|
Beyond the Music: Building Pathways to Social Impact and Mental Health Support— Meet Andrea Viarrial-Murphy
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to feature Andrea Viarrial-Murphy, Deputy Director of Youth on Record, for her work promoting youth mental well-being and reducing stigma.
Tell us about your story:
With nearly 20 years in the nonprofit sector and over a decade in marketing and project management, I have dedicated my career to driving meaningful social change. As Deputy Director at Youth on Record, I focus on youth development, mentoring, staff development, volunteer engagement, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and business operations. Passionate about collaboration, I thrive on building creative and impactful relationships that empower young people and those who support them.
A cornerstone of my leadership is a deep commitment to staff care and development. At Youth on Record, I lead our internal care and development efforts, ensuring our team receives the support they need to thrive—both personally and professionally. Staff members participate in regular professional development training, group coaching, mental health and wellness programming, and team-building activities. We also provide a mental health and wellness stipend to support employees in prioritizing their well-being. These investments, coupled with systems of accountability, help ensure our team has the tools they need to succeed in their current roles and to grow within the organization.
From a leadership perspective, investing in staff is not just a value—it's a strategy. When we care for our teams, we create a culture of trust, innovation, and resilience. I believe strongly that leaders must model the type of workplace they want to cultivate, and that begins with taking care of the people who make the mission possible. When our team members feel seen, supported, and challenged, they are empowered to deliver transformational work for our youth.
I graduated from Metropolitan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology. My passion for service is deeply rooted in my upbringing. My father, raised in a Mexican-Native American household in Denver’s Lincoln Park neighborhood—near Youth on Record’s current location—taught me the importance of connections and relationships. My mother, Terrie, values relationships and people above all else. She works hard, is always reliable, and leads by example. No matter the situation, you can count on her to show up, support others, and extend kindness. Her unwavering dedication has shaped my approach to leadership and care for others.
Growing up, I worked with youth at our church and spent summers as a camp leader, always asking, How can I give back? How can I support our youth? These early experiences shaped my purpose. Today, my work at Youth on Record honors my father’s roots by providing young creatives with access to a safe space to experience music, mentorship, career readiness, job placement, and community programs. At the same time, I carry my mother’s values—building relationships, working hard, and being someone others can count on.
My future goals are to make an impact on a national level. Through my coaching and consulting company, The A-Dre Effect, I plan to help organizations and individuals fine-tune their social impact—supporting them in growing, leading, and creating lasting change by prioritizing people, building culture, and investing in human potential. This includes helping them use their brand to create an impact with the causes they support, ensuring their values align with meaningful, community-centered action.
GlobalMindED can help me further my impact by connecting me with like-minded leaders, expanding my network, and offering professional development opportunities that strengthen my ability to serve the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.
My father always said, It’s all about connections and relationships. That wisdom, along with my mother’s powerful example of dedication and service, continues to guide my work. Whether I’m supporting a young creative, coaching a team member, or designing a strategy for organizational growth, I’m always focused on building bridges—for people, communities, and the future.
| 
