We prioritize building a team of folks whose lived experience informs and strengthens the work we do.
Staff
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Erica (she/her) is an Arizona native with a deep passion for racial and social equity. Erica has a strong background in program and workforce development that supports the community she serves. Her 28-year career in public health focused on eliminating health disparities by addressing community health needs and social determinants of health through the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative, sustainable, and replicable programs, policies, and systems.
Erica has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health Education and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Erica serves on various committees across the community including the Tucson Juneteenth Committee, AZ Public Health Association and the African American Health and Wellness Coalition.
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Mark is a 5th generation Tucsonan who has a deep rooted reverence for his desert home. His love and connection to the land developed early on while being raised on the west side of Tucson, next to the Tucson Mountains. Having the access in childhood to play, explore, connect, and learn from the natural teachings of his home, he quickly developed a passion for sharing and learning from the healing gifts nature freely offers.
After many years of working across behavioral health, restaurant, and service industries, he is now thrilled to bring his experience to positively impact the youth in our community. In his role at Boys to Men, Mark is overjoyed at the opportunity to provide mentorship to youth in school talking circles, community organized events, and within the beauty of nature on Adventure Weekends. Outside of work, you’ll find Mark teaching Yoga classes, cycling along The Loop, cooking creatively for himself and the community, and spending as much time as he can in nature.
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Paul (They/Them) is relatively new to Tucson, originally from Wilmington, Delaware. Paul has worked in the field of Youth and Community Development for over 7 years. Their team provided education on topics including but not limited to reproductive health, healthy relationships, effective communication, consent, toxic masculinity, substance abuse, homophobia, transphobia, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. They are the former United Way of Delaware Pride Council Co-Chair where they helped provide support for LGBTQ+ adults and youth throughout the state. Paul believes strongly that providing youth with the tools for critical thinking, the ability to create an open mindset, and safe spaces for youth to discover who they truly are without judgement is key to helping create sustainable change in our world.
They are able to provide trainings, workshops, and presentations on topics including but not limited to reproductive health, consent, effective communication, toxic masculinity, and LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination.
In their role as Program Manager, Paul supports the collaborative vision for our mentorship programs with a deep understanding of the systemic roots contributing to the need for this work, and adapts to emergent dynamics within the communities we serve. They work with staff to coordinate program logistics, planning, and assessment to ensure growth and impact across the community.
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Daniela Munoz-Alvarez, Core Mentor
Daniela is a first-generation US-born daughter, a descendant of the Otomi in Central Mexico, and in loving relationship with her Tlamanalcah communities in the Tohono O'odham and Yaqui lands where she currently resides. She is a mother to 4 children, two of which are earthside, and a life partner to her husband.
Daniela earned her wildcat status by graduating from the UofA and in understanding the privilege of holding a degree from higher ed Daniela has made it her purpose to use her acquired skills to serve her community. She has dedicated the last 15+ years to supporting families and communities that have been impacted by the trauma of violence, specifically, domestic, sexual, homicide, and state violence.
As a Core Mentor, Daniela will work towards learning from and providing meaningful support to the communities that Boys to Men has the privilege of serving. Daniela's goal is always to walk with people and ensure they feel invested in, heard, and respected.
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Graham Dellaport, Core Mentor
Graham Dellaport, an experienced educator and international development practitioner, is a current Masters of Arts in French Linguistics and Second Language Learning & Teaching graduate student at the University of Arizona. He recently left his job teaching French at Tucson High Magnet School for the last three years. Prior to moving to Tucson, Graham left his job in Boston after over two years at the Education Development Center where he contributed his strong expertise in analytics, communications, research and evaluation, and logistics to EDC’s international development division (IDD). Prior to moving to Boston for EDC, he spent nearly five years overseas, including teaching English at a language school in Brazil, math in a public high school on Guam, math and physics in a middle school with the Peace Corps
in Guinea and as a monitoring and evaluations intern promoting youth development in Rwanda.Graham enjoys playing tennis, basketball, hiking and camping, yoga and meditation, and performing in musicals and operas. He holds a BA in Quantitative Economics from the University of Colorado - Boulder and a M.Ed in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona.
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Vida Rodriguez, Core Mentor
My name is Vida Rodriguez. I’m born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I am currently a senior at Nosotros Academy and an intern with Boys to Men Tucson. Despite my young age and experience, I have done some community engagement in the past 2 years. I’ve volunteered with Living Streets Alliance, and a part of the Budget De La Gente Youth Participatory Budgeting team, where I helped collect proposals for projects around the westside and downtown Tucson. In the summer of 2022, I raised 1,000 dollars for a Nation Youth Leadership Forum trip to Washington D.C for Nation Security-Diplomacy, Intelligence & Defense.
I am Mexican American and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have always been passionate about progressive change and helping our community heal from a young age. I am transgender FTM and I have been medically transitioning since February 26th, 2021. As a trans youth growing up, I never really had a space that I felt I could be accepted, safe, open, and myself. When I was first introduced to Boys to Men, in my sophomore year of high school, it was a welcoming and warming experience to be able to be surrounded by kind-hearted supportive men. Boys to Men has helped me grow into being the loud, energetic, loveable person I thought I would never be.
Board of Directors
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Brian Eller - Chair
Brian (he,him) is passionate about education, health and the link between the two. He started his career teaching physical education in the Sunnyside Unified School District, and after four years, found an opportunity working in public health to support a broader scope of schools in Pima County. During this time, the importance of creating or supporting opportunities for young people to connect to adults consistently became apparent as a community need. As a young man, Brian was fortunate to experience the benefit of positive mentorship. There are many young, masculine identified folks in Tucson who need this same experience and Boys to Men provides access to safe and loving men.
Brian currently works for Pima County Healthy Department, striving to connect the dots in new ways to support the public health of our communities. -
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Lance Meeks - Vice Chair
Lance Meeks currently serves as the Vice President of Community Engagement for Goodwill of Southern Arizona. His responsibilities include overseeing Goodwill Youth Reengagement Centers, the management of programs that connect Opportunity Youth to educational programs, job training, needs assistance (bus passes, clothing, food, school supplies,) and community service learning projects. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Lance has over 13 years of experience
working with at-risk and Opportunity Youth and youth in the juvenile justice system. He also has more than 5 years of experience working in adult corrections. Lance is active in the community and serves on various committees, Youth On Their Own- Program Committee; Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness-Homeless Youth Coalition; Pima County Juvenile Justice Steering Committee; and Pima County Juvenile Justice Racial and Ethnic Disparities Committee. Lance is also an active member of the NAACP Tucson Branch and the Pantano Rotary Club. Lance is a 2021 Greater Tucson Leadership Board of Director, Boys to Men Tucson Board of Director, Juneteenth Festival Committee Board of Director, 2020 Greater Tucson Leadership graduate, Society for Human Resource Management 2022 Community Impact Award, 2018 Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 Award recipient, 2019 Child & Family Resources Gabe Zimmerman Emerging Champion Nominee, 2019 Women’s Progressive Civic Club recipient of the Men of Honor Award and 2019 Goodwill Ambassador of the Year Award. He also received the 2014 Child Abuse Prevention Award.
Lance has served as a national expert at the Coalition for Juvenile Justice Conference, contributing on a panel, leading a workshop about community relationships, and reducing arrests for youth of color. -
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Terri Tellez-Baker - Secretary
An enthusiastic native of Tucson, Terri works as an independent financial consultant and can otherwise be found feverishly backing the Wildcats, volunteering in the community and spending time with her family. She serves on the Boys to Men Board of Directors because she believes that our mission helps build stronger communities.
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Catherine Tornbom - Governance
Catherine is an organization development consultant who helps businesses and nonprofits strategically create a team that is inclusive, creative and productive. She is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Government & Public Policy at the University of Arizona. She teaches conflict management in the public sector at the graduate level. She is on her third term on the board currently serving as the chair of the Governance Committee.
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Larry Starks - Treasurer
Larry Starks, a native of Tucson, has built a reputable career within the government administration sector. With a rich skill set that encompasses management, administrative responsibilities, and information technology. His academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Business Administration/Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Beyond his professional endeavors, Larry is deeply committed to his community, serving as a passionate advocate for local issues. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., further highlighting his dedication to service and brotherhood.
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Korey Schultz
Korey Schultz pursued a career as a Realtor and Associate Broker with a dual aim: to assist individuals in navigating significant life transitions and to contribute to community welfare. Before entering real estate, Korey had a background in the nonprofit sector, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals struggling with housing costs. This experience motivated him to obtain his Real Estate License in 2018.
Since then, Korey has overseen more than +100 clients' real estate transactions while actively giving back to the community. His contributions include organizing Free First-Time Homebuyer Community Education Workshops, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, supporting cultural institutions like The Loft Cinema and the Tucson Museum of Art as a Board of Trustees member, backing local theater productions such as the Shakesqueer festival, mentoring youth through Boys to Men Tucson, and sponsoring grassroots initiatives like the Splinter Collective and Alley Cat Murals.
Since embarking on this path, Korey Schultz has dedicated his career to helping individuals achieve stable housing through homeownership, providing community education, and facilitating seamless transitions for community members during pivotal life moments. He takes pride in being recognized as a top 3% agent in Arizona for the past two consecutive years.
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George Beverly Jr.
George is a medically retired combat veteran with 17 ½ years of dedicated service. His commitment to community and equity has led him to serve in various capacities, including as a member of the McKenzie District School Board and the Oregon State Board Association Color Caucus. Additionally, he has been an advisor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with the McKenzie River Valley Community Development Corporation (CDC) and the Community Outreach Knowledge and Awareness (COKA) group for rural areas.
George's experience extends to serving as a Lane County Census Ambassador, a member of the Climate Equity and Resilience Task Force, and an active participant in Black’s In Government (BIG) and the Energy Justice Leadership Institute. He currently is involved with Refugee and Immigration Services through the Southwest Mentor Program. Additionally, he serves as the Education Committee Co-Chair for the NAACP Tucson Chapter and as the Pastor at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church.
Over the past decade, George has focused on three key priorities across local, state, and federal forums: enhancing understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) terminology, addressing the complexities that hinder growth in BIPOC communities, and fostering inclusive dialogues. He believes that every voice matters, and he is dedicated to creating spaces where trust, active listening, and open-mindedness are prioritized. George's approach is grounded in the belief that uncomfortable conversations must lead to clarity, application, and understanding, with love and kindness as the foundation for respecting diverse ideologies, beliefs, and norms.
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Ryan J Thomsen
Ryan Thomsen is the Sr. Director of Government Programs for Banner Health Plans. In his role, Ryan has oversight responsibility for Medicaid and Medicare contract compliance, health plan marketing, member retention, and grievance and appeals. He is a pragmatic and experienced problem solver and enjoys mediating solutions to complex challenges.
Ryan is a native of Michigan where he obtained a BA from the University of Michigan in 2005 with a focus on Government and Political Science. He is also a 2011 graduate of the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Following law school, Ryan served as a law clerk at the Arizona Court of Appeals for the Honorable Garye Vasquez. He also took and passed the Arizona bar exam and received his law license. Following his clerkship, Ryan took a nontraditional path and began his career in healthcare when he accepted a job doing mental health hearings and administering the grievance and appeals system for the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA). Thereafter, he continued to gain managed care healthcare experience by joining the leadership team at the local affiliate of Centene Corporation, Arizona Complete Health. Ryan joined the Banner Health leadership team in 2019 and has immersed himself in the company’s culture of serving our members and communities.
Ryan is on the Medicaid Policy Subcommittee of the Association of Community Affiliated Health Plans and is an advocate and supporter of local nonprofits via his work with Social Venture Partners, Tucson.
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Isaac Villegas Durgin
Isaac Villegas Durgin is a seasoned outreach and education specialist with a profound commitment to public health and community support. Born and raised in South Tucson to immigrant parents from Mexico, Isaac's personal journey is deeply intertwined with his professional work. Once a gang member and recovering addict, he has transformed his life and dedicated himself to helping others overcome similar challenges.
Isaac Villegas Durgin is currently serving as the Community Enrichment Coordinator for the City of Tucson, where he focuses on violence prevention and community building. In this role, Isaac leverages his extensive experience in outreach and education to foster safer, more resilient neighborhoods. His work emphasizes proactive strategies to reduce violence while promoting strong community connections, reinforcing his lifelong dedication to public health and community empowerment.
Isaac’s previous roles reflect his extensive experience and dedication. At the University of Arizona’s Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW), he worked as a Youth Health Educator and Prevention Specialist, teaching health and sex education at La Canada Substance Abuse Treatment Center. His earlier tenure with COPE Behavioral Health Services involved similar outreach and educational duties, emphasizing harm reduction and HIV prevention.
Before his work in public health, Isaac served as a Youth & Prevention Coordinator at the House of Neighborly Service, where he managed after-school programs and led the Second Chance Tattoo Removal Program. His career began as a Behavioral Health Specialist I, providing direct client care in residential settings.Isaac is a passionate advocate for community issues, participating in initiatives like the Coalition to Defeat Proposition 200 and United for Human Dignity. Fluent in Spanish, he uses his language skills to connect with a diverse population. His certifications in HIV testing and prevention counseling highlight his expertise and commitment to service.
Isaac’s journey from his roots in South Tucson to his role as a dedicated public health professional underscore his resilience and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those in need.
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Joe Zebas
Joseph (Joe) Zebas is a Tucson native who brings over 25 years of legal experience and a deep commitment to social justice. A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law, Joe is licensed to practice law in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented individuals and families in cases involving trucking and car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful arrest, police brutality, and discrimination.
As the founder of Zebas Law Firm, Joe has dedicated his career to fighting for those who lack resources and power. His relentless dedication to his clients reflects his values of hard work and integrity, which stem from his own upbringing in Tucson. Joe has earned an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell and has put together amazing teams in each of his ventures to ensure smooth operations and outstanding value to the communities they serve.
In addition to his legal work, Joe previously served on the board of New Mexico Legal Aid, ensuring that underserved communities receive the legal assistance they need. Outside of his legal career, Joe enjoys managing family businesses alongside his wife, Heather, and spending time with their seven children.
Our Impact in 2023
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Youth Served
371
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191
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Mentors Trained
70
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Number of Mentoring Hours Available for Youth
12,000