Babu George Mathew
Nominated by NAMI Colorado
Member, NAMI Jeffco (CO)
Listen to Babu's Candidate Speech
Job Title or Position:
NAMI Leadership Experience:
- NAMI Colorado, VP, President, 2018-Current
NAMI Program Leader Experience:
- NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Family & Friends, NAMI Family Support Group
Additional NAMI Involvement:
- Currently serving my second term as Secretary on the NAMI State Presidents' Council and since 2019 on the NAMI FaithNet National Advisory Committee. Along with my board leadership at NAMI Colorado, I have been collaborating with the NAMI Cross-Cultural Innovation and Engagement (CCIE) team on FaithNet outreach to interfaith communities and Chai & Chat initiative that centers on destigmatizing the conversation around mental health and wellness in South Asian communities. Recipient of the NAMI Cross-Cultural Innovation and Engagement Award at NAMICon 2023 for contributions in raising public awareness about mental illness, reducing stigma in diverse communities. My lived experience as a family peer for over a decade has shaped my calling to be a passionate Mental Health Advocate.
Relationship to Mental Health:
- Family member or direct support of someone with mental illness
Candidate Strengths Assessment
The candidate indicated they have experience in the following areas that will help NAMI achieve its mission and strategic goals:
- Advocacy, Business/Nonprofit Leadership, Mental Health Service/Support, Philanthropy/Donor Cultivation
The candidate indicated they have connections and networks in the following areas:
- Human Resources/Personnel, Marketing/Public Relations, Politics/Elected Officials, Social Media
Candidate Leadership Style
The candidate indicated the following descriptors represent their leadership style:
- Action-oriented, Consensus Builder, Data Driven, Outcome-oriented, Peacemaker, Team Player
Candidate Narrative
The candidate indicated specific skill areas identified as high priority for the 2024-2025 Board where they excel and additional skill areas that would be an asset to the NAMI Board:
Diversity of age, race, ethnicity, language, experience, and national geography; person of color living in states/regions currently under-represented; role as ambassador and partner in identifying opportunities, engaging new supporters, and cultivating valuable connections; 14 years of lived experience as family peer / caregiver for family member living with mental illness.
Experience working with NAMI FaithNet from 2019 making collaborations with interfaith leaders in building caring communities through intentional listening; DEI work in collaboration with NAMI Cross-Cultural Innovation and Engagement.
I personally have helped advance the NAMI mission in my community by...
My Board leadership in reimagining NAMI Colorado as a one of the leading NSOs working closely with our Executive Director; developing and nurturing a diverse board of directors building caring community connections and making allies at the affiliate level; as a passionate mental health advocate and NAMI program leader; as leading fundraiser at the NAMIWalks.
I work well in coordination with other leaders to accomplish goals as evidenced by...
My board leadership working very closely with my Executive Director as co-pilots; my service on the FaithNet Advisory Committee; my warm relationship with the NAMI CCIE team and leadership.