Social, Community & Cultural Issues
Social Services- Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders:
Former US Representative, Rhode Island
Patrick Kennedy was a Representative from Rhode Island to the US House of Representatives. He now works as a mental health advocate and speaks about mental health, healthcare and many other related issues.
Award-Winning Actor & Activist
Oscar winner Gossett, best known for roles in Roots and An Officer and a Gentleman, founded the the Eracism Foundation to fight racism, ignorance, and social apathy.
Pro BMX Competitor & Recovering Addict
Elite pro BMX competitor Tony Hoffman is the founder and CEO of the Freewheel Project, a non-profit BMX racing organization devoted to educating youth on the importance of leading drug-free lives.
Former NBA Player / Addiction Recovery Advocate
A hometown basketball legend, Chris Herren realized his dream of playing for the Celtics only to lose it all to addiction. He shares his story in Basketball Junkie & the ESPN documentary Unguarded.
Former College & NFL Star QB
Widely known as a star college quarterback and #2 pick in the 1998 NFL draft, Ryan Leaf's career took unexpected turns. Today he is a staunch advocate for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
Actor & Filmmaker
Sean Astin is an actor and director known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Goonies, Rudy and Netflix’s Stranger Things 2. Son of actress Patty Duke, he is an advocate for mental health awareness, civic engagement and more.
Social Services Advocate, Community Activist
A vibrant community activist, Lonise Bias has turned the losses of her two sons (including basketball star Len Bias) into a calling to help remedy the social ills of today.
Mental Health Advocate
After battling depression for years, Kathy Cronkite now fights the stigma attached to mental illness by educating people about depression and on how to get help.