Presenters

Chanda Spates is the founder and executive director of Flourish Foundation Project Inc., a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit and youth-focused community behavioral health provider. With over a decade of experience in corporate training, nonprofit leadership and behavioral health strategy, she leads a national movement to reduce youth suicide by transforming the way prevention, support and leadership development are delivered to young people.

Under her leadership, Flourish Foundation Project is supported by an alliance of 138 businesses, 33 universities, one NFL team and national brands. Together, they help amplify youth-led initiatives, reinforce positive messaging, and extend the reach of peer-driven programs. This ongoing cycle of support and amplification is what Spates defines as Collaborative Impact—a strategy that unites community and national partners in service of youth resilience.

She is the creator of Every11Minutes, a campaign sharing hope every 11 minutes; DDAAT-App!, a mobile access hub connecting youth to mental health support, peer connection, leadership training, and local resources; and the Gaming for Good Tournament, a new initiative that uses competitive gameplay to build strength, connection, and youth-led advocacy.