Alumni Spotlight: Aly Vredenburgh Author of Out of Focus

Aly Vredenburgh (MA) ‘23 is an emerging leader in youth advocacy, education, and research. With a sociology degree and an M.A. in Social Innovation from the Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego, Aly has dedicated her career to advocating for young people and shaping initiatives for meaningful change. She developed a therapeutic art curriculum for high school students and, as the president of a nonprofit, spearheaded efforts for policy reform. Her research on adolescent mental health has been featured in prominent scientific journals and conferences.

In this alumni spotlight, we sit down with Aly to discuss her book, Out of Focus: Why Gen Z’s Mental Health Crisis is More Complex Than You Think, and explore the intersection of her personal experiences, academic background, and passion for systemic change.

What inspired you to write "Out of Focus?" Was there a specific moment or experience that motivated you to dive into the mental health crisis facing Gen Z?

I wrote Out of Focus because I saw a disconnect between the dominant narratives about mental health and the realities young people face every day. The conversation is often reduced to a crisis of individual resilience rather than a systemic failure. This book was born out of frustration and urgency.

One defining moment came when I worked as a consultant for high school students and saw firsthand how many were struggling, not because they lacked coping skills but because they were navigating institutions and policies that actively harmed them. Whether it was the school system’s punitive approach to mental health, the inaccessibility of proper care, or the economic instability that left students feeling hopeless, it became clear that we were asking Gen Z to survive in conditions that previous generations never had to endure.

The more I researched, the clearer it became that the mental health crisis is a lot more complex than the media has watered it down to. I realized it was far more related to the intersection of economic inequality, social disconnection, environmental instability, and policy failures. Writing Out of Focus was my way of shifting the conversation toward root causes and actionable solutions that any demographic can participate in: including educators, parents, policymakers, and Gen Z.

Can you share some of the most surprising insights or discoveries you made while researching the intersectional systemic barriers contributing to Gen Z's mental health crisis?

One of the most striking findings was that Gen Z’s mental health outcomes are worsening despite increased awareness and advocacy. Rates of adolescent depression and anxiety have risen sharply over the last two decades, even as conversations around mental health have become more open. This suggests that awareness alone is not enough if it is not paired with structural changes.

Another surprising discovery was how much the built environment contributes to mental well-being. We often think of mental health as an individual or familial issue, but research shows that factors like urban design, car dependency, and the decline of community spaces significantly impact loneliness and distress. Gen Z is growing up in environments where third spaces—places outside of home and work where people can gather—are disappearing. This loss of organic community interaction exacerbates social isolation, which is a key predictor of poor mental health outcomes.

Additionally, the influence of economic instability cannot be overstated. Many young people are experiencing a sense of learned helplessness when it comes to their future. Wages have stagnated, homeownership feels unattainable, and higher education is increasingly expensive yet necessary for economic mobility. When young people feel they have no control over their future, it is no surprise that rates of depression are climbing.

How did your time at the Kroc School influence your approach to tackling complex social issues like mental health? Were there any specific courses or experiences that shaped your thinking?

The Kroc School reinforced the importance of systems thinking and interdisciplinary solutions. Social issues do not exist in silos, and the mental health crisis is no exception. My studies taught me that real change happens at the intersection of policy, community-driven solutions, and systemic reform.

One of the most impactful experiences was engaging with the concept of human-centered design. Traditional approaches to social change often focus on top-down solutions, but the Kroc School emphasized co-creating with the communities most affected by an issue. This has been a guiding principle in my work, ensuring that young people are not just subjects of research but active participants in shaping solutions.

What do you think is the most important step society can take to address the mental health challenges facing Gen Z?

The most immediate and impactful step is shifting from an individualistic approach to mental health toward a structural one. Right now, the dominant message is that young people need to build better coping skills, practice mindfulness, and seek therapy. While these are valuable tools, they are not sufficient if the conditions that create distress remain unchanged.

We need policies that address the root causes of the crisis. This includes expanding access to mental health care, implementing universal basic income and universal basic health coverage, reducing academic and workplace burnout, and investing in community spaces that foster connection.

Additionally, schools must be transformed into environments that support mental well-being rather than exacerbate stress. This means integrating mental health services into school systems, training educators in trauma-informed practices, and shifting away from punitive discipline models that criminalize struggling students.

Finally, we need to challenge the cultural narratives that normalize overwork, financial precarity, and social isolation. A mentally healthy society is one where people have access to stability, connection, and meaning in their lives.

Looking back at your time at the Kroc School, are there any key moments or lessons that continue to influence your work today?

One of the biggest takeaways from my time at the Kroc School was the importance of framing issues in a way that builds coalitions rather than division. The mental health crisis affects people across ideological and socioeconomic lines, and addressing it requires bringing together unlikely allies.

Another key lesson was the power of storytelling in advocacy. Research and data are crucial, but people connect with narratives. My time at the Kroc School reinforced that effective changemaking is often achieved through crafting compelling stories that shift public perception and influence policy.

I also learned the value of resilience. Social change work is often slow, frustrating, and full of setbacks. The Kroc School instilled in me the understanding that progress is incremental and that long-term commitment is necessary to create meaningful change.

What advice would you give to current students at the Kroc School who are interested in addressing social issues through writing or advocacy?

I have four points of advice. First, do not wait for permission to start. The most impactful work often happens outside of traditional institutions. Whether you are writing a book, launching a project, or advocating for policy change, start where you are with the tools you have. Second, prioritize listening. The best advocacy work comes from deeply understanding the needs of the communities you aim to serve. Spend time listening before proposing solutions. Third, embrace complexity. Social issues are rarely black and white, and the most effective solutions are often those that navigate nuance rather than simplify reality. Finally, do not underestimate the importance of persistence. Meaningful change takes time, and setbacks are inevitable. The people who make a lasting impact are those who keep going despite challenges.

Out of Focus provides a critical look at the challenges facing Generation Z and offers practical solutions for creating a healthier future by addressing intersecting areas of our society including, public policy, economic structures, healthcare access, employment, education, and parenting. If you’re ready to understand this mental health crisis in greater depth and explore ways to be part of the solution while supporting one of our very own Kroc School alumni, check out Aly's book here.