It’s Coffee Talk

07/22/2026

Leadership Breaking News 🗞️
In March, HIV leaders from United AIDS Conference invited me to speak for 15 minutes with Republican Senator John Cornyn and his team about HIV, mental health, and Medicare funding. As of today, Senator Cornyn has expressed concerns about HIV / Medicare/ Mental Health funding cuts affecting Texas and has communicated that he will oppose Trump’s administration nominees unless there is accountability regarding these critical funds.

I will continue advocating for adequate healthcare funding, especially for mental health, Medicare, and HIV services, until we address this healthcare crisis.
I am Mycah Lee Arellano, a Community Leader and HIV Survivor-Thriver. “Sí Se Puede.” Thank you Senator Cornyn and Team!
Cindy M Arellano HIV Plus MagazineGilead HIV US RiseUpToHIV Latino HealthCare Forum Latino Commission on AIDS Latinos in the Deep South AIDS United The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation AIDS Healthcare Foundation The AIDS Memorial

07/20/2026

Surround Yourself with Purpose and Possibility!

As community leaders, we should celebrate alongside those who inspire us and influence positive, creative leadership that strengthens our communities. At the same time, we must let go of the nonsense—and of people or situations that no longer serve a meaningful purpose in our lives.

07/19/2026

07/19/2026

As you embrace a productive week, take a moment as you text, or call those who inspire you. Remember to give yourself permission to pause and quiet the "Monkey Voice"—that inner critic that distracts, doubts, and diminishes your potential. Your greatest productivity begins with self-compassion.

07/16/2026

A Visionary Community Leader Advancing Mental Wellness, Human Services Innovation, and Social Impact Through Compassionate Leadership

Mycah Lee Arellano is a dedicated community leader, behavioral health professional, nonprofit executive, public speaker, media personality, and advocate with more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit development, funding strategy, nonprofit consulting, executive leadership, community relations, donor development, and strategic partnership building. His extensive background encompasses healthcare, education, human services, behavioral health, and community engagement.

As an accomplished nonprofit leader, Mycah brings expertise in leadership development, organizational strategy, fundraising development, intergovernmental relations, and cultivating strategic community partnerships. He is a Certified Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and holds certifications in Fundraising Essentials and Nonprofit Management and Development. Throughout his career, he has advanced innovative programs focused on mental wellness, recovery, resilience, and addressing community needs.

Born in Edinburg, Texas, Mycah attended the University of Texas at Brownsville, where he earned his clinical certification and licensure as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. During the early 1990s AIDS crisis, he demonstrated compassionate leadership by founding the AIDS Medical Emergency Service Initiative Program (1992–2000), a South Texas Rio Grande Valley community-based initiative that provided support, care coordination, and essential services for individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS during a critical period in public health history.

Mycah continued his education at St. Edward’s University, focusing on Human Services, Nonprofit Management, and Behavioral Health. In 2004, he founded Project Insight®, a nonprofit human services organization dedicated to promoting mental health, emotional wellness, and personal growth through expressive arts methodologies and educational tools.

From 2008 through 2016, Mycah created and produced the first bilingual parental engagement talk show in Central Texas in collaboration with Austin Independent School District, designed to empower parents by highlighting the value of education, strengthening family engagement, and creating meaningful dialogue among parents, educators, and community stakeholders.

As the Master Instructor of the Project Insight® Creative Journal Expressive Arts Institute® Certification Training, Mycah has pioneered innovative approaches to healing, resilience, and self-discovery through expressive arts.

In 2016, Mycah expanded his humanitarian efforts internationally by creating the “Helping Hands” initiative in Baja California, Los Cabos, Mexico, a sustainable community kitchen program designed to support individuals and families experiencing hardship or limited access to resources through food sustainability, community support, and compassionate service. Kurt Phelps

07/12/2026

After more than 30 years as a nonprofit development strategist, executive-level leader, and professional in donor development and community relations, I have seen one challenge repeated across organizations of every size: too many boards believe fundraising is the sole responsibility of the executive director and staff.

The truth is, sustainable fundraising requires an engaged board. Board members must take ownership by building relationships, opening doors, serving on development committees, advocating for the mission, and helping secure donors and community partners.
The executive director leads the fundraising strategy and coordinates its ex*****on, but long-term financial sustainability happens when the board and staff work together as one leadership team.

Strong nonprofits aren't built by boards that simply govern—they're built by boards that actively lead, engage, and invest in the mission.

07/08/2026

Are you currently serving—or planning to serve—as a Board or Trustee for a nonprofit organization? Let's talk about the legal protections every nonprofit leader should know!

07/06/2026

As a community leader, nonprofit development consultant, executive-level leader, and business development strategist, I am committed to strengthening the capacity of nonprofit organizations by cultivating meaningful relationships with community leaders, philanthropic partners, corporate funders, and key stakeholders.

I believe that authentic collaboration and strategic leadership engagement are essential to advancing a nonprofit's mission, expanding its impact, and creating sustainable opportunities that enrich the lives of individuals and the communities we serve.

My work is rooted in building trusted partnerships that inspire innovation, increase community investment, and drive measurable social change.

07/05/2026

Stay Tuned This Coming Week!

In just five minutes, discover why it's important for every board member to have board liability insurance before serving on a board of trustees.

Don't miss this important conversation designed to help protect board members and the organizations they serve.