Smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing a blue blazer and turquoise necklace, on a light background.

Janna Velasco

Executive Director

Hope Means Nevada

Since joining Hope Means Nevada in February 2025, Janna Velasco has helped lead the organization through a period of growth and expanded impact. She has strengthened Teen Hope Academy, expanded youth leadership through the Teen Board and Champions of Hope, and built partnerships across Nevada to make youth mental wellness a shared community priority.

Her leadership is grounded in the belief that prevention begins before a crisis, with education, connection, meaningful conversations, and access to support. She has helped expand HMN’s advocacy, fundraising, and statewide prevention efforts, bringing together schools, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, universities, corporations, and community leaders around a shared commitment to Nevada’s youth.

Janna attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree with studies in Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology. She is also a Jameson Fellow focused on collaborative leadership and strengthening the Southern Nevada community.

A Nevadan for nearly two decades, Janna believes every young person deserves to know they matter, their voice matters, and they are never alone.

Connection Creates Hope.