Dena Trujillo

Dena Trujillo is the visionary CEO of Crisis Text Line–a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health support on a global scale. With a deep commitment to innovation and social impact, she has guided the organization in expanding its reach, ensuring that anyone in crisis can access support anytime. Under her leadership, the organization has delivered innovative solutions that prioritize accessibility, empathy, and empowerment. Passionate about leveraging technology for good, Dena has spearheaded initiatives that integrate cutting-edge tools like AI to enhance service delivery, train volunteers, and create scalable mental health interventions on a global level.

Over the past 25+ years, she has worked at the intersection of nonprofit and for-profit sectors, sourcing, advising, and elevating innovative models that harness technology and business solutions to drive meaningful social impact.

Prior to joining Crisis Text Line, Dena worked across various Omidyar Group for 17 years. As a Venture Partner, she managed a $150M portfolio focused on education, economic development, and systems change. Dena’s career began at Accenture and previously served on such boards as DonorsChoose, FuseCorps and the African Leadership University.

Dena received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Organizational Analysis from Santa Clara University. Dena has been a featured expert in numerous top-tier and regional media networks such as AP News, Real Leaders Podcast, The Business of Giving Podcast, Forbes, Chronicle of Philanthropy and Good Day Seattle.

Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health support and crisis intervention in English and Spanish. Guided by empathy and innovation, Crisis Text Line endeavors to build an empathetic world where nobody feels alone.