Aidan Park Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerAidan Park

Master Storyteller | Humour Strategist | Mental Health Advocate | Bestselling Author | Award-Winning Comedian

Aidan Park is the Founder and CEO of The YAY! Foundation, a nonprofit organization that uses humor and storytelling as tools for mental health advocacy, communication, and community engagement. Since its founding in 2022, The YAY! Foundation has delivered over 40 programs across the globe, serving a wide range of... Read more

Biography

Aidan Park is the Founder and CEO of The YAY! Foundation, a nonprofit organization that uses humor and storytelling as tools for mental health advocacy, communication, and community engagement. Since its founding in 2022, The YAY! Foundation has delivered over 40 programs across the globe, serving a wide range of communities—including long-term HIV care survivors, veterans, young widows, individuals in recovery, high school students, and mental health professionals.

Aidan is a bestselling author and internationally touring comedian with two comedy specials featured on NBC Peacock and Hulu. Known for integrating personal storytelling with mental health advocacy, his work has been featured on NBC’s Peacock, Amazon Prime, PBS, CBS, Hulu, and Comedy Central. He was named by The LA Times as one of the top comedians to watch.

Aidan’s workshops and keynotes combine lived experience with evidence-based strategies—empowering organizations to build trust, reduce stigma, and strengthen emotional resilience through authentic storytelling.

'As a teacher for the last twenty years, I have seen a slow progression toward finally seeing mental and emotional health for what it truly is: the one prerequisite for building a successful, healthy life. For too long in schools we have been doing things in reverse. We ask them to keep meeting goals they haven't set for themselves. I have brought in Aidan to work with my students and change that. By using his own hard-won insights, his unique humor, and a system backed up by research, he's able to guide people right to the heart of the issue in a short period of time. Starting with values as the bedrock, he's able to challenge and inspire the kids to take control and build a realistic plan for the life they want. Not just a dream, but a plan based on what they want. I am very excited he is rolling out his methods in a book and website, because this sort of program must eventually take its rightful place beside reading, writing and arithmetic.' Jordan Winer, English and Drama Teacher Berkeley High School since '98 to present
'As a course observer, I was stunned by the connection he instantly made with the participants, and how easily he was able to transform the life lessons he brings to his comedy into learning opportunities which brought about real growth and revelation for the individuals in his class. His fun and easy manner, and his obvious comfort with the platform of online presenting, made the course relevant, riveting, and timely, as he navigated the difficult waters many of us are facing right now, while bringing in fun and factual materials that helped engage the participants.' Justine Jimenez, Cradle to Career initiative
'Aidan Park is an inspiring speaker who shares his message with authenticity, honesty and humor. His workshop titled "The Art of Being Yay" was well received at Camp Widow Los Angeles, leaving the widowed people who attended uplifted, inspired and laughing as they walked out the door. Aidan has a gift for making real life seem not only bearable, but hilarious.' Michele Neff Hernandez, Founder and Executive Director, Soaring Spirits International
"The YAY! Foundation’s workshops notably increased our staff’s well-being, engagement, satisfaction, and morale — and their keynote presentations left our team eager for more. Their use of humor and storytelling to create a secure, inspiring space is extraordinary." CEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Orange Couny
"Aidan created and delivered 'Emotional Wellness During Adverse Times' for my peers at NAMI Orange County. The training provided the participants a wonderful roadmap for joyful living that felt actionable and sustainable. It dove deep into emotional topics in a fun, safe and digestible way! The training was specialized, unique and impactful. Delivered with humor, the program also felt fun and was well received by my staff members." Director of Peer Services, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Orange County
"Aidan Park’s YAY! to the Veterans program created immediate and profound impact by empowering community leaders to share their mental health journeys through humor. His hands-on coaching built a sustainable support network that continues long after the event — a true model for lasting community change." Board President, NAMI Greater Wheeling
"Aidan’s 8 Days of YAY! program he created for our Special Olympics athletes was brilliantly designed, gamifying wellness education with humor and wisdom. He not only educated but also mentored athletes to share their stories and empower others." Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships, Special Olympics of Southern California
"Aidan’s inspiring story and unique use of comedy and storytelling fostered meaningful dialogues and a strong sense of community among participants at our Stronger Communities Conference. His impact on mental health awareness was profound." Board Member, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
"The program really helped students become better performers and increased their interpersonal skills and confidence. Afterward, they communicated more clearly and more freely." Founder and Executive Director, Jefferson Arts Center
"By using humor, research-backed strategies, and personal insight, Aidan challenges and inspires students to take control of their futures. His approach deserves a place alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic." English and Drama Teacher, Berkeley High School
"Aidan created instant connection with participants and skillfully transformed life lessons into real growth and revelations. His sessions were relevant, riveting, and timely." Cradle to Career Initiative, West Sacramento, CA
"Aidan Park shares his message with authenticity, honesty, and humor. His workshop left our widowed community uplifted, inspired, and laughing as they walked out the door." Founder and Executive Director, Soaring Spirits
"Aidan’s guidance helped me change my life by aligning my actions with my true values. His session showed me that achieving happiness and personal growth is possible with authenticity and persistence. I would recommend Aidan’s sessions to any company." Donor Stewardship Manager, LA LGBT Center

Popular Talks by Aidan Park

  • Turning Personal Challenges into Professional Superpowers

    Transform adversity into authenticity, relatability, and leadership excellence.

  • Mastering Storytelling and Humor to Drive Sales and Leadership

    Learn how to build trust, connect emotionally, and inspire action through concise, compelling storytelling.

  • The Art of Connection

    How Humor and Personal Narrative Strengthen Teams and Workplace Culture.

  • Building Mental and Emotional Resilience through Authentic Communication

    Equip teams with tools to express vulnerability, foster connection, and build resilience.