Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ellen Goncharov. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ellen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

You cannot have good physical health without good mental health. We are fueled by things we love and for me I love art and being able to share different ways we can express ourselves either it’s through art, writing, or just simply talking and sharing our experiences through our true self. For me I think art heals and these days everyone needs something to strive and have a passion for, you can be at the peak of any career but when you come home just doodling can fuel your brain and that’s why Light Up Project brings me so much joy and passion.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Light Up is a teenage-run organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health. We’re building a global community dedicated to making a difference! With 2,700+ Instagram followers, 100+ staff and volunteers, and 100+ collaborations, we’ve hosted 10+ in-person events and launched impactful initiatives like our Spotify podcast and chapter programs in Singapore and Florida. From heartfelt card-writing projects for hospitalized kids to connecting youth through creativity and service, we’re inspiring change one step at a time! We want to shine a light on different aspects of mental health and bring attention to them in ways that are not shameful through our departments. We take an interdisciplinary approach to Mental Health. Light Up has five main sections. Column- The Column publishes original articles our members wrote about mental health. Art Up- Art Up creates illustrations to connect to mental health. People can earn hours through our many collaborations. Events- organizes fundraisers, workshops, and other events worldwide. We have hosted events in 5+ countries. Team Social Media- We are here to educate those who need access to resources! We cover essential topics and collaborate to expand our knowledge on different subsections. We also have a podcast team called Light it Up Podcast, we would love any potential guests.

Light Up has partnered with organizations like UCLA Pre-Med Community Club, Color in Dreams (UCSF and UCI hospitals), and Neurodivergent Care to support inclusive and creative approaches to mental health. I’ve spoken at online events hosted by Pink Gap and worked with Fish Hut, reaching over 80,000 youth through mental health and outdoor programming.As the Executive Director of the Light Up Project, I lead one of the largest teen-led mental health organizations focused on destigmatizing mental health through peer support, connection, and education. Since founding the project in 8th grade, I’ve overseen the development of five key departments: The Column: Features student-written articles on a range of mental health topics. Art Up: Creates illustrations that explore emotional wellness and mental health themes. Events Team: Organizes fundraisers, workshops, and events that engage communities worldwide. Podcast Team: Hosts Light It Up, our Spotify podcast raising mental health awareness. Social Media Team: Runs a growing Instagram with 2,700+ followers and strong engagement. Beyond Light Up’s internal work, I’ve led the organization in dozens of partnerships and community collaborations. We’ve worked with over 60 student-led nonprofits on social impact projects, raised awareness through art and writing, and run booths at major youth events like the Speak Out, Stand Up Conference. I’m also deeply involved in healthcare and advocacy. I serve on the UCSF Health Teen Advisory Board and am co-leading a youth mental health summit. I created a Hospital Card Project volunteer program in collaboration with Color in Dreams, distributing over 1,000 handmade and digital cards with artwork and coloring pages to pediatric patients. I’m currently developing a therapeutic coloring book for children to express their emotions. Light Up has partnered with organizations like UCLA Pre-Med Community Club, Color in Dreams (UCSF and UCI hospitals), and Neurodivergent Care to support inclusive and creative approaches to mental health. I’ve spoken at online events hosted by Pink Gap and worked with Fish Hut, reaching over 80,000 youth through mental health and outdoor programming.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

For us collaborating is one of the best ways to not only reach a larger audience but also bring together a message. Especially when you are first getting started it feels like you are doing a lot of work by yourself (when you don’t have a team yet) but with collaborations it brings insight to new topics and credible. Light Up has partnered with organizations like UCLA Pre-Med Community Club, Color in Dreams (UCSF and UCI hospitals), and Neuro-divergent Care to support inclusive and creative approaches to mental health. I’ve spoken at online events hosted by Pink Gap and worked with Fish Hut, their organization reaches over 80,000 youth through mental health and outdoor programming so just working with these amazing people and organizations opens up a lot of doors. I am also a Harvard Global Health Leadership Conference Youth Leader and I was able to share my story there as well wanna give a shout out to Elaine and Lula :)

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

No now does not mean no forever. You can get rejected from anything but find a path that is 100% meant to be yours and will lead you to greater things. Everything that is meant to be will work out! My friend Hunter gave me some amazing advice, “Just realize that life is a rollercoaster it has its ups and downs. Although right now might feel like a down, an up is coming soon. This is all just a part of a bigger picture.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lightuproject.weebly.com/
• Instagram: @ellengoncharov, @light.upproject
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-goncharov-82744533b