About the Conference
The 2nd annual Empowering Minds Conference, hosted by Arizona Youth Partnership, is a one-day, high-impact event designed to bring together over 200 Arizonans in a unified effort to address suicide prevention through education, training, and community engagement.
By combining evidence-based gatekeeper trainings, dynamic speakers, and diverse breakout sessions, Empowering Minds equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make a meaningful difference in their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
September 25, 2026
8:00am-3:30PM
UA Student Union - Grand Ballroom
Tucson, AZ 85719
$40
Gatekeeper Trainings
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in one of three powerful, evidence-based trainings that help build stronger safety nets for youth and adults:
SafeTALK
Presented by Kari Kane, Arizona Youth Partnership
A practical, hands-on training that empowers participants to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and connect them to life-saving help. No prior experience required, just a willingness to help others and be a proactive part of a safer, more supportive Arizona.
Be-A-Link Yellow Ribbon Training
Presented by Mariela Romero, Arizona Youth Partnership
This compassionate, stigma-reducing training encourages every participant to “be a link” in the chain of support. Learn how to recognize warning signs, reduce barriers to conversation, and build a culture of mental wellness across your personal and professional circles.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
Presented by Trish Ford, Arizona Youth Partnership
A research-backed training that teaches participants three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Like CPR, QPR is designed for everyday people, not just mental health professionals, empowering communities to act quickly and confidently.
Breakout Room Topics
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth 101
Presented by Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF)
Learn how to better understand, affirm, and support LGBTQ+ youth. This introductory session provides practical tools, inclusive language, and best practices for creating safe and supportive environments for all young people.
Light the Spark: Empowering Wellbeing Through a Strength-Based Lens
Presented by Frannie Neal Mendoza, Sources of Strength
Discover evidence-based, practical daily tools to strengthen wellbeing and foster meaningful connections and resilience for both youth and adults.
From Plant to Potent: A Brief Overview of the Risks of Kratom and 7-OH
Presented by Amanda Hoskin, Metro Phoenix Partners in Prevention
This session provides an overview of kratom and its potent derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), including how these substances affect the body, their increasing availability, and associated risks such as dependence and adverse health outcomes. Participants will learn how these products are marketed, why they are often misunderstood as "safe," and how to recognize warning signs of misuse.
Talk More, Tech Less
Presented by Josh Cummings, Arizona Youth Partnership
Explore the impact technology and social media have on youth mental health while learning practical strategies to strengthen communication, connection, and healthy digital habits.
Recognizing Early Psychosis in Youth
Presented by Hayley Lawhorn, LMSW
Learn about the early warning signs of psychosis in youth, the connection between substance use and psychotic symptoms, and why early identification and intervention are essential for improving outcomes.
The Rise of Fentanyl
Presented by Analysa Sanchez, Arizona Youth Partnership
Explore today's fentanyl crisis, emerging drug threats, and practical strategies for prevention, recognizing overdose, and saving lives.
Supporting Indigenous Youth Through Culture & Resilience
Presented by Mariah Zavala
Explore the impact of historical trauma while highlighting the strength, resilience, and cultural protective factors that support Indigenous youth and families.
Empowering Minds, Building Resilience: Understanding ACEs' Impact on Youth Mental Health and Substance Misuse
Presented by Pima County Community Mental Health & Addiction
This session introduces ACEs and childhood trauma, exploring how early adversity shapes brain development, emotional regulation, and risk-taking in adolescence. Participants will leave with trauma-informed strategies to strengthen protective factors and resilience — tools applicable at home, in the classroom, and in the community.
Supporting Youth Mental Health
Presented by notMYkid
Learn practical strategies for recognizing mental health concerns in youth, starting supportive conversations, and connecting families with resources.
Dance. Healing. Advocacy.
Presented by Esperanza Dance Project
Join the dancers of Esperanza Dance Project for a powerful discussion exploring their personal stories, advocacy work, healing through movement, mental health, and raising awareness about sexual violence.
In Our Own Voice
Presented by NAMI Southern Arizona
Hear personal stories of hope, recovery, and resilience from individuals living with mental health conditions.
Ending the Silence
Presented by NAMI Southern Arizona
Learn to recognize the warning signs of mental health conditions in youth and how to reduce stigma while encouraging help-seeking.
How Teen Lifeline Can Help
Presented by Teen Lifeline
Learn how Teen Lifeline empowers youth through peer support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention resources for schools and communities.
Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others
Presented by University of Arizona Campus Health
Discover practical self-care strategies to reduce compassion fatigue, prevent burnout, and maintain your own well-being while supporting others.
Who Should Attend
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Parents and Caregivers
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Teachers, School Counselors & Staff
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Nonprofit & Youth Program Leaders
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Healthcare Providers
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First Responders & Law Enforcement
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Veterans, Military Families, and Advocates
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Anyone committed to mental wellness and suicide prevention
Why It Matters
Every life is worth protecting. Suicide is preventable when communities are equipped with knowledge, resources, and connection. The Empowering Minds Conference is your opportunity to be part of a statewide movement to uplift mental health, strengthen support systems, and save lives.
Become a Sponsor
The Empowering Minds Conference is made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors. By sponsoring this event, your organization will play a vital role in advancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention across Arizona — while gaining meaningful visibility with a dedicated, mission-driven audience of 200+ attendees.
Premier Partner- $12,000
• Exclusive Title Sponsor Recognition: "Empowering Minds Conference sponsored by [Your Company Name]".
• Logo Placement: Prominent logo placement on all print materials, website, signage, and promotional items.
• Speaking Opportunity: Opening session address to attendees (5-8 minutes) to highlight your business’s active partnership in supporting and addressing mental health.
• Exhibit Space: Premier tabling and exhibit space at the conference venue.
• Media Exposure: Recognition in press releases and media coverage.
• Social Media Promotion: Highlighted posts on AZYP’s social media channels leading up to and during the event.
• Thank You Recognition: Custom plaque presented at the event acknowledging your support of mental health awareness and community support.
MindSpace Breakout Room Sponsors- $2,000
• Logo Placement: Logo placement on Breakout Room conference materials.
• Social Media Promotion: Mention in AZYP’s social media channels related to Breakout
AC• 2-3 minute Welcome to Breakout Session to roughly 90 participants during the event.
• Thank You Recognition: Sponsorship recognition in Breakout Room
Catalyst Sponsor - $6,000
• Logo Placement: Logo placement on conference program and website
• Tabling Space: Premier tabling space at the conference venue
• Media Exposure: Recognition in press releases and media coverage
• Social Media Promotion: Featured posts on AZYP’s social media channels
• Thank You Certificate: Custom framed certificate presented at the event
Center Piece Sponsor- $1,500
• Logo Placement: Logo placement on all center pieces and website
• Social Media Promotion: Mention in AZYP’s social media channels
• Thank You Recognition: Sponsorship recognition during the event
Tabling Partner - $150
• Tabling Space: Dedicated table space at the conference venue with one 6-foot
table and two chairs
• Lunch for the 2 team members who are tabling the event
*nonprofit organizations, please contact us directly before signing up.
