About Nina

      Diagnosed with severe Class III Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 18 Nina found hope in the midst of tragedy and in suffering.  From the beginning of this journey there was one question that she had to learn to answer daily. The question was, "What will you choose today? Will you choose to lay in that bed and suffer greatly or get up to live and to fight for another day? " Answering this question daily became her strength, for in her mind, failure was not an option. 

     Through this experience, overcoming challenges has become a part of Nina Torres' daily existence.  While few believed in her ability to overcome she never gave up. Having suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since her teen years along with the resulting numerous surgeries, Torres takes a precious approach to building trust and relationships with all those she works with and in her work as a motivational speaker. Her ability to translate her fighting spirit and empathy to overachieve are hallmarks of the woman she has become. 

     Nina Torres is currently a school counselor for the Colton Joint Unified School District.  She graduated in 2009, with her Master’s degree in School Counseling with her PPS Credential from the University of Redlands.  In 2006,she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/ Social Service track from California State University of San Bernardino. Her professional experiences include working with at-risk students from grades K-12 in alternative education for 7 years, as a career guidance technician.  Currently, she works as an elementary school counselor, motivational speaker, community advocate, and she is the lead for the CJUSD Boys' and Girls' Empowerment program.  The Boys' and Girls' Empowerment program teaches children about discovering the greatness within, the importance of self love, self respect, as they also learn the meaning of "never giving up." 

    Through her work she has received several accolades which include the 2012 Educational Medal of Honor, 2013 SuperheroMe Award, CJUSD Employee Recognition Award in 2012 & 2017, 2018 Assembly recognition for the Empowerment program, and she was recognized by Assembly Member Eloise Reyes Gomez as a 2018 finalist for "Woman of the Year" for District 47.  Her  greatest accomplishment is having the honor to be the wife to Veteran, Luis Torres and being the mother of their two amazing children, Angela Adrian and Anthony Torres.

   Today Nina continues to fight her daily battles and gives all that she has to live out her purpose.  Her purpose is simple, she lives to inspire and teach others how to overcome their impossible battles. She shares her daily challenges and her secrets to overcoming the most hopeless of situations to breathe life into those who have given up in their own tragedies in life.  Nina's story beings hope, healing, and promise!