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Next Generation Collective (NGC), a new group built around helping young people in entertainment with their mental health, was launched today at Hollywood & Mind’s inaugural summit in New York City.
Founded by Hollywood
PR veteran Lilah Kojoori, NGC brings together clinical mental health expertise, entertainment industry leadership, and lived experience to provide guidance on mental health, boundaries, pressure, and the realities of working on set, performing, creating content and building a public profile at a young age. It will also serve as an additional resource for studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms supporting young talent. The Kids Mental Health Foundation will provide clinical guidance and insights.
“Young people in entertainment often grow up in the public eye, and they deserve real support along the way,” Kojoori said. “With The Kids Mental Health Foundation’s clinical expertise, Hollywood & Mind’s reach across the industry and an advisory board that has lived this life firsthand, our hope is to give young talent and their families guidance and resources to navigate the industry while prioritizing their wellbeing.”
NGC’s founding advisory board includes: Angel Carter Conrad, Logan Henderson, Isabela Merced, Kel Mitchell, Artists for Artists, Soleil Moon Frye, Carmela Wallace, Hudson Yang, and Breanna Yde.
“We are excited that the Collective is beginning their work by first learning from the community they want to support” said Dr Ariana Hoet, Executive Clinical Director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation and a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “There are so many directions this important work can take shape and it’s wonderful that it’s being launched in such a thoughtful way.”
Beginning in 2027, NGC, its board and partners will work to develop expert-informed resources, education and support for young people, their families and the studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms that shape their professional environments.
“Supporting the wellbeing of those who work in entertainment is at the heart of Hollywood & Mind’s mission. We’re thrilled to be a founding partner of Next Generation Collective, where we can provide young people and their support teams with the resources and community they need to thrive both personally and professionally,” said Cathy Applefeld Olson, founder and CEO of Hollywood & Mind.
