Brenda Torres is the Clinical Social Worker at Visionary Youth LA (VYLA) who grew up in an underserved community in the San Gabriel region. As a Latinx women her upbringing in her community shaped her lifelong commitment to advocating for marginalized populations and as a result has devoted her career to the nonprofit sector. She has supported children and adults with developmental disabilities; empowered individuals to access vital resources within their communities, and ensured they receive the support they need to thrive. 

At VYLA, Brenda focuses on uplifting youth in marginalized communities by providing them social and emotional support to ensure their well-being. She is committed to supporting the emotional wellness of each individual and is focused on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in communities of color.  

Brenda completed her Masters of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California (USC) focusing on Children, Youth, and Families; this specialization equipped her with the knowledge to advocate for social justice and uplift marginalized youth and their families.  

Outside of her professional life, Brenda finds joy in nature, spending time with her cats, and going to different boba shops. In her spare time, she loves traveling to different cities and countries with her friends and enjoys going to flea markets.