Cathy Applefeld Olson, founder of Hollywood and Mind, shares her passionate journey as a mental health advocate, emphasizing the importance of celebrating individual uniqueness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Inspired by her experiences as a mother and a seasoned entertainment journalist, Cathy saw a powerful intersection between mental health and media. Having countless conversations with influential figures in the entertainment industry, she recognized the untapped potential of using media's reach to foster impactful change. Her initiative, Hollywood and Mind, serves as a central hub connecting mental health efforts across sectors, fostering collaborations that elevate awareness and action.
Driven by a deep desire to address the global mental health crisis, Cathy launched her Forbes column, "Mind Reading," where she interviews artists, athletes, and influential voices about their mental health journeys. From this work emerged Hollywood and Mind, which has grown into a community-centered platform championing mental health conversations and events led by experts and industry stars like Demi Lovato and Marlon Wayans. Cathy is determined to use entertainment's immense influence to inspire meaningful change, amplify mental health stories, and create lasting impact both within and beyond the entertainment industry.
