Río González (they/them/elle) is the Blueprint for Belonging Research Associate. Their work will consist of partnering with community based organizations and civic engagement groups to develop research based interventions that promote bridging across divides in an effort to expand belonging through greater civic engagement and power building.
Previously, Río was the Mental Health Policy Fellow for Young Invincibles, a national nonprofit that focuses on amplifying the voices of young adults in the political process and expanding economic opportunity for young adults. Throughout their fellowship, Río was fortunate enough to utilize both their lived experience and education to advocate for culturally responsive and trauma informed mental health systems in the state of Texas. They worked closely with policy decision makers and other organizations to push for equitable policies both in healthcare and higher education. Their work is rooted in a desire to create transformative change.
Río grew up in a predominantly immigrant Latine community in rural California where mental health is heavily stigmatized and ignored. Their lack of knowledge with mental health motivated them to receive their B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. Post undergrad, they pursued a MPH in Community Health Practice from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to further investigate health disparities in their community and how to advocate, organize, and create change. In their spare time, Río enjoys taking long walks in nature, cuddling with their pups, and cooking their ama’s recipes.
