Isidro Torres’s commitment to professional and personal growth led him through his years at UTEP as an organizational and corporate communication student. Now, the same level of commitment to helping others grow, is leading him through his new role as executive director of El Paso’s National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI).   

“I didn’t ever expect to be executive director, but I am so honored and privileged,” Torres said. 

During his time at UTEP, Torres always had the interest to pursue a career in public relations. He credits his professors at the university as the ones who guided him to gaining a steppingstone into the field.  

“I always wanted to do public relations and work with spreading a company or organization’s message and branding,” the 23-year-old said. “I got connected with NAMI during my time (at UTEP) and was able to do a lot of projects around NAMI. I am so grateful for my professors and people I met at UTEP.” 

As a UTEP undergraduate working for NAMI, Torres began helping the organization by contributing to its website, managing its social media platform and arranging community events. But for Torres, working for NAMI meant something more than just another job opportunity.  

“NAMI’s mission means a lot to me,” said Torres, who previously served the organization as director of outreach and fundraising. “I have family members with diagnosed/undiagnosed mental health conditions, and I understand the importance of education and awareness in our community.”  

NAMI’s mission to provide advocacy, public awareness, support, and education to the community is fulfilled through educational classes, presentations, and support groups,” Torres said.  

Other community events include NAMIWalks, NAMI FaithNet Bridges to Hope, and Ending the Silence for Families.  

 However, as director, Torres is looking to work on dampening the stress brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“I am focused on being able to continue forward after the financial impact of COVID-19 and working with staff to prepare to support those whose mental health has been impacted by the pandemic,” said Torres, as he expressed the difficulties that surround nonprofit organizations like NAMI. “We rely on the support of donations and grants and are so grateful for the continued support we have had.” 

According to Torres, this includes the support of other El Paso organizations such as the El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium and school districts.   

“I look forward to strengthening these relationships and building new ones,” Torres said.  “I want to continue to bring awareness of NAMI and what we do, we rely on the support of our community and I look forward to building a stronger base.”  

To learn more about NAMI’s upcoming events, visit https://namiep.org/ 

Sven Kline may be reached at [email protected]; @SvenKline on Twitter.