Identifying and Addressing Current Trends in Substance Use
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PT
Overview
It can be challenging for prevention providers to stay aware of and effectively prioritize needs in an ever-changing landscape of substance availability and related behaviors. This collaborative session will review recent substance use, misuse, and relevant trends from a local, state, and national lens. Participants will gain insights into how current conditions at those levels influence substance use behaviors and learn the resources available to maintain up-to-date substance use knowledge.
About the Presenters
Nicole Valenzuela (she/her) is a licensed social worker deeply committed to community-centered care, emphasizing upstream prevention and advocacy to create lasting positive impact. Her work transcends substance use prevention, adopting a holistic approach to foster well-being across diverse communities. By applying data-driven strategies like the Strategic Prevention Framework, Protective Factors, and trauma-informed practices, Nicole aims to cultivate inclusive, equitable, and resilient environments where all individuals can thrive.
Central to Nicole’s work is building strong, trusting relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring that programs are developed are tailored with and for the community to be served. Her expertise spans program planning, program evaluation, needs assessment, and multi-sector collaboration, enabling her to lead initiatives that generate sustainable, long-term change.
Nicole is also dedicated to fostering the growth of future advocates and prevention professionals. She offers technical assistance, training, and resources, empowering others to advance their knowledge and skills in prevention work. Guided by empathy, effective communication, and deep compassion, Nicole’s approach ensures that individuals and communities alike are equipped not just to overcome their challenges, but to flourish in environments designed for their success. She is passionate about driving meaningful, equitable change that uplifts our communities.
Estefania Caldera-Alvarado (she/her/ella) has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and is a Prevention Program Director for a community-based organization. As a director, she has led a variety of youth, parent, and community member training on Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention to increase knowledge and facilitate conversation around substances. Estefania believes that healthy communities are achieved through collaborative effort. She is passionate about empowering community members to take action in advocating for themselves, their families, and their communities. Through her work, she looks to influence the next generation to take their voice and wield it to make an impact in their community and beyond.
Bianca Beckley, a nonprofit leader and researcher with over 10 years of experience in youth development, mentorship, community engagement, and advocacy for underserved populations. Her leadership approach is grounded in meaning-centered leadership, emphasizing purpose-driven work through engagement, empowerment, and expertise.
Dr. Beckley earned her EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership with the goal of improving organizational effectiveness and strengthening community outcomes. Her research interests include nonprofit leadership, cross-sector collaboration, community-police relationships, and reentry and diversion initiatives.
In addition to her professional work, Dr. Beckley serves as President of the Southern California Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), where she helps foster professional development, networking, and engagement opportunities for emerging and established public service professionals. She is passionate about empowering youth, advancing equitable practices within nonprofit and public sector organizations, and promoting leadership practices that encourage employee wellbeing, mental health awareness, and burnout prevention.