Ally Hatakeyama

Alexandra (Ally) Hatakeyama is an incoming student at Stanford University. A recent graduate of Los Alamitos High School, she has spent her time leading initiatives centered on youth well-being, mental health access, and student leadership, both on campus and in her community.

Ally’s commitment to psychology and youth empowerment led to a two-year journey to create Making Mindfulness Matter, a pioneering wellness center at a non-profit organization that offers crucial mental health support, resources, and a dedicated wellness space.

In 2021, Ally founded and led the Youth Center’s Leadership Council, uniting students across four districts to design youth-led programs on wellness, leadership, and service. Ally became the first youth in the Youth Center’s 72-year history to be elected to its Board of Directors and received the esteemed Crystal Heart Youth Award in 2023.

At school, Ally launched the Emerging Leaders Club, creating a space for leadership development and peer support networks. She served on the boards of the Asian Culture Club, California Scholarship Federation, Model United Nations, and other student organizations. Her passion for psychology continues to shape her path toward a future in research and youth mental health, with a focus on creating transformative environments centered on mental wellness.