Racquel Garcia is a passionate advocate for change, nationally recognized for her work in destigmatizing substance misuse and addressing systemic and familial obstacles. As the Founder, Owner, and Chief Innovation Officer of HardBeauty, she is committed to empowering individuals to thrive beyond their circumstances through a trauma-informed, healing-centered approach. At the core of Racquel’s work is her belief in the power of community, peer coaching, and exploring all recovery pathways to build a fulfilling life.
Racquel’s leadership in the recovery field is extensive. Prior to founding HardBeauty and HardBeauty Foundation in 2019, she created Helping Everyone Recover, a non-profit that assisted those impacted by the Black Forest Fire in 2014. HardBeauty is now the first peer-led organization in Douglas County, Colorado, offering hybrid coaching and programming that serves the entire state. Her foundation, with its groundbreaking recovery programs, continues to help countless people rebuild their lives.
Racquel serves in key roles at the national level. She is Chairwoman of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHACC), where she helps shape a people-first behavioral health system in the state. In 2023, she was appointed by Attorney General Phil Weiser to serve a two-year term on the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council, a position that highlights her expertise in addiction recovery. She is also the Vice-Chair of the National Naloxone Project and a leader in the MOMs+ initiative, advocating for mothers and families impacted by addiction. Her influential work with the “Tough As A Mother Stronger Than Addiction” campaign further showcases her impact in Colorado and nationwide.
Racquel holds an Associates Degree in Addiction Counseling and is a National Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with NAADAC. As an interventionist and a subject matter expert for the Opioid Response Network, she works on behalf of SAMHSA, collaborating to improve addiction treatment and response systems.
In addition to her professional roles, Racquel’s personal journey in recovery deeply informs her advocacy work. She is a staunch advocate for racial equity, criminal justice reform, and providing underserved communities with the resources they need to overcome addiction. Racquel lives in Larkspur, Colorado, with her husband Chris and their four children—Jordan, Mackenzie, Jayden, and Jesse—along with her cherished grandson, Sawyer. She is also blessed with three bonus children—Sabryna, Shea, and Sebastyan. Racquel finds joy in the peaceful, small-town lifestyle, where she loves spending time with her family and embracing the beauty of her Colorado mountain home.
