Trigger warning: mention of domestic violence; fatal abuse

April Barbosa is an advocate, co-founder, and executive director of Justice for Rosaura. April and her husband Joe Barbosa founded Justice for Rosaura in memory of their 18-year-old daughter Rosaura Magdalena Barbosa. Tragically their daughter Rosaura was murdered in 2018 by her ex-boyfriend and it opened their eyes to the dangers of breaking up with someone, even when in a relationship not plagued with domestic abuse. April found her daughter’s body after the murder, and this caused her to suffer not only grief but also PTSD.

April became a member of NAMI (National alliance on mental illness) and is now a certified peer to peer specialist, she is also a presenter for the “In our own voice” program. The “In our own voice” program shares stories of the challenges a person with mental illness faces and how they overcome these challenges. During this time, she began hosting podcasts titled “Through the eyes of a grieving mother” and “Through the eyes of a grieving family”. April is a published author and motivational speaker. April is also a part of the 29th street coalition in Tucson Arizona. 29th street is one of the areas in Tucson with the highest crime rate. The coalition works side by side with law enforcement officers to help the residents of this area and to deter crime. April Barbosa received her GED in 2001 and hopes to someday be a licensed counselor for victims of abuse.

When April is not working, she is spending time with her family, reading or writing. She believes family time and memories are the foundation of a happy life. In memory of her daughter, she strives to bring light and happiness to those around her in everything she does.