Jansen Azarias Suzumoto

  Jansen Azarias-Suzumoto was born and raised in the Philippines and left for the United States when he was 18 years old. With an understanding of living through trauma, the cyclical nature of poverty, and a drive to empower youth in pursuit of their dreams, Jansen hoped to help youth build a legacy within their communities. After identifying the needs of his new city and of his own family, he started Higher Ground a Resource Center in 2007. Jansen is a loving father of two sons and a dedicated husband to his wife, Barbie Azarias. They continue to lead Higher Ground as a family with their passion and drive. Their faith strengthens and motivates their work with the organization. Today, Higher Ground serves over 2000 youth in Tucson and is an established Non-Profit in our community. Higher Ground does Life Coaching, Community-Building, and Social-Emotional Learning with under-served youth in Tucson. Jansen has unmet energy and natural leadership qualities. As a leader for Higher Ground, he has done extensive research on the importance of developing the skill of grit for individual success, as well as incorporated it into Higher Ground curriculum. Host: Dr. Nadia Alvarez, Ph.D. Teaching and Teacher Education Production and Engineering:  Gwendoline Hernandez Nenny G of KXCI’s The Latin Connection Music:  Danza imposible by The Impossible Orchestra & Alondra de la Parra. Arturo Márquez, composer.