We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teri Cabrera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teri below.

Alright, Teri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

My story—and the story of The Mind Field, Inc.—begins with a simple but powerful belief: every person’s feelings matter. I wanted to create a world where it’s okay to be upset, to feel depressed, and, most importantly, to seek support without shame. I envisioned a community where emotional expression was not just accepted but celebrated—a space where generational healing could begin, honoring the pain of our ancestors, uplifting our elders, and empowering our children and theirs.

At the time, I was a grad student trying to stay afloat while silently battling endometriosis and depression. I carried the weight of being the eldest Black daughter, feeling the pressure to hold everything together while often feeling like I was falling apart inside. That internal struggle—the feeling of invisibility, of emotional exhaustion—reached a tipping point. And in that breaking moment, something powerful was born: clarity. I didn’t want to just make it through life—I wanted to change it. For myself, and for others like me.

That clarity became The Mind Field, Inc.—a nonprofit dedicated to normalizing mental health conversations in minority communities. What began as a dream became real through bold action: we launched the first-ever Minority Mental Health Fair in the State of Texas in July 2023, and because of our advocacy, the City of Dallas declared July as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month for the third year in a row. We didn’t just raise awareness—we made history.

That moment changed the entire trajectory of my career. I stopped shrinking myself to fit into roles that didn’t make space for my truth. I stepped into leadership with authenticity, vulnerability, and purpose. I learned that your pain doesn’t disqualify you from your purpose—it qualifies you to lead with compassion and vision.

Every time I stand on a stage, guide a panel, or connect with someone who feels seen for the first time, I’m reminded: when you move in purpose—on purpose—you don’t just heal yourself. You help others find the courage to heal, too.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Howdy, I’m Teri Cabrera—educator, mental health advocate, storyteller, and founder of The Mind Field, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to normalizing mental health conversations in communities of color. I created The Mind Field, Inc. from a deeply personal place—during a time when I was a graduate student navigating freshly diagnosed endometriosis, depression, and the emotional weight of being the eldest Black daughter in a family where vulnerability wasn’t always an option. I knew firsthand what it felt like to carry silent pain, and I didn’t want anyone else to feel alone in their healing.

That personal experience inspired me to step into advocacy and community leadership with one goal in mind: to create a world where every person knows their feelings matter. At The Mind Field, Inc. we believe that emotional expression is not a weakness—it’s a revolution. We envision a future where generational healing can take root, where our elders feel seen, our children feel safe, and our communities feel supported.

What do we do?
We specialize in culturally competent mental health programming, and we center our work around advocacy, education, and access. Some of our core offerings include:

The Minority Mental Health Fair – the first of its kind in the State of Texas, providing free resources, therapy connections, wellness activities, and seminars that address stigma head-on.

Mindful Memoirs – a cornerstone program that blends journaling, storytelling, and support group techniques to help individuals process trauma and celebrate resilience.

DEFUSED Discussions – a powerful panel series tackling hard topics like men’s mental health, trauma in communities of color, and healing through powerful conversations.

What sets us apart is our lived experience, our cultural lens, and our refusal to be performative. We are not here for optics—we’re here for impact. Every event, every post, every partnership is rooted in authenticity and purpose. We’re a small but mighty team that moves with heart, with strategy, and with our community in mind.

What I’m most proud of is watching people feel seen in our spaces—watching a Black man open up about therapy for the first time, or hearing a young Latina say, “I didn’t know we were allowed to talk about this.” Moments like that remind me that the work matters.

If you’re new to me or The Mind Field, here’s what I want you to know:

We are a space where your story is safe.
We are committed to breaking generational cycles through compassion and conversation.
We are building a movement—not just a moment—and we’d love for you to be part of it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to suffer in silence to be strong. Like many Black women—especially the eldest daughters—I was taught that strength meant endurance. That I had to keep going no matter how much pain I was in, physically or emotionally. That breaking down wasn’t an option, and asking for help was a sign of weakness.

This mindset showed up everywhere: in my personal life, in school, and especially during the early days of building The Mind Field, Inc. I was a grad student battling endometriosis and depression, juggling leadership roles and community expectations while keeping my own needs buried under layers of responsibility. I thought I had to be “on” all the time. That I couldn’t share the full weight of what I was carrying because I feared being judged or dismissed.

But the truth is: healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community. I had to unlearn the belief that strength is about pretending you’re okay. Real strength is about being honest. About creating space for your own healing while holding space for others. Once I gave myself permission to be vulnerable, to speak up, and to rest, everything shifted—not just in my personal life, but in how I led The Mind Field, Inc.

Now, I lead with softness, not shame. I model what it looks like to pause, to process, and to protect your peace. And I remind others that you don’t have to wait until you’re burned out to ask for help. You are allowed to take care of yourself—loudly.

That unlearning saved me. And it’s the reason The Mind Field, Inc. exists—to help others realize they don’t have to carry it all alone either.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of my journey—and a true test of my resilience—came right before the launch of our first-ever Minority Mental Health Fair in Dallas.

At that time, I was a full-time teacher, newly married, and quietly managing chronic pain from endometriosis while leading a nonprofit that I had poured my heart into. I was trying to show up for my students, my spouse, my community—and somehow, myself—all at once. Planning this fair wasn’t just about putting on an event; it was about building something that had never been done before in our area, something that centered us—Black and Brown communities—in conversations about mental health.

There were moments when everything felt too heavy. Vendors dropped out, logistics fell apart, and I constantly questioned whether I was the right person to carry this vision forward. I was tired. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But I kept going—not because it was easy, but because the mission mattered.

When the day of the fair arrived, I remember looking around and seeing Black and Brown families, local therapists, community leaders, and everyday people finding resources, connection, and relief. That moment reminded me that resilience isn’t about having it all together—it’s about choosing to keep going when it feels impossible. It’s about showing up despite the fear, the fatigue, and the uncertainty.

That fair wasn’t just an event—it was proof that we could create spaces for healing, even when the world tells us we have to suffer in silence. It showed me what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and it’s a reminder I carry with me every single day as I continue to lead The Mind Field, Inc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themindfield.org/
• Instagram: @themindfieldorg
• Facebook: The Mind Field, Inc.
• Youtube: @themindfieldorg