Welcome to the World Federation for Mental Health

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WFMH Board Candidates for Election

2025-2027

Sujata Tiwari

Country: Singapore
Region: Asia Pacific
Nominator: Self

Candidate 1000 word statement

As a dedicated mental health advocate, educator, and global leader, I am honoured to apply for the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) Board. With over a decade of advocacy, my journey—detailed in Against All Odds: No Retakes, No Manuals, Real Life Lessons—equips me with a unique perspective to advance WFMH’s mission of global mental health equity.

Relevant Experience and Perspective
My work spans mental health education, community outreach, and policy advocacy. As the current Mental Wellbeing Chair for the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC), I lead initiatives to promote workplace mental health and reduce stigma, engaging diverse stakeholders. My keynote speeches across Asia, North America, and the Caribbean, featured on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/sujata-tiwari), and my podcast inspire resilience, earning me the Humanitarian & Social Impact Leadership Award 2025 and an Honorary Doctorate (Dr. HC) for Coaching in Life Transformation. Certifications in Mental Wellness Coaching, Criminology, and Behavioural Psychology inform my workshops, such as the 2024 BPW Congress session on Diversity and Inclusion, attended by 17 participants. As Vice President of my Rotary Club, I drive community service, including mental health awareness campaigns. My roles as Training Coordinator for BPW North America and Caribbean (NAC), member of BPW St. Kitts Training and Development Committee, and Committee Member for Development Training and Employment, BPW International (BPWI), foster inclusive leadership training. My lived experience overcoming gender bias, discrimination, bullying, and stigma as a mother of sexual assault survivor who fought for justice for 6 years shapes my empathetic, inclusive approach.

Motivation for Serving on the WFMH Board
WFMH’s commitment to mental health equity resonates deeply with me. As a Life member, I admire its global advocacy for policy change and community support. Serving on the Board would enable me to amplify marginalized voices, particularly those with lived experience, and drive initiatives to enhance access to mental health care. My cross-cultural perspective aligns with WFMH’s vision for equitable solutions.

Organizations and Boards Represented

  • WFMH: Life member since.
  • SICC: Mental Wellbeing Chair, leading mental health programs.
  • Rotary Club: Vice President, promoting community mental health initiatives and speaker series on leadership.
  • BPW St. Kitts: Training and Development Committee member,
  • BPWI: Committee Member, Development Training and Employment,
  • BPW NAC: Training Coordinator, designing leadership webinars.
    No prior WFMH Board service, but my SICC, Rotary, and BPW roles demonstrate board-level impact.

Current WFMH Membership
I am a Life member of WFMH, reflecting my ongoing commitment.

Areas of Contribution
I aim to contribute in three areas:

  • Mental Health Education and Awareness: Develop global webinars and workshops, leveraging BPW training expertise and certifications to educate communities.
  • Community Engagement and Outreach: Build NGO partnerships, using SICC and Rotary networks to expand WFMH’s reach.
  • Policy Development and Advocacy: Shape inclusive mental health policies, drawing on board-level advisory experience.

Self-Identification
I identify as:

  • Mental health advocate: Leading education and stigma reduction.
  • Educator: Designing training for diverse audiences.
  • Person with lived experience: Overcoming mental health challenges, as shared in Against All Odds.
  • Life mentor and consultant: Supporting mental wellness.

Specific Skills

  • Strategic Planning: Led SICC and BPW initiatives with measurable engagement.
  • Communication: Delivered global keynote speeches, with LinkedIn testimonials.
  • Collaboration: Built cross-cultural partnerships via BPW, SICC, and Rotary.
  • Policy Advocacy: Advised on ethical practices, shaping organizational policies.
  • Digital Engagement: Hosted podcasts and webinars for outreach.

Meeting Availability
I am fully available for Board meetings at designated sites, conference calls, and email communication, with no anticipated barriers to participation.

Conclusion
My lived experience, advocacy expertise, and leadership roles make me a strong candidate to advance WFMH’s mission. I am eager to contribute my skills to create a world where mental health is prioritized, drawing on my resilience and passion.

Candidate additional statement if provided

With lived experience of overcoming formidable challenges, including gender bias, discrimination, bullying, ostracism, and stigma against sexual assault victims, I've walked the darkest paths and emerged stronger. My personal journey, chronicled in my book, has equipped me with empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of the human experience. As everyone's 2am-4am friend, I've built a global community where nobody feels alone. I'm passionate about leveraging my expertise to amplify the voices of those affected by mental health issues, advocating for inclusivity, and fostering a culture of compassion and support. I'm committed to bringing this lived experience perspective to the WFMH Board, ensuring that our initiatives are informed by the needs of those we serve. My unique blend of personal experience, global outreach, and advocacy expertise makes me an ideal candidate to drive meaningful change within WFMH.

Candidate CV

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