Maria Brown-Spence

Manager, Entrepreneurs Foundation, & Founder & CEO of Hearts 2 Heal

Maria Brown-Spence is the Founder & CEO of Hearts 2 Heal, an Austin based 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to designing and implementing community- based bereavement support & wellness strategies for underserved communities, including military service members, veterans & their families. As a Black-Latina & Army National Guard Vetera, Maria knows the importance of creating dialogue and opportunities to perpetuate health equity and resources that efficiently treat mental health challenges in communities of color and within military culture. 

Hearts 2 Heal was incorporated in 2019 and officially launched January 2020. Since launching during the pandemic, Hearts 2 Heal strategically and intentionally pivoted their organizational efforts to support COVID-19 outreach. 

From April 2020 until now, Hearts 2 Heal has donated well over 2 million units of PPE and clothing to more than 7 states and 20+ community-based organizations. Provided mental health, bereavement and overall wellness workshops and webinars to more than 200 participants, certified 50 mental health first aiders, launched a mentorship and wellness program to support Black teen girls, a peer support group for bereaved parents and most notably hosted a virtual awards ceremony, to recognize Black Vietnam Veterans. 

In addition to programming efforts, Hearts 2 Heal distributed a community needs assessment, receiving over 150 responses from BIPOC community members, who openly shared insights to mental health needs and resources. This survey will allow Hearts2Heal to ensure we are building an organizational foundation that puts people at the center of all that we do.

Maria, is a certified Mental Health First Aider, Meditation & Life Coach, 200 hr Yoga Teacher in training, as well as additional certifications in the health & wellness space. In addition to her continued learning in the health equity space, she serves as a Board Commissioner for the City of Austin Veterans Commission and provides consulting services around social impact and strategy. 

You can reach Maria Brown-Spence at maria@hearts2heal.org or www.hearts2heal.org. On social media @hearts2heal