We had the good fortune of connecting with Aileen Amador Mezza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aileen, what do you want your legacy to be?
I am on a heartfelt mission to illuminate the often-overlooked challenges within mental health institutions and to bridge the vital gaps in mental health services. At nineteen, I faced mistreatment and abuse in a government mental health facility, a time when my voice was silenced, and my needs went unacknowledged. This experience ignited my passion to change the narrative around mental health care, ensuring that everyone is treated with compassion and respect. Having navigated my difficult path—from my teenage struggles to the heartache of losing my beloved husband to cancer—I deeply understand the journey towards mental wellness and want to be a beacon of support for others.

My maiden name is Amador, which means love and compassion. This name perfectly encapsulates my dedication to spreading love and kindness to people. I aim to channel this warmth into creating pathways for individuals to feel empowered in their mental health journeys. With this vision, I founded The Amador Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to meeting community needs and uplifting those navigating mental health challenges.

My legacy should highlight the stories of the children, families, and individuals we have touched through our work. My greatest hope is to see our community thrive and be filled with empowered voices. Despite my trials, I dream of being remembered as a source of love and hope—someone who inspired others to find their strength.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Amid my frustrations and struggles on my journey to mental health wellness, I found inspiration to create The Amador Foundation. This non-profit organization is a heartfelt commitment to providing mental health support and services rooted in the essence of “Amador,” a word that signifies love and compassion. We harness this spirit to empower individuals and foster a nurturing, supportive community for all seeking mental health resources.

At The Amador Foundation, we aim to cultivate an inclusive and safe environment that offers help and encouragement to children, individuals, and families. We’re dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through our comprehensive mental health services, making a meaningful difference in the lives we touch. This foundation is very dear to my heart; it was born from profound pain and an unwavering hope. My late husband and I envisioned building this together. Though he passed before witnessing our dream realized, his spirit is deeply woven into the fabric of our mission.

The journey to establish this foundation was not easy, especially as I navigated through grief. However, the unwavering support of my co-founder, Dyanna DeSousa, was a beacon of hope. Dyanna shares my passion for mental health advocacy, and together, we’ve unified our efforts to bring this organization to life. Over time, our team has expanded to include Samantha Pena, our Operations Director.

The Amador Foundation is built by real, down-to-earth people like you. We aren’t backed by large corporations or hedge funds; we’re a group of everyday individuals juggling jobs while passionately committed to making a difference. Each of us has unique stories fueling our dedication to mental health advocacy. We’ve all faced our own battles and disappointments in the realm of mental health, and we genuinely want to uplift others during their difficult moments.

Our vision is ambitious yet hopeful: we aspire to a world without mental health stigma. The Amador Foundation is devoted to making mental health services accessible to everyone, removing barriers that prevent individuals and families from achieving quality care in a safe, nurturing setting. By promoting accessible mental health care, we believe we can enhance the well-being of individuals and families, ultimately contributing to a stronger, healthier community. Together, we can create a brighter future for mental health wellness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our adventure will kick off at Cavice with an Avena Colombiana Latte and a friendly chat with the owner, Andy Rosillo. Then, we’ll hike at Runyon Canyon Park, soaking in the stunning views. For lunch, we’ll indulge in some delicious food at El Compadre Restaurant on Sunset Blvd. Afterward, we’ll explore the shops at The Grove Mall. We’ll savor a Colombian dinner at La Fonda Antioquena and grab a cocktail at the Abby in West Hollywood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am grateful for the incredible mentorship of Dr. Michael Lardon, a top mental performance coach who has inspired countless athletes across various professional and Olympic sports. For 27 transformative years, Dr. Lardon has been my steadfast champion, guiding me through some of my most challenging moments with unwavering support and motivation.

I wholeheartedly dedicate all my achievements to my late husband, Julio H. Mezza Jr. He was not just my partner but my best friend, the love of my life, and a devoted father to our two beautiful daughters and two sons. His exceptional support and encouragement over 14 years fuel my passion and drive daily.

Website: https://www.theamadorfoundation.org/

Instagram: @theamadorfoundation

Other: Amazon: LOOK! This is the way it is: A Perspective of Life through the Lenses of a Very Real Chick, written by Aileen Amador Mezza.

GoFundMe: The Amador Foundation
https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-mental-health-wellness-with-the-amador-foundation

Image Credits
Image Credits to The Amador Foundation Team of Staff and Volunteers.

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