Healing and Innovation: How Trauma Recovery Services of Arizona and Codefy Are Supporting Indigenous Youth in Tech
- Bernina Gray
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 18
At the heart of healing and innovation lies a powerful partnership, one that honors ancestral wisdom and the strength of community. This spring, Trauma Recovery Services of Arizona (TRSofAZ) and Codefy launched a culturally grounded mental health support initiative specifically designed for Indigenous students and alumni pursuing careers in technology.
A Partnership Rooted in Community and Care
Indigenous youth face unique challenges, balancing the pressures of higher education and workforce training while carrying the weight of historical and intergenerational trauma. TRSAZ and Codefy recognize that healing and opportunity must move forward together and that mental wellness is as essential as skill-building.
Codefy is a social impact organization offering no-cost software development training to Native American and Alaska Native young adults. Their mission is to create diverse pathways into tech careers that empower Indigenous youth to shape their futures. Meanwhile, TRSofAZ is an Indigenous woman-led mental health practice providing culturally competent, trauma-informed therapy to youth and adults from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Veteran communities throughout Arizona.
Together, they have launched a six-month virtual support group for Indigenous Codefy students and alumni. This monthly group is led by a licensed Indigenous therapist who creates a safe, culturally affirming space to discuss mental health, historical trauma, identity, and the unique challenges of being Native in the tech industry.
The overall presentation was great the topic was easy to understand and was very relatable. Knowing that the presenter was Navajo as well made me more focused. Her topic on generational trauma was intriguing as some of the signs do reflect onto the members of my family. Since my grandma was taken to boarding school they were made speak only english and I believe that is why my mom never taught us our language. I am also grateful to have my mom. So, I took it upon myself to be make sure that I learn my language and embrace more of my culture. The immersive experience of doing a meditation definitely helped me be more present. When she was talking about journaling it reminded me that I need to do that more often. I will be thanking her for the informative presentation. - Dineh Ben, Codefy Alumni
Why This Work Matters
The data tells an urgent story:
Native youth experience the highest rates of suicide among any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. (CDC, 2021).
Native American and Alaska Native communities report nearly double the rate of severe psychological distress compared to the general population (SAMHSA, 2022).
There is a significant shortage of culturally responsive mental health providers, particularly in rural and Tribal communities.
Traditional institutions alone cannot meet this crisis. It demands partnerships rooted in cultural responsibility and community care, the kind TRSofAZ and Codefy are building together.
Though this is a strategic launch, TRSAZ and Codefy has been working collaboratively in the last year. TRSAZ has been provided a mental health 101 workshop for the last two Codefy cohorts, here’s what one student reported after the workshop:
“The session that TRSofAZ did at the beginning of the training was really helpful in setting the tone for the entire program. It gave me a clear understanding of what to expect, how to manage my time, and how to stay focused and motivated. They also shared practical strategies for overcoming challenges, staying mentally resilient, and asking for help when needed — which became really valuable during the more difficult parts of the training. Most importantly, it reminded me that I wasn't alone in this journey and that support was available both inside and outside the classroom. It helped me start the program with a growth mindset and a sense of purpose.” -Codefy Student
A Personal Commitment to Healing
For Jordanna Saunders, member of the Diné tribe, founder of TRSofAZ and a licensed therapist, this work is deeply personal. She lost her younger brother to suicide at 21 and believes that culturally responsive, trauma-informed care could have been life-saving.
“Ceremony is prevention and healing. Even if we’ve lost connection, we can return to wellness with therapists who understand us, because they come from us. This is what destigmatizing mental health looks like — healing for us, with us.” — Jordanna Saunders, Founder, TRSAZ
TRSAZ’s mission extends beyond individual therapy, it seeks transformation grounded in kinship, cultural continuity, and collective healing.
What Students Can Expect from the Support Group
This six-month virtual support group offers a nurturing environment where Indigenous youth can explore:
Mental wellness through a culturally informed lens
The impact and healing of historical and intergenerational trauma
Tools to manage stress, grief, and anxiety
Celebrations of Indigenous resilience, joy, and identity
Optional referrals to trauma-informed therapists for individualized care
“This group isn’t therapy, but it is therapeutic,” Jordanna explains. “It’s about belonging. Connection is what heals.”
Additionally, TRSAZ offers care coordination to help students access trauma-informed therapists near them, even if they live outside Arizona.
Why Tech and Mental Wellness Must Go Hand in Hand
Indigenous students face multiple barriers to entering and thriving in the tech sector:Limited broadband access, financial hardship, family caregiving responsibilities, and cultural isolation are just a few.
Sabina Rajasundaram, CEO and founder of Codefy, says,
“Our students show up with brilliance and potential. But they also carry stories and scars that the industry doesn’t always see — or honor.”
This partnership acknowledges that wellness is not a prerequisite for success but a parallel journey. Indigenous youth deserve both the mental health support and the professional skills to build sovereign futures.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Community
The hope is that this culturally grounded mental health program will:
Engage 5 to 10 students per support group session
Increase enrollment in Codefy’s future cohorts
Attract new funders and employer partners to sustain and expand the work
You can join this collective effort by:
Referring an Indigenous youth to the next Codefy cohort (starting September 2025)
Sponsoring a student or supporting the mental health program
Partnering as an employer offering internships or jobs to Codefy alumni
Donating to TRSAZ or the Codefy Foundation
Sharing this story to raise awareness
In Their Own Words
“This is what justice looks like — where education and healing walk together, where tech and therapy serve our youth hand in hand.” — Codefy + TRSofAZ
Learn More and Get Involved
Donate to TRSAZ: https://fundrazr.com/SupportTRSAZ
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