key takeaway that mental health is a collective effort that requires a combination of professional help, community involvement, and reducing stigma. The panel offered valuable resources and action steps that attendees could take back to their personal lives and communities.

Gratitude to Our Partners

This impactful event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. A heartfelt thank you to AAPI Chamber, One APIA, TheProFactory, Good Hire Recruitment, Bottega Exchange, Life Wave Inc, J Studios by Alexis Somers, National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI), Nate Johnson Therapy, You Matter Mental Health, and the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation (NBCF). Their commitment to creating a healthier and more informed community has been essential to the success of this initiative.

JCI Las Vegas and Its Mission of Positive Change

Junior Chamber International Las Vegas is part of a global network committed to creating sustainable impact through leadership development and community service. JCI’s mission is to empower young people to address the challenges faced by their communities, whether through professional growth opportunities or by driving initiatives that make a difference in people’s lives. This event, attended by 70 engaged community members, is a perfect reflection of JCI’s goals to address pressing issues like mental health. It shows that by working together, we can drive meaningful change.

Join the Movement: Become a Part of JCI Las Vegas

JCI Las Vegas invites everyone to join in our mission to make positive changes in the community. Whether you're interested in becoming a member, a partner, or a volunteer, your involvement can help continue the momentum of events like this and create even more opportunities for growth, connection, and community improvement.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit our website  www.jcilasvegas.org or reach out to us directly. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future—one that supports mental health and the well-being of every individual.

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This event marks a significant step for JCI Las Vegas in addressing mental health awareness, and we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those around us.