Men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide than women, yet they are less likely to seek mental health support. This webinar will explore unique approaches to raise awareness and encourage open conversation through film, community building, and peer support.
Panelists will discuss social pressures and cultural expectations that create barriers to talking about mental health, and how they are working to create change. The webinar will also explore challenges facing young men today, why suicide risk is increasing among communities of color, and practical strategies for supporting men and boys who are struggling.
Through community and connection, we can create spaces where seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness. Funding for this webinar is provided by a grant received from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
David Andrade
David Andrade, MSW, a Boston native from Jamaica Plain, is a proud graduate of Bunker Hill Community College, Lesley University, and Boston University. He currently serves as the Residence Hall Director for Rich Hall at Boston University and is a Mentor for The Posse Foundation, an organization that identifies and supports students with exceptional leadership potential through full-tuition scholarships and mentorship.
David’s passions extend to social justice, community building, and mental health advocacy. These areas drive his professional and personal mission to create meaningful change. As a Boston University Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health (CISWH) Fellow, he actively participates in a medical brigade that serves in Nicaragua, assisting Dr. Luz Lopez in facilitating lectures on intimate partner violence and the trauma of forced migration.
He is also the founder of BU’s Domino Club, now in its fourth year, which has become a cornerstone of inclusivity and belonging on campus. Outside of work, David enjoys card games, anime, fitness, and basketball. David strives to embody a commitment to leadership, learning, and building vibrant, inclusive communities.
Jake Miskin
Screenwriter & Producer, Shattered Ice
Anthony Thompson
Founder, Follow Suit
Moderated by: Steven Karaiskos
Founder, Elpis Consulting
Steven Karaiskos, Ph.D., is an educator, emotion scientist, and expert in grief and loss to suicide. He is also a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention, with over 25 years of experience across K–12 and higher education. A suicide loss survivor, his work is grounded in one core belief: that healing, learning, belonging, and thriving begin with relationships.
As the founder of Elpis Consulting, Coaching, and Community Building, Steven partners with schools, organizations, and communities to design restorative, inclusive systems that support well-being and connection. He co-developed the SEL Roadmap with SeaChange Mentoring, providing international schools with a culturally responsive and developmentally grounded framework for social-emotional learning. He also teaches psychology at Lesley University’s Early College program, which empowers students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Steven previously served as Senior Director of Community Education & Outreach at Samaritans, Inc., where he redeveloped school training across Massachusetts, led a team of trainers, and expanded community partnerships. He now serves as Director of Programming at The Kita Center, home to Camp Kita, and leads peer support groups for young people navigating suicide loss. Steven regularly presents at national conferences and retreats, most recently at the NACG Symposium, LOSS Conference, the American Association of Suicidology Conference, the Long-Term Loss Survivors of Suicide Conference (AFSP), and the Being With Grief Retreat (CHiME)
Jake Miskin is an American screenwriter & producer, born and raised in Needham, Massachusetts. Jake graduated from Needham High School and he went on & played collegiate soccer at Springfield College. Jake graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. He is the founder of Nehoiden Street Films and independent film company based in Boston, MA.