Spelman Student Kyra Wagner Earns National Mental Health Advocacy Award

The National Award Honors Wagner’s Leadership in Mental Health Advocacy

Spelman College student Kyra Wagner, C’2027, recently received the 2026 Student Voice of Mental Health Award from The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit for suicide prevention. Wagner was honored for her exceptional advocacy on behalf of their peers and local school systems. 

Wagner was among recipients selected for their work in leading impactful initiatives, increasing connection and belonging, encouraging their peers to reach out for help, and building support systems for youth mental health and suicide prevention in their school or campus communities. Award winners receive a $3,000 scholarship, recognition on JED’s platforms, and opportunities to collaborate with JED.

This award reaffirms that the work I am doing matters and our stories deserve to be seen and heard,” said Wagner, a psychology major from Nashville. “I’ve always believed turning lived experiences into action is one of the most powerful ways to create change. I remain committed to building solutions that improve mental health outcomes for groups with limited access to resources or opportunities and inspire others to do the same.”

Since 2008, JED’s annual Student Voice of Mental Health Awards has honored one high school student and one college student who are doing outstanding work to create communities of care in their schools and raising awareness about mental health. Wagner received the award alongside high school student Sarah Shelke.

In an interview with JED, Wagner shared that she was shaped by early experiences that deepened her understanding of resilience, family, and responsibility. Growing up, she witnessed the quiet strength her mother brought to navigating family transitions and financial challenges, while also personally supporting a sibling facing mental health struggles. Rather than defining her, these experiences strengthened Wagner’s perspective and fueled her belief that mental wellness and financial stability are deeply connected.

As inaugural president of the Center for Black Entrepreneurship student executive board at Spelman and co-director of events at Sisters in Sync, Wagner builds community through connection and entrepreneurship. She has been recognized for her research on the intersection of financial stress, mental health decline, and maternal mortality among Black women and serves as a youth mentor to young girls. She was also selected as a Rare Impact Ambassador through Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty brand.

“All of us at JED are incredibly impressed by the leadership Sarah and Kyra have demonstrated in their communities to protect and promote emotional health,” said John MacPhee, JED CEO. “Their advocacy highlights how young leaders are driving vital change in suicide prevention and strengthening the mental health of their peers.”

Since the program’s inception, 29 students have been recognized for their contributions to youth mental health and suicide prevention. Wagner and Shelke were honored at JED’s annual gala on June 3 in New York City.