Angela Padilla, an Avid Advocate for Mental Health

Angela Padilla is the President of FundaMental Change, an organization whose mission is to identify and engage in a number of strategies to make mental health something accessible to everyone.

I got the pleasure to speak with Angela about her very personal story; the struggles and obstacles faced when her mom was diagnosed with bipolar and schizoaffective disorder. Angela and her brother became caretakers of their mother at a very young age. From this experience, she quickly realized the important role that mental health plays in our society. For that reason,  she decided to start her company, FundaMental Change.

When we talked about what or who is most in need of mental health resources, she mentioned mothers, especially right after giving birth. We are in a country where moms are expected to be back at work within six weeks of giving birth, without honoring the profound changes in the women’s —not just body— but psyches. In addition, the importance of providing mental health resources in solving the homelessness crisis. You can house as many homeless as you want but if you don’t offer them mental health, it is pointless.

This year, Angela Padilla and her husband Senator Alex Padilla will be both recognized at the Latino Leaders Network at an event that will take place on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at The Sutter Club in Sacramento, CA for the work they do for our community. Full interview is now available, watch below!