Mental Health, Innovation, Normalization and Destigmatization Symposium
Join us as we explore innovations in mental health support and advance the mission of improving well-being.
Friday, September 25, 2026 Doral InterContinental Hotel, Miami, FL
Connect with MINDS to Advance Mental Health Innovation and Community Impact
MINDS brings together clinicians, researchers, advocates and community leaders to explore forward-thinking approaches to mental healthcare. Grounded in integrated, person-centered models, the symposium highlights the importance of collaboration, early intervention, resilience and culturally responsive strategies that reflect the lived experiences of communities.
Through engaging discussions, educational programming and opportunities for meaningful connection, MINDS serves as a platform to advance awareness, reduce stigma and strengthen regional support networks across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
MINDS is made possible thanks to the support of Miami businessman and philanthropist Jonathan Leyva, whose dedication to advancing mental health and well-being in South Florida helps bring this symposium to the community.
Jonathan Leyva, MBA
Donor, Business Executive, Investor and Community Leader
Jonathan Leyva is a business executive, investor, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries. He serves on the board of CE North America, LLC, where he oversees finance for a multinational manufacturer and distributor of household appliances and electronics. An active civic volunteer, Leyva serves on the Belen Jesuit Preparatory School Advisory Board and the FIU Foundation Athletics Subcommittee.
In recognition of his philanthropic leadership, he was named the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Miami-Dade Man of the Year in 2021. He is also a dedicated supporter of educational, faith-based and community initiatives throughout South Florida.
MINDS Agenda and Presenters
Chris and Martha Thomas
Keynote Speakers
Chris and Martha Thomas are the co-founders of The Defensive Line, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing youth suicide and strengthening mental health awareness. After the loss of their daughter, Ella, they transformed their grief into a mission of hope, creating programs that equip young people, families, educators, and communities with lifesaving support and resources.
Martha, a lifelong educator, and Chris, a former corporate executive and national advocate, bring both professional expertise and personal experience to their work. Together, they have inspired audiences across the country with a message of resilience, connection, and the belief that healing can help others find hope.
“Mental illness should never be met with shame. It should be met with compassion, understanding and the courage to seek help. When we let go of stigma, we open the door to healing, and moving forward with innovation and treatment becomes not a sign of weakness, but a powerful act of hope.”
Patricia Junquera, M.D.
Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
Sponsorship
By sponsoring MINDS, you will directly contribute to advancing mental health advocacy and decreasing stigma, strengthening community engagement, and empowering participants to become advocates for mental well-being throughout South Florida.
Invitation for Abstract Submissions
Attendees of the symposium are invited to submit an abstract for a poster presentation. Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words. Please note that references and figures, which are typically included in full poster presentations, should not be included in the abstract.
All submissions will be reviewed by the review committee to evaluate their quality and relevance. Accepted posters will be displayed on-site during the conference.
View poster and abstract guidelinesHotel Accommodations
InterContinental at Doral Miami by IHG
2505 NW 87th Ave Doral, FL 33172
Rate: $209 single occupancy, plus 13% tax
Parking: $6 per day (subject to change)
These rates are available one day before and one day after the official symposium dates, based on availability.
All sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers are responsible for making their own hotel reservations. Additional hotel information and booking details are available through the symposium accommodations link.
Accommodations
Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at 305-348-2785 or accommodations@fiu.edu.