Hope Means Nevada Announces Janna Velasco As Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWSBYTE 

Executive Director Janna Velasco.
(Photo Courtesy of Hope Means Nevada)

HOPE MEANS NEVADA ANNOUNCES JANNA VELASCO AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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LAS VEGAS (March 2025) – Hope Means Nevada (HMN), the community-based non-profit focused on eliminating youth suicide in the state and inspiring a culture of empathy and advocacy around mental health, announces Janna Velasco as its new executive director. In her new role, she leads the organization’s strategic direction, fundraising and operational oversight and community engagement efforts to increase awareness and support for HMN’s initiatives. 

“I am deeply committed to providing resources and support for parents, teens and the community because I know that access to the right tools and conversations can make all the difference,” said Velasco. “Every young person deserves to feel seen, heard and valued, and our work is about creating a space where they can find hope, resilience and connection. If we can help even one teen feel less alone and more supported, then we are making a meaningful impact—and saving lives in the process.”

“Janna’s extensive background in nonprofit leadership, combined with her deep passion for community service, makes her the perfect person to lead Hope Means Nevada into its next chapter,” said Julie Murray, co-founder and board chair, Hope Means Nevada. “Her experience has given her a distinctive ability to build meaningful partnerships, engage the community and drive impactful initiatives. With Janna at the helm, Hope Means Nevada is poised to expand its reach and provide even more support for Nevada’s youth, helping them find hope and resilience in the face of mental health challenges.”

She also works with HMN’s communications director to oversee the organization’s teen committee, providing mentorship and leadership opportunities to inspire and equip young advocates statewide. Additionally, she leads the planning and execution of events throughout the year, including Hope in Action, HMN’s signature annual event that brings together teens and community partners for a day of volunteerism and collective impact. 

Velasco brings a strong background in both business and nonprofit leadership, having held roles in development and volunteer operations at Three Square Food Bank and program management at the Blind Center of Nevada. She has been recognized for her contributions to the community, including being a Jameson Fellowship recipient. An active volunteer, she also dedicates her time to organizations such as The Just One Project, Three Square Food Bank and Olive Crest. 

She earned an interdisciplinary degree in psychology, sociology and anthropology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is originally from Michigan. 

ABOUT HOPE MEANS NEVADA
Hope Means Nevada’s (HMN) mission is to eliminate teen suicide and empower Nevada’s youth to live hopeful lives. As one of the most trusted and visible mental health resources in the state, HMN inspires a culture of empathy and advocacy around mental health. While raising awareness around Nevada’s high rates of mental health challenges, the organization strives to amplify hope and connect youth with desperately needed resources. Through collaborative, compassionate, inclusive and impactful efforts, the community-based initiative envisions a suicide-free Nevada. For more information about Hope Means Nevada, go to www.hopemeansnevada.org and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The new National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is now three-digit dialing code 988. Those experiencing a mental health emergency can also text “Home” to 741741 to reach the National Crisis Text Line.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Vanessa Thill/ Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
vanessa@thevoxagency.com, erika@thevoxagency.com
(469) 226-4723, (702) 249-2977

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