We were lucky to catch up with Tehya Tournier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tehya, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve always felt a deep calling to help others, inspired by my parents, family, and friends. From a young age, it brought me a sense of hope and purpose. My mom was always volunteering for ‘Make a Wish’, my family was known for being a helping hand, and my sister even founded her own non-profit at 13 years old, ‘Furries 4 Fosters’, inspired by our family being a foster home and adopting my younger brother.
There are many ways our family was connected in giving back. However, suicide always had a tug on my heart from a young age and being outspoken about it slowly became the norm for me. When I was 9, my sister and I started a lemonade stand to raise money for the American Cancer Society in honor of our grandpa, who had passed away from lung cancer. As the years went on, and we saw loved ones battling cancer and struggling with suicide, we decided to split our proceeds between the American Cancer Society and Alive & Running Iowa, a local non-profit in our area fighting for suicide prevention. Between the ages of 9 and 20, we raised thousands of dollars, which became a defining experience for me. It was my first powerful realization that I could make a real difference in people’s lives. I learned that it’s not about being the loudest or most noticeable person in the room, but about how you treat others and the impact you have on your community.
Growing up and navigating life as a young woman in today’s society, I quickly developed a deep passion for raising awareness about the importance of mental health and having open conversations about suicide, particularly among young adults. Now at the age of 24, I’ve faced profound loss and grief from suicide and have witnessed the mental health struggles of friends, family, classmates, and even my own. I’ve always believed in standing up for what’s right, including breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in my tightly-knit community. However, it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I truly understood the profound impact the word “suicide” would have on my heart and the direction of my life.
As my senior year began at Cedar Falls High School in 2017-2018, I proposed the idea of a suicide prevention and mental health assembly to the school administration. Unfortunately, the idea was rejected. Just three weeks later, a close classmate of mine died by suicide, devastating our entire school community. Determined to make a difference, help others who were struggling, and honor his memory, I began collaborating with my mentors from Alive & Running Iowa, Troy Belmer, and Ryan Nesbit, as well as the school administration, to create something impactful for students and staff. Despite our efforts, the plans fell through, leaving the school without a tribute to our classmate or meaningful support for our student body in my senior year. But that didn’t stop me from fighting for a conversation to be had.
As I mentioned earlier, helping others has always given me a sense of hope. After hitting a wall with the high school and making no progress, I took action into my own hands. In March 2018, I hosted my first-ever suicide prevention event, which drew over 150 attendees from the community. This event became the foundation for my non-profit, ‘Let’s Start Talking Iowa’. I never would have imagined this is what I would be doing with my life. Growing up, I was shy and reserved, but I discovered my purpose when the need arose to ignite a spark—one conversation at a time. Since 2018, my non-profit has grown, largely thanks to the unwavering support of my family, community, and mentors from Alive & Running Iowa. Their encouragement gave me the courage to pursue success in the non-profit sector.
Through Let’s Start Talking Iowa, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at schools and community events across Iowa, hosting my own events, and partnering with organizations like Alive & Running Iowa. I’ve also been able to fundraise and award scholarships to four Iowa undergraduate students since 2021, create a seasonal apparel line and contribute to local organizations and hospitals. Our organization is still growing and making waves everyday! The connections I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned, have forever shaped my journey. It only takes one moment, one person, or one word to make a difference. We are teaching education, resources, and hope to young adults in our community and beyond. Connecting them to others who can help and being a voice for the voiceless, because everyone matters. I am deeply grateful to God and my family for teaching me that serving others is an integral part of my purpose in this life.
Today, I’m proud to see how much progress the high school and Cedar Falls community has made in addressing mental health and suicide prevention, with tremendous support from my friends at Alive & Running Iowa. This journey has been over six years in the making, and I can’t help but believe that change wouldn’t have started if I hadn’t taken that first step my senior year. I never imagined starting a non-profit or that my life would take this direction, even after hosting that first event in 2018. All I wanted to do was shed a light to a topic that has been long overdue. Let’s Start Talking Iowa represents more than a single conversation—it’s about persistence, action, and igniting change. I am that spark, and I’ll never stop fighting for what has given my life so much purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Tehya Tournier, an Iowa native and proud alumna of the University of Northern Iowa, where I earned a degree in Sports PR and Digital Media. I currently serve as the Marketing Coordinator at Push Iron & Metals, a scrap metal recycling facility, and work as a contract Social Media Manager for the Iowa Woo arena football team.
In addition to my professional roles, I am the Founder and CEO of Let’s Start Talking Iowa, an organization I established in March 2018 to advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Both in my career and personal life, I am deeply passionate about community engagement and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
What sets me apart is my genuine care and commitment—I see people as individuals, not just numbers. I strive to bring my very best to every endeavor, facing challenges with resilience and pride in my work. This dedication to excellence and empathy is a quality I value highly, and one that drives everything I do.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three things that have profoundly shaped me are confidence, resilience, and mindfulness.
Confidence has been crucial because it was something I struggled with growing up. Over time, I realized its importance in how I communicate, stay true to my beliefs, and trust my instincts. There will always be people who question you, try to change your mind, or tear you down. From a young age, I was taught to stand firm, hold my head high, and never let my crown tilt—values that still guide me today. The confidence I have in myself, and my beliefs will never be shaken.
Resilience is another cornerstone. My dad always reminded us, “Tourniers don’t quit.” That mindset became my foundation. I’ve learned to fight for what’s right, for myself and for others, even if it didn’t align with the norms of being a teenager or young adult. Holding myself to a higher standard has been a choice I embrace. This value also plays a significant role in my work with suicide prevention, my professional work and even person health battles I have faced. No matter what is life throws at me, and my family, being resilient and seeing beyond the moment has been extremely helpful.
Lastly, mindfulness has been transformative, both personally and professionally. Having a passion for a topic as intense and deeply personal as mental health requires balance. I’ve learned when to listen, when to speak, and how to be present for others while safeguarding my own peace. Being mindful allows me to educate, support, and heal in meaningful ways.
These principles—confidence, resilience, and mindfulness—aren’t just values I hold; they’re the foundation of how I live and lead.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I cannot attribute my growth and gratitude to just one person. It truly takes “a village,” filled with countless laughs and cherished memories, to shape who I am today. However, the greatest thanks go to my entire family and partner, who have been my greatest supporters and continue to walk with me through life’s journey.
I am deeply inspired by my younger sister, Aaliyah, who at just 13 years old founded her own non-profit organization, Furries 4 Fosters. The organization collects new stuffed animals and blankets to donate to foster children throughout Iowa. Her passion for this cause was started when our family became a foster home during our childhood, eventually leading to the adoption of our younger brother, Ty. Aaliyah’s compassion and dedication shine through in everything she does, and she inspires me every single day.
I am also incredibly grateful for my boyfriend and partner, Tom. Over the nearly three years we’ve been together, I’ve continued to discover new things I love about life—and about him—every single day. He has taught me to appreciate the simple joys in a world often consumed by busyness, to lean into my faith, and to carry myself with confidence. Tom is one of the hardest-working people I know, both on and off the football field. His dedication and support not only strengthen our relationship but also help us grow as individuals. His unwavering encouragement, both professionally and personally, means the world to me. We are better people because of each other.
Lastly, my parents, Melanie and Darin. My parents have been instrumental in shaping my success, inspiring the foundation of Let’s Start Talking Iowa, and molding me into the person I am today. I can’t imagine who I’d be without their influence. They have always encouraged me to dream big, stay true to myself, and treat others with kindness. They’ve shown me the importance of striving for excellence in everything I do. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t have had the courage to host my own event at just 18 years old, the determination to graduate college, or the strength to endure some of the toughest days in the hospital. My mom and dad are the best examples of love and generosity. Both Iowa natives from similar backgrounds, they have worked hard to build successful lives and provide my siblings and me with the best possible childhood and future. Growing up in a home filled with love, hard work, loyalty, and unwavering support is a privilege I’m deeply grateful for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsstarttalkingia/p/DBzpiu_MRTO/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556226415570. (Let’s Start Talking Iowa)
- Other: Facebook: Let’s Start Talking IowaInstagram: letsstarttalkingia
Linkedin (personal): Tehya Tournier
Image Credits
All photos were taken my a phone except the headshot.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
