Next Generation Collective launches mental health initiative for young entertainment talent

Mixed · 2Next Generation Collective, an initiative to help young people in entertainment, music and the creator economy navigate growing up in the public eye, launched on Tuesday 6 October 2026 at Hollywood & Mind's inaugural summit in New York City. 1 2 Mixed · 2It was founded by Lilah Kojoori, a longtime children's entertainment communications executive with more than 20 years' experience working with young performers and their families. 1 2 Left · 1The Hollywood Reporter adds that Kojoori spent 20 years at Nickelodeon and Paramount+ kids and family, working with stars including Ariana Grande, Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy and Keke Palmer. 2

Mixed · 2The Collective is designed for young people, families and the professionals who support them, and is meant to combine clinical mental health expertise, industry leadership and lived experience to offer guidance on mental health, boundaries, pressure and the realities of working on set, performing and creating content. It will also be a resource for studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms. 1 2 Mixed · 2Its founding advisory board includes Angel Carter Conrad, Logan Henderson, Isabela Merced, Kel Mitchell, Soleil Moon Frye, Carmela Wallace (mother of Juice WRLD and founder of Live Free 999), Hudson Yang, Breanna Yde and Artists for Artists, with more members to be announced; The Hollywood Reporter also lists producer John Ryan Jr., who does not appear in Deadline's list. 1 2 Mixed · 2The Kids Mental Health Foundation will provide clinical guidance to align the Collective's work with evidence-informed educational resources; Hollywood & Mind, founded by journalist Cathy Applefeld Olson, will connect it with talent, executives, advocates and wellness professionals and partner on programming. 1 2

Mixed · 2Kojoori said young people in entertainment "deserve real support along the way", while Dr Ariana Hoet of the foundation, a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital, praised the Collective for beginning by learning from the community it wants to support. 1 2 Mixed · 2Starting in 2027, the Collective will work with its advisory board and partners to develop resources, education and support; further programming and partnerships are to be announced in the coming months. 1 2