Serving Those Who Serve: Leading Mental Health Support for Veterans and Military Families

49er Chat Blas V

Serving Those Who Serve: Leading Mental Health Support for Veterans and Military Families
 Dr. Blas Villalobos ’09
Chief Executive Officer of Military Services
Centerstone
 

Join us for an inspiring 49er Industry Chat with Dr. Blas Villalobos ’09, Chief Executive Officer of Military Services at Centerstone.

As a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran and a dedicated advocate for veteran well-being, Dr. Villalobos leads efforts to provide mental health and substance use disorder support for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. With over 15 years of experience in veteran services, he has held key roles with Chapman University, the City of Los Angeles, and U.S.VETS, shaping policies and programs that make a lasting impact.

In this session, Dr. Villalobos will share insights on leadership in nonprofit and veteran services, the evolving landscape of mental health support for military families, and how his journey from Long Beach State to executive leadership has shaped his mission.

Don't miss this chance to learn from a leader making a difference in the lives of those who serve.

Natalie Mgonja is a Tanzanian-American experience curator, travel planner, and founder of Backyard Ventures, a company redefining tourism through slow, intentional, and wellness-focused travel. After earning her degree in Communication Studies from Cal State Long Beach, she returned to Tanzania, navigating startups and tech before building her own path in experiential travel. Through retreats, co-living, and curated adventures, she invites travelers to immerse themselves in regenerative travel—connecting with themselves, local communities, and nature beyond the surface-level tourist experience. Her work blends mindfulness, creativity, and adventure, fostering personal transformation and deeper connections. Natalie is passionate about reshaping how people experience travel, turning it into a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and sustainable impact.