Barbara Azarias

Co-Founder & Chief of Staff

In the heart of Tucson, which I've called home for two vibrant decades, I find myself not just as the Co-founder at Higher Ground but also as the Chief of Staff and a beaming grandma to Koa and Keoni, Mom to Kenji, Tim, and Karina. My journey is not only about professional milestones; it's a tapestry woven with the threads of family, community, and personal growth.

Celebrating both a decade of marriage and a decade of Higher Ground. I've learned that life is a series of unique stories, each one unfolding one life at a time. My various roles over the years have been chapters in this narrative, where Tucson's warm embrace has taught me the value of genuine connections.

Looking forward, my excitement goes beyond organizational growth. As Chief of Staff, I am passionately involved in crafting a program that puts staff wellness at its core, recognizing that transforming lives starts with taking care of those who contribute to our mission. We are nothing without our staff.

As a grandma, there's a unique warmth added to this journey. Koa and Keoni aren't just names; they are the source of joy and inspiration that changes the rhythm of our heartbeat, keeping us motivated every day. The vision my husband and I hold for Higher Ground is deeply personal, envisioning a sanctuary where every person is not a statistic but a life transformed.

As we continue our path, it's not about numbers or grand gestures; it's about impacting one life at a time, creating ripples of positive change that resonate far beyond the walls of Higher Ground. Each life we touch is a chapter in our collective story, and together, we're writing a narrative of hope, growth, and transformation, one life at a time.