Youth Ambassador: Keira Dempsey
I’ve always looked for ways to support my community, and as a youth ambassador, I’ve found the perfect opportunity to do just that. My passion for understanding how people navigate their surroundings is what drives me to pursue a career in clinical psychology. Having struggled with anxiety from a young age, I’ve seen firsthand how the absence of healthy coping mechanisms can impact both individuals and their communities. Witnessing addiction in the lives of loved ones has reinforced the importance of self-worth and mental well-being.
During my sophomore year, my Herren Project Club advisor, Mrs. Austin, encouraged me to apply to be a youth ambassador. Throughout my junior year, I had the privilege of growing alongside other ambassadors across the country while educating my own community about building self-worth and practicing healthy coping strategies.
As the year progressed, I felt compelled to use my role to make a difference for younger kids. I first recognized the power of negative self-talk in my own life when I was in fourth grade, an early reminder that mental health challenges begin long before someone turns to substances. Addiction prevention starts with fostering self-acceptance and emotional resilience. Inspired by what I learned as a youth ambassador, I developed and led lessons on coping mechanisms for elementary students. With Mrs. Austin’s support, I had the opportunity to hear directly from fourth and fifth graders who, just like I once did, struggled with how they viewed and spoke to themselves.
The Herren Project has not only shaped my own journey toward healthy coping but has also allowed me to create a ripple effect of positive change. I am grateful to be part of such an uplifting and inspiring community, and I encourage others to get involved—you never know how much of an impact you can make until you start.
Attached are some of my favorite moments from the day I led my passion project!
