Raquel has over 15 years’ experience in public participation processes, strategic planning, meeting facilitation and conflict resolution processes. and collaborative technology. Previously the Deputy Director for the National Institute for Civil Discourse at The University of Arizona, she provided strategic planning guidance and operational support to the organization. She also managed the organization’s public initiatives, including the Revive Civility campaign and spearheaded development of Text, Talk, Act, resulting in over 125,000 participants engaging in text-based, small group discussions on issues facing the nation.

She also previously worked at the Udall Foundation’s U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, where she provided mediation services, integrated collaborative technologies into conflict resolution processes and conducted training for conflict resolution practitioners.

Raquel holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Maine and a Bachelor of Social Sciences from Unity College.

Laura has always felt called to work with children, and a bit later in life finally pursued a degree in Elementary Education.  Laura taught 8th grade Language Arts and Science and enjoyed the relationships she was able to develop with her students.  While teaching, Laura became aware that children today struggle with mental health issues and do not have a lot of resources at their fingertips.  After having three children of her own, Laura stepped back from the classroom, but was still seeking a way to interact with today’s youth.  Text, Talk, Act gave her an opportunity to start working with youth again, but also aid in helping young people navigate and cope with their stressors and mental illnesses through our program.

With more than 20 years of development and communications experience in the nonprofit field, Liz considers herself an advocate for both youth and mental health. She believes in the power of social media to connect people to ideas, information, and each other. Utilizing her vast experience, Liz strives to promote ideas for self-care and positive mental health via Text, Talk, Act’s various social media platforms.

Director of Development, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech

Jamal is a highly-regarded leader, speaker, and teacher in the field of prevention and mental health. Why? Because he loves to help people. His heart lies especially in helping youth, and those who work with youth, bring out their best. His dynamic personality, skills, expertise, in addition to his singing/theatrical talents, positivity effectively engages and motivates others. Jamal completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology and minored in criminal justice at the University of Arizona. He earned his Masters in Educational Leadership in Human Affairs at Northern Arizona University. He is a certified trainer (including “train the trainers” certificates) in numerous evidence-based programs including prevention of substance abuse, suicide, and wellness promotion.

Zion Givens is a 20-year-old student of life with a bigger-than-life personality, positive attitude, and approachability. His upbeat, but empathetic presentation- and facilitation style makes sessions with him feel more like an intimate concert rather than a school lecture. Zion has held various leadership positions as communicator, educator and promoter. He was a facilitator and presenter for an organization in Tucson, AZ called El Rio R.H.A.P (Reproductive Health Access Project) for teens, and currently hosts his own weekly shows, Takeover Lounge and Up to It Show. He is an entrepreneur and the CEO of his own media production company, Takeover Media, that promotes local talent and creatives on state, regional, national, and global platforms. 

After a 22-year career managing large health insurance programs, including building wellness and behavioral health benefits, Lori decided to change the direction of her time, energy and talents and is obtaining her master’s in clinical mental health counseling with a specialization in school counseling. Lori is a longtime activist for funding K-12 public schools and ensuring fair and equitable academic opportunities for all students, as well as supporting our students socially and emotionally through programs like Text, Talk, Act.

Previously:
Executive Director of Self-Funded Health Plans at University of California, Office of the President

Michelle Murguia is a graduate of Sunnyside High School and implemented various substance abuse prevention strategies starting from middle school. She has worked diligently to educate her peers, families, and communities about the harmful effects of substances. Michelle is also bi-cultural and bi-lingual and uses these attributes to benefit her community. Michelle is also currently a community development specialist at Liberty Partnerships Kino Neighborhoods Coalition (LPKNC).

Heaven is a native born and raised Tucsonan. She graduated from Tucson High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in 2017. After working in the behavioral health field with tribal youth she began working in the field of Substance Use, Misuse Prevention with Liberty Partnership Kino Neighborhoods Coalition (LPKNC) and Text, Talk, Act in 2019. She is passionate about helping youth and community reach their full potential. Heaven believes in being a positive adult in youths’ lives can help lead them down the right path. They are our future leaders.