Meet Patricia Repolda-Cellona

Words hold immense power—they can inspire, heal, connect, and even transform the way we see the world. Writing, for me, is a way to capture the fleeting sparks of thought and shape them into something lasting and meaningful. It’s a bridge that connects people, allowing us to share our stories, emotions, and ideas. The beauty of writing lies not just in its ability to communicate but also in its capacity to evoke feelings, inspire action, and create change. Every word carries a weight, and the way we choose to wield them reflects not only our thoughts but also our values and intentions.
If you had asked me back in the day what I wanted for a career, my answer would have been: "Something where I get to make a living out of writing because I seem to ace all my essays and, well… something good that makes this world a better place." It was a somewhat vague-sounding vision.
Fortunately, this vision came to life unintentionally about a year after graduating from the University of Arizona, when I began working for the International Rescue Committee in Tucson. My main responsibilities included grant writing, fundraising, and crafting most of the organization’s external communications—ranging from newsletter articles to social media posts—all in support of the refugee resettlement program in Tucson. I also handled public speaking, designed collateral materials, planned and facilitated events, managed donor relations, and oversaw the recruitment of volunteers and interns. It was a lot, but I learned so much. More importantly, I felt that the work I was doing truly made a difference.
Later, I joined Flame Tree Initiative, a non-profit that supports and mentors social entrepreneurs in East Africa. My role was to establish frontend and backend systems to ensure the organization ran smoothly. Yet, I saw my position as more than operational management—it was about ensuring that Flame Tree’s mission, values, and goals were reflected in its operations, its voice, and its presentation. From how the organization communicated with supporters to the structure of its website, my work revolved around meaningful brand management with a purpose.
In 2020, shortly after the pandemic reshaped the world, I felt a pull to do more. I wanted to combine the diverse skills and experiences I had gained to collaborate with mindful businesses and organizations committed to making a positive impact in their own unique ways. This led me to the path of freelancing and, ultimately, to Equinimity.
Having worked in Tucson’s non-profit sector for seven years, I know the city has a shortage of accessible, heart-centered wellness and mental health programs. Equinimity addresses this gap with innovative, nature-grounded programming that fosters our innate interconnectedness. Its kind and natural approach to healing stands out from other models I’ve encountered, and I’m so grateful to be part of this team. I’m excited to help Equinimity reach more people in our community and support them on their journeys toward healing and wellness.
To learn more about Patricia's work, visit EunoiaBranding.com or reach her at prepolda@equinimitytucson.com.