Founder's Message
A Message from Gina
Meaningful change begins with conversation. I have carried that belief through every role I have held, and it is the reason Let's Talk About It exists.
I am a community program and project management professional, and my work has always centered on strengthening communities, expanding access to resources, and supporting individuals and families through education, advocacy, and meaningful engagement. My career spans mental health, substance use prevention, higher education, nonprofit leadership, and corporate partnerships. In each of those settings, I have worked alongside organizations, community stakeholders, and diverse populations to build programs that respond to identified needs and create lasting opportunities for growth and support.
At UMADAOP of Cincinnati, my work focused on mental health education, substance use prevention, recovery awareness, and community-based programming. Through training, facilitation, and collaborative partnerships, I helped create opportunities for individuals and families to access information, strengthen life skills, and engage in honest conversations about mental health and wellness. Earlier, at Howard University, I supported programs serving approximately 2,600 students with disabilities, contributing to program operations, accessibility resources, technology support, and staff management. My path also includes corporate engagement, fundraising, and national outreach initiatives supporting students, families, and underserved communities.
What continues to drive my work is the opportunity to bring people, organizations, and resources together around a shared purpose. Good programs start with listening. When we take the time to understand what a community is telling us and recognize its needs, we can develop thoughtful, sustainable programs that make a real difference in people's lives.
Let's Talk About It Cincy is how I carry that commitment forward here in Cincinnati. We create opportunities for open dialogue, education, and community engagement around mental health and wellness, and we work to make sure people have access to the support and resources they need.
Gina
Gina F. Marr-Hawkins, QMHS, OCPSA
Principal Consultant, Let's Talk About It Cincy
