Coalition to Empower our Future Hosts Crucial Youth Mental Health Roundtable in Miami
- Oct 5, 2025
- 2 min read
This fall, Miami will host an important community conversation on one of the most pressing issues of our time: youth mental health. On Wednesday, October 8, the Coalition to Empower our Future (CEF) will convene a high-level roundtable at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, bringing together national experts, local advocates and regional leaders for a frank discussion about the challenges facing young people and the solutions needed to support them.
Moderated by former U.S. Congressman Carlos Curbelo, a CEF board member, alongside CEF Executive Director Glen Weiner, the event aims to shed light on the complex drivers behind declining mental health in youth — from access to care, to family pressures, to the impact of technology — and to emphasize that no single solution will suffice.
A Timely Conversation
The roundtable comes just two days before World Mental Health Day on October 10, adding urgency and relevance to the dialogue. Recent CEF research shows that 80% of Florida voters and parents believe youth mental health requires a multi-layered response, not one-size-fits-all approaches, while nearly seven in ten say young people have difficulty accessing support. These insights frame the need for gatherings like this, where diverse voices can exchange ideas and spark collaboration.
Who Will Be At The Table
Participants include respected figures from across the spectrum of youth services, mental health care and education. Confirmed speakers and panelists include:
Nicole Owings-Fonner, American Academy of Pediatrics National Center on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos for Kids
Debra Albo-Steiger, CEO of the Children’s Bereavement Center
Carson Domey, Executive Director of the Coalition for Student Wellbeing
Dr. Howard Pratt, Behavioral Health Medical Director at Community Health of South Florida
Marni Stahlman, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Central Florida
Rhea Lee, Executive Director of Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Office of Mental Health Services
Together with Congressman Curbelo and Glen Weiner, these leaders will address the root causes and ripple effects of the crisis — and highlight programs and initiatives that are working to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Event Details
The roundtable takes place at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Plaza Ballroom (3300 SW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33133). Media availability with Congressman Curbelo and Glen Weiner begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by the main event from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required by 8:00 a.m. on October 8 at press@empowerourfuturecoalition.com.
About the Coalition
The Coalition to Empower our Future brings together a wide range of voices to help inform comprehensive, inclusive solutions that empower youth, families, and communities. Led by a board that includes former Montana Governor Steve Bullock, former U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo, and former HHS official January Contreras, along with clinical advisor Dr. Caroline Carney, the coalition is committed to advancing strategies that reflect the full spectrum of factors shaping youth well-being.
For more information, visit empowerourfuturecoalition.com or follow CEF on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.