Mental Health & Wellness Summit at Cypress College
On October 29, 2024 the North Orange County Community College District held its first Mental Health & Wellness Summit.
The event took place at Cypress College and was held in partnership with The Steve Fund, Fullerton College, Cypress College, and NOCE. The Steve Fund is a national organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
The event began with breakfast, speakers, and a Wellness Experience—participants could choose between a Wellness Walk, yoga, or a visit to the ARISE (Academics, Relationships, Independence, Self-Advocacy, Emotional Health) Lab. Attendees were invited to participate in facilitated breakout sessions focused on topics including community support systems, neurobiology and mental health, navigating conflict, and more.
Dr. Jan Collins-Eaglin delivered the keynote address. Dr. Collins-Eaglin is a national organizational effectiveness consultant and coach, and the Senior National Advisor for the Steve Fund. She’s also held positions at Pomona College, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.
Attendees could choose from several breakout sessions including: “Breaking Stigma and Building Community Support Systems,” “Generational Trauma,” “Navigating Conflict and Securing Healthy Relationships,” and “Tales from Ghana, Africa: Story Telling, Resilience, Healing, and Moving Forward.”
Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland, Chancellor of NOCCCD stated, “Today’s summit underscores the District’s commitment to fostering mental health and emotional well-being within our community. It is essential that we provide spaces for open dialogue, healing, and the sharing of experiences, especially for our students. Together, and with the ongoing support of The Steve Fund, we can break stigma and build a stronger, supportive network for all.”
There was music as well as dance performances from Maha Afra & Friends. Dancers first performed a bachata, a cultural dance from the Dominican Republic. Maha Afra, a Department Chair and dance instructor at Cypress College explained, “The bachata has roots in African aesthetic, Spanish and indigenous as well.” A second, modern/contemporary dance, focused on gender identity.
Additional speakers were Dr. Breland, Chancellor of NOCCCD; Dr. Troy Davis, Dean of Counseling & Student Development at Cypress College; Kassy Nguyen, the 2024-2025 Associate Students President of Cypress College; and Dr. Scott D. Thayer, President of Cypress College delivered adjourning remarks.
