Racquel is a passionate advocate for change, working tirelessly to destigmatize and educate on the challenges of overcoming substance misuse and systemic and familial obstacles. She is deeply committed to advocating for underserved populations, particularly on the issues of racial equity, the power of peer coaching, and criminal justice reform. Racquel is the owner & Chief Innovation Officer of HardBeauty and serves as the Executive Director of the HardBeauty Foundation. Her foundation is the first and only peer-led organization in Douglas County, Colorado, offering hybrid coaching and programming that serves the entire state. Racquel's educational background includes an Associates Degree in Addiction Counseling from ICDC College. She is also a National Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with NAADAC and possesses qualifications as an ARISE Interventionist, Subject Matter Expert and Training Facilitator for Opioid Response Network, working at the national level on behalf of SAMSHA. March of 2023, Racquel began a 2-year term on the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council. Her appointment by the Attorney General highlights her expertise in the field. She serves as a member of the Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHACC). In this capacity, she collaborates to create a people-first behavioral health system in Colorado. Racquel's involvement extends nationally as the Vice-Chair of the National Naloxone Project, where she is a leader in MOMs+. Her contributions have made her a powerful influencer, particularly with the "Tough As A Mother Stronger Than Addiction" campaign, which acknowledges her impactful work with mothers in Colorado and across the nation.