May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Start the Conversation with One of These Keynote Speakers
01 May 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to elevate conversations, reduce stigma, and create spaces where people feel safe seeking support. Organizations across every industry are recognizing that mental health is essential to overall well-being. The keynote speakers below—from nationally recognized medical leaders to courageous recovery advocates—share personal stories, research-backed insights, and practical strategies that leave audiences informed and empowered.
Nadine Burke Harris
Former California Surgeon General and leader of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) movement, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is a nationally recognized voice on trauma and long-term health. She helps audiences understand how early adversity impacts wellbeing and how informed, compassionate approaches can support healing and resilience.
Dr. Jerome Adams
The 20th Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Jerome Adams is a leading advocate for mental health awareness, addiction recovery, and public health equity. He speaks about reducing stigma, strengthening communities, and the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health.
Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld
President of the American Medical Association, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld is a physician leader focused on wellbeing, inclusion, and systemic change. His message centers on fostering supportive environments, and prioritizing mental health as a shared responsibility.
Nora McInerny
How are you? Nora McInerny wants to know the truth. Bestselling author, podcast host and viral TED speaker, Nora brings relatable storytelling, honesty, humor, and heart to conversations about grief and resilience.
Mike Veny
A leading mental health speaker and author, Mike Veny offers an honest, relatable perspective on emotional wellness and recovery. Through his powerful personal story, he helps break the stigma around mental health and build cultures of openness and support.
Nic Sheff
Author of Tweak and We All Fall Down, Nic Sheff shares his deeply personal journey with addiction and recovery to help audiences understand the realities of substance use and the hope of healing. His story inspires awareness and the belief that recovery is possible.
Matthew Emerzian
Bestselling author and founder of Every Monday Matters, Matthew Emerzian speaks about purpose, belonging, and mental well-being. After facing depression during his music industry career, he now helps audiences reduce stigma, embrace vulnerability, and recognize that they truly matter.
Vladimir Louissaint
Vladimir Louissaint is an empowerment coach, retired State Trooper, and author of The Embrace Method, a transformative guide to healing and purpose-driven leadership. A survivor of childhood abuse and raised in a dysfunctional home, Vladimir transformed these challenges into purpose and helps others embrace their stories, overcome adversity, and lead with resilience.
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