🌵 Blooming in the Desert 🌺
My Story. My Voice. My Journey.
🌺 Meet Priscilla — Proud Boricua ❤️
Navy Veteran. Social Worker. Survivor. Human Rights Advocate.
¡WEPA! Welcome to my little corner of the desert!
I'm Priscilla Velazquez, a proud Puerto Rican woman from Chicago, retired U.S. Navy veteran, Licensed Master Social Worker, breast cancer survivor, author, and entrepreneur.
Throughout my life, I've been a passionate advocate for human rights, veterans' rights, domestic violence survivors, and healthcare rights. I believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, safety, and a voice.
But there's more to me than my professional accomplishments!
I love salsa dancing, Puerto Rican culture, laughter, community gatherings, and meeting people from all walks of life.
Life has challenged me, taught me, and changed me. And through it all, I've discovered that my voice matters.
Still learning. Still laughing. Still growing. And still blooming! 🌵🌺
Puerto Rican by heritage. American by birth. Navy veteran by choice. A woman of resilience by experience.
#BloomingInTheDesert
❤️ Finding My Voice — MST, Trauma & Suicide Awareness
In October 2026, I had the honor of speaking at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System's Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in Hawaii.
For the first time publicly, I shared my personal experience with Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
During my time working as a social worker at the Phoenix VA, I learned that MST affects men as well as women. That experience expanded my understanding of trauma and reinforced the importance of recognizing and supporting every survivor.
Following my speech in Hawaii, several men approached me and shared that they hadn't realized MST affects men, too.
That moment stayed with me because it showed just how important education and awareness really are.
Military Sexual Trauma affects men, women, and people of all genders. Every survivor deserves dignity, compassion, and support.
I share my story not for sympathy, but to encourage awareness, break the silence surrounding MST, and remind survivors that they deserve to be heard and supported.
Your gender does not determine whether your trauma is real. Your voice matters. Your experience matters. And you are not alone. ❤️
❤️ Suicide Awareness — Every Life Matters
I believe we need to speak openly about suicide, depression, trauma, and emotional pain.
I know what it feels like to struggle through difficult moments when life seems overwhelming. I also know how important it is to be heard, treated with compassion, and reminded that support is available.
As a Navy veteran, survivor, and Licensed Master Social Worker, I want people to know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
You matter. Your life matters. And you deserve support.
If you or someone you know is struggling:
🇺🇸 Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
❤️ Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.
Both services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
❤️ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Resources:
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma/
You do not have to face life's most difficult moments alone.
There is still room for hope, healing, and another chapter. 🌵🌺
🌺 Priscilla in the Community 🌺
Advocacy. Culture. Community. Connection.
My passion for helping others doesn't stop at the office!
Over the years, I've participated in community celebrations, veterans' activities, breast cancer awareness events, and human rights advocacy.
I even ran for public office in Florida! I believed that Puerto Rican women deserved a voice in government, and I wasn't afraid to step forward and represent my community.
Whether I'm advocating for others, celebrating my Boricua heritage, dancing salsa, or meeting new friends, I believe in showing up and making meaningful connections.
Life is meant to be lived, celebrated, and shared! 🌵🌺
Come see where I'll be next!
📅 Upcoming Events — Where to Find Priscilla!
Come say HOLA! 🌺
I love meeting people, celebrating our cultures, supporting veterans, and connecting with my community!
🌺 Saturday, November 7, 2026 — Puerto Rican Picnic
Location: Riverview Park, 2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, Arizona
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fee or Cost: FREE EVENT
I'll be attending as a guest. Come say hello and celebrate our beautiful Boricua culture!
⚓ Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — Phoenix Veterans Day Parade
Location: Downtown Phoenix, Arizona
Time: Check the official parade schedule.
Fee or Cost: FREE EVENT
I'm honored to participate as a Veteran Grand Marshal, celebrating my Navy service and Puerto Rican heritage!
View Parade Details & My Grand Marshal Biography
See me at an event? Don't be shy! Come introduce yourself! ❤️
Appearances and event details are subject to change. Please confirm information with the organizers before attending.
🌺 Invite Priscilla to Your Event!
Looking for a speaker, educator, advocate, or community guest? Let's connect!
I'm Priscilla Velazquez, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, Licensed Master Social Worker, author, entrepreneur, and passionate community advocate.
I welcome invitations to conferences, community gatherings, veterans' events, educational workshops, business networking events, and cultural celebrations.
Topics I can speak about or teach include:
- 🌵 Entrepreneurship: Starting a business, overcoming challenges, and finding your purpose.
- ❤️ MST, Trauma & Suicide Awareness: Education, prevention resources, survivor advocacy, and breaking the silence for people of all genders.
- 💻 Website Building & AI Education: Helping beginners learn to build their own websites and use AI tools with confidence.
- 📣 Marketing & Small Business Tips: Practical ways to promote your business, connect with customers, and value your time.
- ⚖️ EEOC & Employee Rights Education: Understanding the complaint process, documentation, and navigating complicated systems.
- 🇺🇸 Veterans' Rights & Community Advocacy: Raising awareness about veterans' needs, available resources, and access to services.
Interested in inviting me?
Whether you'd like me to speak, lead a workshop, participate in a panel, or attend your community event, I'd love to hear about your plans!
📞 Call: 925-SAP-EVAL (925-727-3825)
📧 Email: pv@apoyosupportcenter.com
📍 Based in Buckeye, Arizona
Speaking engagements, workshops, promotional collaborations, and appearances are subject to availability and mutually agreed-upon fees and arrangements. Educational presentations do not constitute legal or clinical advice.
My Story. My Voice. My Journey.
Still learning. Still laughing. Still growing. And still blooming! 🌵🌺
#BloomingInTheDesert
“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 35:1
❤️ A Heartfelt Thank You
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who has given me the opportunity to help, assist, teach, or simply share what I've learned along the way.
When you support Apoyo Support Center and Apoyo Small Business Academy, you're doing more than supporting a business. You're supporting a Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, Latina-Owned Small Business built with determination, passion, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Every visit to my website, every shared post, every referral, every encouraging word, and every opportunity you give me means more than you may realize.
I didn't build my business simply to succeed on my own. I built it because I believe knowledge should be shared, opportunities should be accessible, and everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
The success of my business isn't measured only by what I accomplish. It's measured by the people I have the privilege of helping.
And the truth is simple:
Without YOU, there is no Apoyo. ❤️
YOU are the reason my small business has an opportunity to grow and succeed.
Whether you've trusted me to assist you, attended one of my workshops, shared my work, or simply offered a kind word of encouragement, please know that your support matters.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me, supporting my journey, and allowing me the opportunity to make a difference, one person and one lightbulb at a time.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Priscilla Velazquez, LMSW
Founder, Apoyo Support Center, PLLC
Apoyo Small Business Academy
From Confusion to Clarity. One Lightbulb at a Time. 💡