Founder

I come from a family rooted deeply in the story of this land. On my mother’s side, I carry the legacy of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On my father’s side, I am Mexican-American — my ancestors lived here long before the border shifted, long before Manifest Destiny claimed that only one kind of people belonged.

History matters. The U.S. pushed into Mexico all the way to Mexico City during the war — but stopped short of annexing everything. Why? Because there were “too many brown people.” California was wanted for gold. New Mexico was added last, still landlocked, because the population was too Mexican. That history lives on in the inequities our communities face today.

So when I say Rebuilding Lives, I mean reclaiming dignity, connection, and justice that has been denied for generations. My work is about trauma-informed healing, social-emotional resilience, and building community spaces where people don’t just survive — they thrive.

Technical Director

Tonya Kubo is the Technical Director for the Rebuilding Lives Initiative, where she ensures the digital and operational systems behind our training programs run smoothly. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, operations, and community engagement, she specializes in using technology to expand access and streamline support. Find out more at tonyakubo.com.