Alejandra Wells, founder of Hiya (goshophiya.com), has been selected to present at the 2026 iCAN Summit, hosted by the International Children’s Advisory Network (iCAN), an international nonprofit that empowers youth to share their voices in healthcare, research, and innovation. The 2026 summit is scheduled for July 12–17, and iCAN brings together youth, families, and professionals from around the world, with the location rotating between U.S. and European chapter sites.
Hiya is a youth-led brand and movement centered on teen mental health awareness, belonging, and suicide prevention through creativity, connection, and community care. What began as a jewelry brand has grown into a platform that uses wearable reminders, storytelling, and youth engagement to help teens feel seen, supported, and less alone.
“This is a chance for me, a young girl from Nebraska, to stand on an international stage and share a message that matters, that teen mental health deserves attention, compassion, and action,” Alejandra Wells said. “For me, it’s not just representing Hiya, but representing youth voice in the mental health space and the power of turning pain into purpose.”
As Wells prepares for the opportunity, Hiya is now seeking sponsorships and community support to help cover travel and participation costs associated with getting her to Ireland for the summit.
Businesses, organizations, and individual supporters interested in helping can sponsor Wells’ trip by emailing info@goshophiya.com or making a direct contribution online at Hiya’s donation page: goshophiya.com/products/dp-donation.