The Impact
Our Story
Meet the Founder;
Hi, I’m Tehya Tournier — a proud Iowa native and UNI alum. I founded Let’s Start Talking Iowa in March 2018 during my senior year at Cedar Falls High School. What started as a simple idea to spark conversations around mental health and suicide prevention has grown into a passionate, community-driven nonprofit!
The journey began on the first day of my senior year when I approached school administrators with a proposal for a suicide prevention assembly. Inspired by my involvement with Alive & Running Iowa, I felt called to do more for the young adults around me. Unfortunately, my proposal was dismissed, and just three weeks later, we lost a classmate to suicide. The loss was heartbreaking and deeply affected our school and community.
That moment became a turning point. While I faced ongoing challenges trying to work with the school, I refused to stay silent. Instead, I turned that pain into purpose, and Let’s Start Talking Iowa was born.
On March 22, 2018, I hosted the very first Let’s Start Talking Iowa event, followed by a second on January 10, 2019. What began as a response to personal loss has grown into a statewide movement for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Founded in honor of our CFHS classmate and others we've lost to suicide, Let’s Start Talking Iowa has continued to grow with each passing year. Since launching, I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to:
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Host and speak at mental health events across Iowa
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Partner with local organizations to improve access to mental health resources
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Launch a seasonal apparel line supporting mental health initiatives
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Awarded five scholarships to Iowa undergraduates since 2020
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Donate proceeds to groups like Alive & Running Iowa & other local organizations
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The most recent event in February 2025 raised over $8,000.00
This work is personal — born from lived experience and inspired by the support of mentors like Troy Belmer and Ryan Nesbit of Alive & Running Iowa, who encouraged me to turn “Let’s Start Talking” into something more than a phrase.
Today, this organization thrives through the dedication of family, friends, and volunteers. Every dollar raised goes directly back into scholarships, community partnerships, and programs that support youth mental health. Together, we’re breaking the stigma — one conversation at a time!
Our Mission
Let’s Start Talking Iowa is committed to creating open, honest conversations around mental health and suicide prevention. We work to build a supportive and safe community by empowering teens and young adults through education, awareness, and meaningful connection.
Our mission is to break the stigma in the Cedar Valley and beyond, ensuring that every voice is heard, every story matters, and hope is always within reach.