2nd Annual Conference

Empowering Minds Conference

HOSTED BY ARIZONA YOUTH PARTNERSHIP

Thank you to our Center Piece Sponsors

Lunch Presentation Sponsor

And the generous support from

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

Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa

245 E. Ina Rd.

Tucson, AZ 85704

$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.

Kratom and 7-OH What Parents and Caring Adults Need to Know
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

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.

Every Young Person Has a Place: Supporting Indigenous Youth Through Culture, Belonging & 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 Heather Severson and Karma Plaisance, 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.

A Guide to Supporting Youth Mental Health and Preventing Substance Use
Presented by Danielle Flowers and Allison Tobon, notMYkid

Learn practical strategies for recognizing mental health concerns in youth, starting supportive conversations, and connecting families with resources.

Supporting Rural Youth Through Cognitive Wellness: The Stay Sharp Lab

Presented by Argie Rivera

Attendees will gain insight into how collaborative, accessible, and family-centered approaches can improve cognitive wellness and support positive mental health outcomes for youth living in rural communities.

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.

When Talk Therapy Isn't Enough: Healing Through the Subconscious Mind

Presented by Casey Arave

Leading from the Heart: Navigating Burnout and Leading with Clarity

Presented by Dr. Kasey Urquidez and Dr. Arezu K. Corella

In this interactive session, participants will explore the warning signs of burnout, identify practices that restore their energy, and consider how to remain grounded and effective while navigating uncertainty and change.

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 Jayden De La Rosa, Michele Lafayette, 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.

Beneath the Surface: The Pain Killing Our Kids
Presented by Amy Kathleen Lee

Blending lived experience with professional insight, Amy reframes anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use, and suicide as signals, taking audiences beneath behavior to the pain, disconnection, and unmet needs driving the youth mental health crisis.

Who Should Attend

Parents and Caregivers
Teachers, School Counselors & Staff
Nonprofit & Youth Program Leaders
Healthcare Providers
First Responders & Law Enforcement
Veterans, Military Families, and Advocates
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.