Our story

Who we are

De-Mentes was born from the coming together of its co-founders’ lived experiences,­­­­­ stories that had long gone unacknowledged and not fully processed, and that found in that dialogue a space to speak more openly about mental health.   

In this context, De-Mentes was founded in 2016 as a youth-led, women-led nonprofit organization that sought to create spaces for more people to talk about mental health. Over time, its mission and scope have expanded.

Today, we are an organization dedicated to mental health promotion, prevention and advocacy in Peru and Latin America, from a comprehensive, community-based, and #StigmaFree approach

Our purpose

To build #StigmaFree communities towards mental health, in Peru and across the world.

Our vision

Inclusive, empathetic, and resilient communities that position mental health as a priority in Peru and across Latin America.

Our values

Passion

Passion for our purpose: to build a Peru and a world where mental health is free from stigma.

Innovation

We champion bold and innovative approaches that address mental health challenges holistically, through community-based and intersectional perspectives.

Empathy

We strive to ensure that every voice is heard and valued, especially those of people with lived mental health experiences.

Collaboration

We believe meaningful and sustainable social transformation can only be achieved by working together with communities, institutions, and partners across sectors.

Social responsibility

We are committed to promoting wellbeing and mental health in communities facing vulnerability and exclusion.

Passion

Passion for our purpose: to build a Peru and a world where mental health is free from stigma.

Innovation

We champion bold and innovative approaches that address mental health challenges holistically, through community-based and intersectional perspectives.

Empathy

We strive to ensure that every voice is heard and valued, especially those of people with lived mental health experiences.

Collaboration

We believe meaningful and sustainable social transformation can only be achieved by working together with communities, institutions, and partners across sectors.

Social responsibility

Nos enfocamos en la implementación de iniciativas para promover el bienestar y la salud mental de comunidades en situación de vulnerabilidad

We gratefully acknowledge our founders, Lucero Andaluz Llerena, Marcia Fernández Zapata, Ana Sofía Carranza Risco, and Gemma Canepa Escaró.