John Behzad is a second-year student at Diablo Valley College, where he encourages campus wellness initiatives and promotes TimelyCare, the college’s free virtual therapy service. He will transfer to the University of California, Davis, to complete his Bachelor’s in Psychology.
Born and raised in Vietnam, John has firsthand experience working in stigmatized communities. He has led sexual health and mental health awareness campaigns for underprivileged youth, many of whom are survivors of child sexual abuse, and partnered with university professors to develop programs that empower students to prioritize their well-being back in Vietnam. At Diablo Valley College, he serves in multiple clubs, advocating for expanded resources and peer support networks.
As a two-year member of California’s largest community college honor society, Alpha Gamma Sigma, John has represented his peers at statewide conventions, speaking on behalf of mental health initiatives. Bilingual in English and Vietnamese, he’s passionate about connecting with AANHPI students through shared language and cultural understanding. Outside of academics, John competes on DVC’s Speech & Debate team and volunteers with the Pleasant Hill and Concord libraries, White Pony Express, Downtown Walnut Creek initiatives, Tutoring Chicago, the Berkeley Project, and more.