FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- Members of the student run nonprofit Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment, or AACE, recently attended the 7^th Tommy Bohanon Foundation Man UP Seminar, spreading a message to local high schoolers about mental health and well-being.

AACE Board Chair Juan Lopez, Founder and President Noah Moon, Secretary Gilliane Fort Cannock and Ambassador Joslyne De La Nuez took part in the Jan. 27 event held at The Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers.

Lopez, a former Division I college athlete, talked about his personal story as he struggled with mental health issues growing up as a tennis prodigy. He discussed that it wasn't until he was 19, struggling with his game and just struggling to be happy, that he opened up to his coach and teammates about how he was feeling.

It was then that others on the team expressed similar sentiments and Lopez realized that his was an issue that affected many student-athletes. Lopez sought help and learned coping strategies for his game as well as his life in general.

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Now, AACE takes its mentorship program to organizations across Southwest Florida, using sports, leadership, consistency and service to help young people grow – not just on the field, but in life.

They help implement a supportive space where young people of all backgrounds build self-esteem, resilience and positive relationships through mentorship and guidance from student-athletes.

AACE creates intentional opportunities for young people to connect and grow through one-on-one mentorship, group conversations and community partnerships.

This isn't one-size-fits-all – it's personal, real and rooted in trust. By opening doors and sharing stories, AACE helps students discover what's possible and what success looks like for them.

AACE is actively seeking partnerships with elementary and middle schools, afterschool programs and organizations in need of youth mentorship. To find out more about the opportunities to bring their program to your organization, please visit AACEToEmpower.org/Contact.

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About AACE

Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment, or AACE, was founded in 2025. The student-led nonprofit helps middle and high school students grow through mentorship, movement and meaningful connection. The organization works to develop confident, resilient students by combining the power of sports with real life guidance. Through inclusive, relationship-driven programming, strong partnerships and community support, AACE helps every student feel seen, heard and empowered to thrive in school and in life. For more information about AACE, please visit aacetoempower.org.