Speakers

Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC, serves as Associate Director at the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health and leads the Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor Certification Program at the University of Chicago. With 20 years of experience addressing both structural and interpersonal violence, Gabriela focuses on community-driven, humanizing approaches rooted in lived experience, cultural humility, ethical decision-making, and healing-centered communities. They have helped create national trauma-informed policy guidelines and frameworks for trauma care and have worked to expand mentorship opportunities for new leaders. 

Gabriela leads national capacity-building initiatives. They consult on trauma-informed policy and research and author best-practice guidance. Gabriela also operates GZA INK, a boutique practice offering trauma therapy, clinical supervision, organizational training, and consultation. Beyond work, Gabriela values community, partnership, parenting, and future ancestorship. When not advocating for healing and equity, they may be found with their nose in a book, fingers in the soil, roaming through forests, or singing and dancing with family.

Speaking and training

Gabriela delivers keynotes, leads workshops, and conducts trainings that blend research-based evidence and healing traditions. Their presentations present practical strategies for building more equitable, trauma-informed environments. They also honor the wisdom that communities contribute to healing. Gabriela serves as a national expert for various media outlets. Visit www.gzaink.com/speaking-training for examples of their work.

Training and technical assistance

• Trauma and healing.
• Mental health and substance use.  
• Intimate partner violence and power.
• Harm reduction and motivational interviewing.  
• Anti-oppression and cultural responsiveness. 
• Clinical supervision and leadership development.  
• Housing instability and housing support.  
• Crisis prevention and response.

Experience

• 20 years of experience in trauma and healing work with individuals and communities.
• Published author and behavioral health literature contributor www.gzaink.com/writing.
• Clinical supervisor and faculty member.
• Speaker for conferences, workshops, and professional development events.
• Trusted interviewer and moderator; view recent interview with Dr. Gabor Maté at www.gzaink.com/speaking-training.
• Trauma therapist with specialties in co-occurring mental health, substance use, and complex trauma www.gzaink.com/therapy.

Speaking opportunities

Keynotes | Conferences | Expert Panels | Workshops | Media Appearances | Organizational Trainings | Professional Development | Academic Guest Lectures