Why I Give: Clarena Tobon Guevara
Clarena Tobon Guevara
Clarena Tobon Guevara is a professional speaker and passionate mental health advocate. As the Executive Director of NAMI Central Texas, she works to support individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. After losing her mother to suicide and experiencing the unique barriers faced by the BIPOC community, Clarena has become a fierce proponent for mental health equity. Her work focuses on reducing stigma, improving access to care, and fostering community-driven solutions for mental wellness.
We had the pleasure of getting to know Clarena to hear her story in honor of Mental Health Awareness month.
Q: Can you tell us about NAMI Central TX and how it is working to impact those who struggle with mental health?
At NAMI Central Texas, we believe no one should have to face mental health challenges alone. We provide free education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. That means everything from peer-led support groups to community classes to public awareness events — all designed to reduce stigma and build understanding. Our work is rooted in the idea that lived experience matters, and that healing and hope are possible when people feel seen, supported, and connected.
Q: When would you recommend someone seek help from an organization like NAMI?
If you're asking the question, that's often the sign it's time. Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or just feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your next step, NAMI Central TX is here. We’re not clinical, we don’t provide therapy, but we do offer resources, education, and the kind of non-judgmental support that can make all the difference. Early support can change the course of someone’s mental health journey, and it's never too early (or too late) to reach out.
Q: What other suggestions do you have for people struggling with their mental health?
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you ask for help. Start small. Talk to someone you trust. Get outside if you can. Put your phone down and take a breath. Then, connect with organizations like NAMI or local mental health providers who can help you make sense of what you're experiencing. Also, remember — struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. Healing looks different for everyone, but no one has to walk that path alone.
Q: Why did you decide you wanted work in the mental healthcare space? Are you open to sharing more about your personal story?
Absolutely. This work is deeply personal to me. I lost my mom, Maria, to suicide, and that loss changed the course of my life. In the years that followed, I searched for meaning, for healing, and for a way to make sure no one else felt as alone as she did. I came to NAMI because it offers exactly what my family needed back then: connection, understanding, and hope. I started as a supporter, and now I have the privilege of serving as Executive Director. Every day, I carry my mom’s memory with me and honor her story by helping others know they are not alone.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about NAMI, Mental Health Awareness Month, or mental health more generally?
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to amplify the message that mental health is health. But this conversation has to continue year-round, in workplaces, schools, churches, and homes. At NAMI Central Texas, we’re working to make mental wellness something everyone can talk about, access, and prioritize. We invite anyone reading this to get involved, whether that’s through volunteering, attending an event, or simply checking in on someone in your life. Small actions create big change.