LLI graduate Juan Escobedo’s professional journey exemplifies the power of intentionality. A licensed professional counselor, he has shifted his expertise to philanthropy while remaining committed to building a future where mental wellness is accessible to all.
Stepping Up to Help Lead Colorado Crisis Line
Today, Juan helps with grant-making at the Caring for Denver Foundation, strategically focusing on mental health and substance misuse programs. His recent appointment as chair of Colorado’s 988 Crisis Line Enterprise Board further cements his dedication to improving mental health access across Colorado.
“When I was asked to first serve as the interim president of the 988 Crisis Line Enterprise Board,” Juan said, “I knew my career was growing, and I needed to grow as well. I figured this would be the perfect time to really engage with the Latino Leadership Institute.” He goes on to explain, “I wanted to start thinking a lot more strategically, connecting with visions at those altitudes, and seeing patterns from a broader perspective.”
A Stronger Voice for Mental Health
Juan describes the internal shift the LLI helped him achieve: “There was a sense of recalibrating my contribution. I realized why my voice matters.” He concludes, “The LLI helped me create a level playing field in my head, my voice mattered just as much as any other leader. I might not always know the solution, but I can bring the right ideas and people together to further our goals. This newfound confidence allows me to contribute more meaningfully and work towards a more inclusive world that has better mental health supports.”
Intentional Leadership for a Thriving Community
Juan’s vision for the future is clear. “I want us to be comfortable in growth-oriented vulnerability, sharing and hearing what the collective is going through, building a culture of healing, and living a healthier life with our emotions and experiences,” he states. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging past challenges while embracing optimism. “There’s a certain level of health that we can optimize if we put intentionality behind it. I would love to see communities thriving, not just surviving. Mental health is not out of reach. We can all achieve recovery, stability, a stronger sense of self, and ultimately a stronger sense of community.”
About the Latino Leadership Institute
Born from a vision of influential Latino leadership, LLI celebrates a decade of advancing nearly 800 leaders across industries, generations, and geographies. The past decade of impact fuels our unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive and representative U.S. leadership landscape. Our 10-year anniversary marks a springboard for the next decade, fueled by your investment. Together, we’ll build an even bigger vision for representative and inclusive leadership – join us.
