ELA Alumna of the Month – November 2024
Meet our newest ELA Alumna of the Month, Aria Axarli from Greece!
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Aria moved to Denmark to pursue a master’s in global health. She is passionate about making an impact in the field of mental health and helping to address global mental health equity.
Read about how her journey with ELA shaped her path and inspired her to embrace new aspirations:
Which aspects of the European Leadership Academy made your time with us such a life-changing experience for you?
Participating in the European Leadership Academy was a pivotal moment of inspiration in my journey of personal growth. It was my first time engaging with a diverse group of young women, each using their talents in unique ways but united by a passion for equality and inclusivity in their fields.
How did the ELA programme you attended impact your personal growth? What’s a moment or sentence that you will never forget?
My Winter School experience inspired me to pursue global mental health and health policy, a path I hadn’t considered before. It motivated me to advocate for social and gender equity and contribute to equitable policy. Berta Herrero's inspiring words on using our power for the common good have always stayed with me.
Did the programme influence your plans? Did it bring you closer to your goals and/or help you take a different path?
The European Leadership Academy broadened my horizons and instilled in me a passion for global mental health policy and advocacy, focusing on the social determinants of mental illness. This led me to pursue an interdisciplinary MSc in global health and set me on a new path to make meaningful impact in my field.
What steps have you taken in your life and career since completing the programme?
I have graduated with a BSc in psychology and moved to Denmark to pursue an MSc in global health. I have worked with and volunteered in NGOs in the field of mental health and am now working in transcultural psychology research, furthering my commitment to addressing global mental health equity.
What have you achieved in the past few years that you are you most proud of?
My admission into the University of Copenhagen and my decision to move to a new country to pursue a new and exciting field is an achievement I’m truly proud of. Facing new challenges revealed strengths and passions I hadn’t known, making me confident and ready to embrace risks and explore new paths.
Knowing what you know now – what would you wish to have done differently?
I am a firm believer in the transformative power of all experiences, positive or negative. My journey so far has included moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, yet I wouldn’t change a thing. Each challenge has shaped who I am and brought me to where I stand today. I am excited to see what the future holds.
How did the programme shape your view of society and the changes that digital technology can bring?
The programme deepened my understanding of digital technology's transformative role in mental health promotion. I now aim to explore digital mental health solutions to support the well-being of underserved and marginalised groups and address their unique challenges in more equitable ways.
What is your vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future and how do you aim to contribute to it?
I envision a future where mental well-being is prioritised in global agendas, especially in times of humanitarian and environmental crises. Achieving inclusivity and sustainability means addressing social determinants of mental health, like socioeconomic inequality, which I am committed to addressing.
What advice would you give the many women out there wishing to make a difference?
Believe in the power of your unique journey. Embrace challenges, even those that bring you uncertainty, as they will reveal your inner strength and resilience. Focus on pursuing what resonates most with you, and when in doubt, just know that every step you take can contribute to meaningful change.
Lastly, please share the name of one song / book / movie that inspires you. The ELA community is always eager to broaden the sources of imagination and creativity!
The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck. The book is about confronting life’s inevitable challenges, growing through hardships, and attaining deeper self-knowledge. It is a challenging and oftentimes uncomfortable read, but ultimately an inspiring journey toward personal growth.
