Speaker's Profile

Tessa Medina-Lucero is an experienced public health leader with more than 25 years’ work experience in adolescent health, violence prevention, and community-based initiatives across New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations with a minor in Psychology and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health from the University of New Mexico.

As the State Adolescent Health Coordinator with the New Mexico Department of Health, Tessa leads the planning, training, implementation and evaluation of youth-centered programs and initiatives promoting healthy relationships, youth health literacy, prevention, and leadership development. Her work is grounded in the Positive Youth Development Approach framework, with a focus on health equity, youth engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. She partners with schools, agencies, and community organizations to strengthen systems supporting young people and elevate youth voice in policies and programs that impact their lives.

She is deeply committed to empowering youth and fostering strong, healthy schools and communities.