Meet Chelsea Borruano
Occupation: Business Development Manager, Founder & Executive Director
Organization: MESH, You Aren’t Alone Project
When and why did you get involved with BRAC?
I got involved with BRAC about a year ago to network with other local professionals and market my freelance business. Since then, I’ve moved into a Business Development role with MESH and started a nonprofit. While my goals have shifted, I still find tremendous value in being a part of BRAC, especially as an ambassador. Plus, the team is comprised of some of my favorite humans, so that helps!
Tell us more about how you are involved in Baton Rouge?
How much time do you have? I currently serve as Communications Chair for Rotaract of Baton Rouge and board member at large for the Public Relations Association of Louisiana. I am also an active member of Club Blue and former Vice President of Communications for Forum 225 (previously Forum 35) and will be rejoining the Forum 225 board of directors in April. Through my new role with MESH, I also plan on getting EVEN more involved, if that’s possible.
Driven by passion and my own journey of pain, loss and triumph, I founded the You Aren’t Alone Project in 2019. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to forming a network of ongoing support for mental health and wellness in Baton Rouge and surrounding communities so that no one ever has to feel alone. The project exists to encourage understanding, erase stigmas, and to invest in building the right relationships that will continue moving this initiative forward. Our vision is to be the platform that paves the way for mental and behavioral health in Louisiana to be treated and talked about in the same way as physical health.
Why do you stay involved with BRAC?
Honestly, for all the reasons I joined in the first place and more. The relationships I’ve made through BRAC have benefited me personally and professionally both in my day job and with the nonprofit. I continue to stay up to date on all the growth happening in Baton Rouge and it feels good to be just a small part of that.
What would you tell someone considering becoming a BRAC investor?
If you’re a part of the Baton Rouge community, you need to be a part of BRAC. It’s a no-brainer.
What do you see for the future of Baton Rouge? How will we get there?
I would love to see a more collaborative city, one that is not divided by North vs. South and everything in between. I think it’s going to take continued action from leaders and changemakers. It starts with us.
What’s one of the most exciting things you see happening in the Baton Rouge Area today?
As I am typing this, the whole state is preparing for LSU to bring home the National Championship. By the time this is posted I’m hoping that has come to fruition (either way #ForeverLSU). On another note, I’m excited for the amazing entrepreneurs and small business owners that are taking over this city. I’m proud to be and know so many of them. It’s a great time to be growing with Baton Rouge, that’s for sure. BRAC’s Ambassador Program is designed to allow company representatives to actively build relationships with BRAC investors and business leaders while serving as advocates of BRAC’s work.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of these ambassadors in the Ambassador Spotlight. To learn more about the Ambassador Program visit the program page here.