Alisha Sharma is a student at McMaster University currently studying in the Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization program. She is a passionate youth advocate within the child and youth mental health sector, who aims to create equitable access to services and a more diverse and inclusive space for youth and their families. Her work has primarily focused on destigmatizing mental health and raising awareness in marginalized communities.
Beginning her journey as a youth facilitator in 2018 with The New Mentality Network, she now serves as the Co-Chair for the Children’s Mental Health Ontario Youth Action Committee. In her role with CMHO, she wrote their 2021 youth-led policy paper surrounding equitable access to youth mental health services for BIPOC youth, and has since continued with initiatives aimed at advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within the mental health sector. Alisha has also served advisory roles with The Knowledge Institute as a Youth Advisory Council member, and in advancing mental health research with Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.