Friends Austin is delighted to announce Lupe Galindo, Senior Professional Mentor, as our 2025 No Matter What MVP! This distinction is awarded annually to an employee who has been nominated by their colleagues for their extraordinary contributions to our work and mission.

Lupe, who has been a team member at Friends Austin for more than six years, was recognized by her colleagues for demonstrating the Friends of the Children Core Values in her work daily. In every moment, she puts children first. She puts intention into every outing with her youth, advocating for them in and out of the classroom. When new Friends join our team, they often shadow Lupe and her youth to gain a deeper understanding of intentional, individualized outings.

She pursues goals relentlessly. Recently, Lupe worked with one of her youth and her family to advocate for diagnostic evaluation in order to receive critically needed educational resources. Lupe has continued to pursue professional development training to ensure she is best equipped to support this youth in all areas of her life.

Lupe works intentionally with each of her youth's families, empowering them to access community resources. She serves as a powerful ambassador for Friends Austin's work in our community, strengthening relationships with other community organizations and our child enrollment partners.

One team member shared, "Lupe's kids know that she will be there for them, no matter what. Overall, Lupe demonstrates what it means to help youth navigate the world and the many obstacles that arise. She lives out daily our mission of providing a caring, consistent adult in a child's life."

Congratulations, Lupe! Thank you for all the strengths you bring to our organization. We are incredibly grateful to have you on the Friends Austin team.