PROJECT OVERVIEW

 

Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) serves over 9,700 low-income and homeless individuals annually across Maryland, DC, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Since 2022, VOACC has co-hosted the G.O.A.T. Youth Mental Health Expo in partnership with the Prince George's County Health Department, the STEP Forward program, and the Bowie State University Graduate Student Association. Held on Bowie State University’s campus, the event convenes youth, families, health providers, musicians, and advocates to address the mental health needs of transition-aged youth (16–24), with a focus on Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino communities.

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The expo raises awareness around anxiety, depression, suicide, and other growing mental health risks. It also provides a space where young people and caregivers can build knowledge, reduce stigma, and connect with systems of care.

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CHALLENGE

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To grow the reach and impact of the expo, VOACC and its partners needed to expand community engagement, secure sponsorships across sectors, and deliver programming that would attract and inspire attendees. In 2024, our objectives included:

 

• Raising $100,000 through sponsorships and exhibitor fees

• Engaging 50+ health and human services exhibitors

• Booking 20+ musical performers, mental health experts, and youth advocates

• Reaching at least 400 youth, parents, and caregivers

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SOLUTION

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As Executive Director of Development & Marketing, I led a planning committee made up of staff from VOACC, the County Health Department, Bowie State University, and other partners. Together, we created a youth-centered experience that blended education with culturally relevant engagement. Programming included mental health workshops, equine-assisted therapy, live music, and interactive panel discussions, establishing the expo as a one-of-a-kind gathering in Prince George’s County.

 

My leadership included:

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• Creative Oversight: Reviewed and approved all branding and design deliverables for print and digital media, developed by BrandU, Inc.

• Fundraising Strategy: Secured new and recurring sponsorships from corporate, nonprofit, and government partners, closing funding gaps with targeted in-kind support.

• Exhibitor Engagement: Recruited more than 50 exhibitors to deliver an energizing and informative agenda.

• Integrated Marketing Execution:

  • Designed and launched a multi-wave email campaign targeting sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees

  • Oversaw social media strategy and content creation

  • Managed media relations and secured press coverage to expand visibility

• Event Production: Directed day-of logistics, coordinated speakers, managed exhibitor setup, and supervised onsite photography and videography for post-event storytelling.

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RESULTS

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The 2024 G.O.A.T. Youth Mental Health Expo delivered measurable outcomes:

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• 350+ youth, caregivers, and community members engaged

• 50 exhibitors activated, representing a wide range of behavioral health and wellness services

• 24 performers, advocates, and experts delivered live programming

• $83,000 raised, with full funding achieved through a combination of sponsorships and in-kind support