Gabi Vargas – National Hispanic Suicide Prevention Network

Gabi Vargas is the Founder of the National Hispanic Suicide Prevention Network, an organization dedicated to addressing mental health and suicide prevention within the Hispanic community. She is a certified suicide loss grief support specialist and recognized 40 Under 40 Latinos in Chicago for her impactful work, empowering fellow suicide loss survivors to find hope. Gabi is also the Founder and CEO of Poiema Studio, a safe space promoting mental wellbeing in Elgin, Illinois. As a bilingual Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor with the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, she believes education is the best prevention.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[1:57] Gabi Vargas shares her journey and struggles of identity and mental health as an immigrant
[6:34] The transformative encounter with a school counselor and transition to professional life and advocacy
[10:52] How personal experiences led to the inception of The Poiema Studio and its mission
[19:27] Gabi discusses the founding and mission of the National Hispanic Suicide Prevention Network
[24:41] NHSPS’ operational and funding strategy
[26:16] Challenges of growing a nonprofit organization and how to overcome them
[30:55] Tips for achieving a work-life balance

In this episode…

In times of overwhelming struggle, it is not uncommon to question the very fabric of our purpose. However, the deepest challenges can often lead to profound insights and catalyze collective healing. So, how can one individual’s transformative journey from despair to hope inspire a community to find strength and purpose in their own darkest moments?

Gabi Vargas, a social entrepreneur, delves into how she transformed her adversities into a force for good. She candidly shares her experiences with immigration, mental health struggles, and the loss of loved ones, revealing how these challenges led to the creation of support networks aimed at preventing suicide in the Hispanic community. Gabi emphasizes the power of education, empathy, and community engagement, underlining the importance of accessible resources for affected individuals and their families. Her triumph over personal hardships and venture into social entrepreneurship offer valuable insights into finding your passion and positively impacting the world.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Gabi Vargas, Founder of the National Hispanic Suicide Prevention Network, about her work in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy for Hispanic communities. Gabi shares her journey and struggles of identity and mental health as an immigrant, the inception of The Poiema Studio, the founding and mission of the NHSPN, and tips for overcoming challenges in the nonprofit world.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable moments:

“We can recreate our narrative just like an artist.”
“It’s not just about starting conversations, it’s about starting the ones that save lives.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if you’re the one people usually turn to.”
“I decided that I wanted to make a difference, and I wanted to share that my cousin was more than just a suicide.”
“You are a beautiful masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.”

Action Steps:

Embrace vulnerability in leadership: By being open about struggles, leaders can break down stigmas, promote empathy, and encourage a supportive work environment, addressing the challenges of isolation and misunderstanding in leadership roles.
Prioritize continuous education: As a leader, consistently seek learning opportunities to enhance your skills and understanding of relevant issues, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.
Seek mentorship and coaching: Leaders can benefit from external perspectives and advice, which can provide clarity, improve strategic thinking, and help navigate complex situations more effectively.
Cultivate cultural competence: Leaders can enhance their effectiveness by learning about different cultures and adapting their strategies to meet the diverse needs of their teams and communities.
Maintain work-life balance: Leaders can sustain their effectiveness by prioritizing self-care, ensuring they have the energy and mental clarity to successfully lead their professional and personal lives.

Sponsor for this episode…

Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.

They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.

PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.

To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].