Key organizers

  • Tim’m T. West is an educator, researcher, writer, and movement leader with more than twenty-five years of experience advancing youth leadership development, civic engagement, and social justice education. As Executive Director of the Rustin Institute for Leadership Development (formally the LGBTQ+ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights), he founded the National Youth Advocacy Corps, the Georgia Youth Advocacy Fellowship, and YOU(th) Belong—innovative programs that equip LGBTQ+ young people with the tools to lead, organize, research, and advocate for change. His work centers intergenerational leadership, helping youth and adults build stronger movements through mentorship, political education, and community care.

    West has also taught at institutions including Stanford University, Humboldt State University, Houston Community College, and Oakland School for the Arts, where his courses explored race, gender, sexuality, philosophy, literature, hip hop, and critical thinking. Across both higher education and nonprofit settings, he is known for creating transformative learning spaces that invite students to connect scholarship with lived experience and public action. His research and writing examine masculinity, Black queer identity, HIV/AIDS, educational equity, and the power of culture and language in movements for justice.

    A widely published author and scholar, West’s work has appeared in books, journals, and anthologies, and he is the author of multiple poetry collections and memoirs. He is also a nationally recognized speaker and facilitator who has delivered lectures, trainings, and keynote addresses at universities, nonprofits, and conferences across the country. Through every facet of his work, Tim’m remains committed to nurturing courageous, compassionate leaders who can imagine and build a more just future.

  • Marcel W. Foster, MPH (they/them), is the Research & Evaluation Associate at NYU Steinhardt. They also serve as adjunct faculty with the Center for Arts in Medicine at University of Florida, and are the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Performance Hypothesis.

    They evaluate health initiatives for clients including the US Agency for International Development, Ministry of Health – Sierra Leone, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. Currently, they lead evaluation initiatives for vaccine confidence programmes, Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, and Dance for Parkinson’s.

    Marcel is an Emory University 40 Under 40, and serves as the Co-Chair for Arts, Culture, and Museums at the American Evaluation Association. Marcel brings over 10 years of experience as a dance-theatre creator and performer, working  with the Guthrie Theater, Pig Iron Theater, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Pasion y Arte Flamenco, Susan Rethorst, and David Gordon.

Join the LGBTQ+ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Performance Hypothesis, LLC for an inspiring conversation exploring how the arts can serve as a bridge between health, healing, and human rights across generations and across borders. Bringing together international leaders, researchers, clinicians, artists, and young advocates, this dialogue will examine how creativity and cultural expression can advance wellbeing, strengthen communities, and confront inequities.

Featuring reflections from Chansey Paech,  (Australia Parliament)Dr. Courtney Ryder (Injury Epidemiologist), Dr. James Smith  (Health Equity Researcher), Dr. Jaqui Hughes (Leading Renal Care Nephrologist), Dr. Christophe Jackson  (Clinician, Researcher, & Pianist), and fellows from the Institute’s National Youth Advocacy Corps, this intergenerational exchange invites participants to consider how art, storytelling, music, and advocacy can help build healthier, more just futures.

  • Dr. Christophe Jackson (he/him) is a clinician, researcher, and musician whose work bridges neuroscience, medicine, and the arts. Trained as both a physician assistant and concert pianist, he holds doctorates in piano performance, biology, and mechanical engineering, as well as a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. His research explores how music shapes cognition, performance, and stress, with a particular interest in the ways artistic expression can advance health, learning, and human flourishing.

    Following postdoctoral training in neuroscience and music at Tulane University, Dr. Jackson has continued to investigate the intersections of brain science, creativity, and wellbeing. He has been recognized as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Fellow, a Ford Foundation Fellowship Program Dissertation Fellow, and a Sphinx Organization SphinxLead Fellow. His scholarship and public engagement reflect a commitment to making complex research accessible and meaningful across generations and communities.

    Clinically, Dr. Jackson works as a physician assistant in neurosurgery, trauma, infectious disease, and urologic surgery, where he draws upon both scientific rigor and deep compassion to improve patient care and expand access to health resources. Outside of medicine, he remains, in his words, “a musician at heart,” performing professionally as a classical and jazz pianist in ways that honor his roots in New Orleans. Whether in the clinic, the laboratory, or at the piano, Dr. Jackson is committed to demonstrating how music, science, and human connection can work together to transform lives.

Tuesday, April 28th 3:30-5pm  (Please arrive at 1pm for Museum Tour)

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW

Atlanta Board Room (Level 1)

Atlanta, GA 30313


Register Here

Healthy Futures: Youth Voices, Arts & Health Advocacy, and the Work Ahead

As part of an afternoon exploring public health disparities affecting Indigenous communities in Australia and how the arts are being leveraged to address these challenges, this special fireside conversation will spotlight four emerging leaders from the National Youth Advocacy Corps whose projects sit at the intersection of arts, health equity, and human rights. Moderated by Tim’m West, Executive Director of the LGBTQ+ Institute and founder of NYAC, the 30–40 minute discussion reflects the Institute’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of justice-minded public health leaders.

In dialogue with the broader mission of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to create space for intersectional conversations, alongside Rustin Fellows, Camryn Carter (Clark Atlanta University), four NYAC students– Dhurv Aggarwal (Charlotte, NC), Lydia Berry (Atlanta, GA), Yash Kini (Virginia), Alex Cooney (Baltimore, MD,)-- will share how their work connects local and global struggles for health justice—from disparities experienced by Indigenous populations in Australia to inequities faced by marginalized communities closer to home as well as arts & health legislation and community development in Atlanta, led by Performance Hypothesis. The conversation will celebrate the power of youth leadership, research, creativity, and advocacy to imagine a healthier and more equitable future.


  • Dhruv Aggarwal (he/him) is a junior at Levine Middle College in Charlotte, NC—a technologist, advocate, and changemaker committed to advancing neurodiversity and equity. As a neurodivergent individual, Dhruv channels his lived experience into designing inclusive spaces and tools that uplift others navigating similar paths. He founded and leads his school’s Autism Charlotte club, partnering with local nonprofits to mentor children on the spectrum—teaching them to ride bikes as a joyful, confidence-building act of independence. A passionate coder, Dhruv is currently developing a tech-based solution to help caregivers help autistic individuals, blending data with empathy to deliver dignified support. His work sits at the intersection of innovation, advocacy, and lived insight. Dhruv’s dedication to justice extends beyond neurodivergence. He volunteers with UNICEF and the Red Cross and teaches coding to underserved youth through Idea Labs. A National Honor Society member and two-time FLL Robotics state finalist, he exemplifies a spirit of leadership rooted in service. Dhruv is eager to join NYAC to amplify neurodivergent voices within broader justice movements. He believes that youth-led, intersectional advocacy is essential to dismantling systemic barriers—and he's ready to help build that future.

  • Lydia Berry (she/her)  is a dedicated student at Midtown High School in Atlanta with a strong passion for environmental science and engineering. As co-vice president of the 21st Century Leaders Club, a community service organization, she helps inspire her peers to lead through service and advocacy. Through the club, she initiated a cheer group to support runners in 5Ks benefiting cancer-related causes. She has also partnered with organizations such as Trees Atlanta, contributing to numerous environmentally focused community service projects. An accomplished cellist, Lydia performs in both school and youth orchestras and has served as section leader in her school ensemble. Her academic drive and intellectual curiosity motivate her to excel in the classroom and pursue new challenges. Whether through music, leadership, or environmental action, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in her community.

  • Camryn Carter (she/her) is a Biology major at Clark Atlanta University on the pre-med track, aspiring to become a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She has gained valuable research experience through cancer-focused studies at both UCLA and Clark Atlanta University, where she has presented her work in academic settings. Camryn is deeply committed to community service, demonstrated through her work as a tutor and caregiver, including supporting children with special needs. She is passionate about health equity and advocates for increased access to quality healthcare in underserved communities. Through her clinical shadowing experiences, she has developed a strong understanding of patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Camryn continues to build her leadership and service profile by engaging in mentorship, outreach, and academic excellence. Her long-term goal is to use medicine as a platform to empower and uplift communities while advancing inclusive healthcare practices.

  • Alex Coon is a sophomore at the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, MD. Alex has a unique perspective growing up in both Baltimore, Maryland and Tucson, Arizona. On face value, these communities seem very different, yet they share a common challenge of lacking access to health education and little understanding of stroke risk factors and the need for immediate care if symptoms occur. Alex has conducted stroke-related research, leveraged his understanding of robotic engineering to understand stroke intervention techniques, and leveraged his Spanish language skills to develop stroke awareness materials targeted at Spanish-speaking and indigenous populations. Alex's goal in participating in NYAC is to engage his peers in his campaign for Stroke awareness education in underserved communities and foster additional community programs in other geographies. At school, Alex serves as an Orange Key Ambassador, a leader on the First Tech Challenge Robotics Team, youth teacher and mentor through the Baltimore Building Bridges program, and a member of the concert band.

  • Yash Kini (he/him) is a sophomore at James Madison High School. He grew up in a deeply musical household, where music wasn’t just something listened to, but something that was lived. He started with piano, moved to drums, and eventually found his home in the euphonium, an instrument that reflects the balance and complexity Yash has always been drawn to. Through music, he became fascinated by how the brain coordinates multiple processes to create something unified and expressive. That curiosity pushed him to think beyond traditional boundaries, leading to founding his own band, Sur2Soul, that blends musical styles across cultures and genres.


    That same mindset shapes everything he does. In Congressional Debate, he competes nationally, exploring how policy influences access to healthcare and education, especially in areas like medical diagnostics and brain health. He has also pursued neuroscience and computer science through research in brain-inspired learning systems, studying how biological principles can inform artificial intelligence. Through these experiences, he sees learning as something dynamic and interconnected.

This event is brought to you with support from Performance Hypothesis.

Performance Hypothesis began when three healthcare leaders in evaluation, systems administration, and statistics wanted to bring research-informed tools to arts initiatives.

What started with a simple survey to capture the impacts of a dance for Parkinson’s class grew into an international consulting initiative at the forefront of providing relevant and robust tools to better understand health outcomes of arts and cultural programs.