How to Take Care of Yourself While Making a Difference

Community Building & Peer Support

This session, “How to Take Care of Yourself While Making a Difference,” empowers young leaders to care for their mental and emotional well-being as they work for positive change. Participants will learn and practice grounding techniques—simple ways to manage stress and stay connected to their purpose, especially in tough political times. We’ll talk about the challenges of social change work, share real-life experiences, and explore how to build resilience and hope. Through guided activities and small group discussions, everyone will have a chance to reflect, connect, and create personal strategies for selfcare. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical tools and a support network to help them stay strong and inspired as they lead their communities.

Yesenia Curiel

Yesenia Curiel (Yeh-SEHN-iy-ah Cue-ree-EL) is a healthcare leader dedicated to ensuring patients across Southern California have access to quality behavioral health care. With over 20 years of experience as an administrator, educator, therapist, strategist, and mentor, she is recognized for using an intentional anti-racism and cultural humility framework in her work as an activist and agent of change. Yesenia spent nearly seven years in higher education addressing genderbased violence and advancing equity, diversity, justice, and belonging. She holds an MA in Clinical Psychology (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) and is in her final year of PhD studies. Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Yesenia is a proud firstgeneration college graduate and the daughter of Mexican immigrants.