The role of mentors in shaping the future of mental health care cannot be overstated. These experienced professionals serve as guiding lights, offering invaluable insights and support to early-career clinicians as they navigate the complexities of the field.
Recognizing the critical importance of mentorship, especially for clinicians from historically marginalized communities, Alma launched the Empowering Minds Scholarship Program. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in representation and access within the mental health profession, providing both financial support and mentorship opportunities to graduate students pursuing careers in behavioral health care.
Today, we're thrilled to introduce our inaugural cohort of mentors and mentees, highlighting the transformative power of this program and its potential to reshape the landscape of mental health care.
The Rewarding Journey of Mentorship
Becoming a mentor is more than just sharing knowledge; it's about nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals and contributing to a more inclusive and diverse field. Our mentors, seasoned clinicians from various backgrounds, have shared their motivations for participating in this program.
I'm dedicated to giving people the space to find their professional identity and think critically about their role in this field.
Anne’s commitment to challenging Western models and uplifting decolonized methods reflects a crucial aspect of mentorship – fostering innovation and cultural competence.
Efren Lopez, LCSW, finds joy in supporting growth: "I enjoy seeing others being challenged and growing at the same time, and I think I'll be able to support that growth in this program." His enthusiasm highlights the mutual benefits of the mentorship relationship.
These mentors' dedication to fostering a more representative and inclusive profession is a testament to the transformative potential of programs like Alma's Empowering Minds Scholarship. With that, Alma extends its deep gratitude to our inaugural cohort of mentors:
- Anne Rufa, PhD →
- Ba Bunansa, LPC →
- Efren Lopez, LCSW →
- Jessica Cody, LMFT →
- Julissa Hok, LCSW →
- Michael Ham-Blackmon, LCSW →
- Noraliz Nagarsheth, LCSW →
- Paul Fitzgerald, LCSW →
- Yessenia Lajara, LCSW →
The Irreplaceable Value of Human Connection
Let's face it - in today's world, we can find answers to almost anything with a quick online search. But at Alma, we've seen time and time again that there's something special about learning from someone who's been in your shoes.
Sure, you can read about therapeutic techniques or career strategies online. But can a website tell you what it really feels like to sit across from a client for the first time? Or how to navigate the unique challenges that come with being a therapist from a marginalized community?
That's where our mentorship program comes in. We're not just connecting people - we're creating relationships where real conversations happen. It's about sharing those "I wish someone had told me that" moments and getting advice tailored to your specific journey.
I want to impart the knowledge and experience I've gained to others, so that wisdom can be built up over 'generations' of therapists.
It's this passing of the torch, this sharing of hard-earned wisdom, that makes mentorship so valuable. And let's be honest - sometimes you just need to talk to someone who gets it, who's been there before.
We believe these connections don't just help our mentees - they ripple out to touch the lives of every client they'll work with in the future. It's not about grand gestures or lofty goals. It's about real people helping real people, one conversation at a time.
Celebrating Our Inaugural Mentees
We're proud to introduce the ten exceptional graduate students selected for this year's scholarship and mentorship program. Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective and passion to the field of mental health care.
These exceptional students represent the future of mental health care, embodying the diversity and commitment to equity that our field so desperately needs. Their stories and aspirations reflect the importance of programs like Alma's Empowering Minds Scholarship in nurturing talent from historically marginalized communities.
Andrea Chavez Trejo (she/her)
Andrea Chavez Trejo, pursuing a Master of Social Welfare at UCLA, is dedicated to empowering others and supporting their healing journey. She focuses on helping individuals rewrite limiting narratives and reconnect with their inner child.
I have now developed a passion for mental health recovery and education, which includes empowering others to find, write, or rewrite their narratives that have held them back and defined their lives.
Anum Anwer (she/her)
At the University of Houston, Clear Lake, Anum Anwer is working towards a Master of Education in Counseling. Her commitment to mental health extends beyond her academic pursuits, as she strives to embody the ethical principles of her profession in all aspects of life.
Arisbeb Campos Gonzalez (she/her/ella)
Arisbeb Campos Gonzalez, also at UCLA, is pursuing a Master of Social Welfare. Her passion stems from witnessing the unmet mental health needs in Latina/o and Hispanic communities, motivating her to provide the support she wished she had received in her youth.
Azul Lozoya Gomez (she/her)
At Pacific University, Azul Lozoya Gomez is working towards a Master's in Applied Clinical Psychology. As a first-generation Mexican immigrant, she's committed to serving communities that lack access to mental health services and psychoeducation.
Becky Murray (they/them)
Becky Murray, transitioning from a career in science, is now pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno. They emphasize the importance of understanding how societal factors contribute to marginalization and aim to help clients navigate these challenges.
Understanding how to cope with a society designed to work against you can be healing and empowering.
Bisola Abundance Mariam (she/her)
Bisola Abundance Mariam, pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Chicago, is passionate about reducing systemic retraumatization of domestic violence survivors. She's developing innovative technological solutions to meet the critical needs of survivors while minimizing retraumatization.
Jasmine McElroy (she/her)
Jasmine McElroy, at Columbia University, is working on her Master of Education in Counseling Psychology. She envisions using her gifts, insights, and community connections to increase access to counseling and support those in need.
Maria Theresa Largo (she/her)
Also at Columbia University, Maria Theresa Largo is pursuing a Master of Clinical Psychology. Born and raised in the Philippines, she aims to provide empowerment, empathy, and comfort to those struggling with mental health, particularly in underserved communities.
Kaiyla Chavez (she/her)
Kaiyla Chavez is working towards a Master of Mental Health Counseling at Marquette University, specializing in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. As a first-generation Latina, she's driven to decrease systemic issues and stigma surrounding mental health, focusing on intersectionality within BIPOC communities.
Zoe Colclough (she/her)
Zoe Colclough, pursuing a Master of Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at CUNY, is committed to ensuring equitable and compassionate treatment for people with mental illnesses and disabilities within the criminal justice system. She aims to make a difference through both clinical practice and research.
I want to empower vulnerable populations who intersect with the justice system and make a difference in their lives, both directly through the practice of clinical psychology, as well as indirectly by conducting research.
Building a More Equitable Future in Mental Health Care
The launch of Alma's Empowering Minds Scholarship Program marks a significant step towards addressing the systemic barriers that have long plagued the field of mental health care. By providing financial support and mentorship opportunities to graduate students from historically marginalized communities, we're not just investing in individual careers – we're laying the foundation for a more inclusive, representative, and effective mental health care system.
As we've discussed before, the lack of diversity among mental health professionals can significantly impact the quality and accessibility of care for marginalized communities. Through this program, Alma is actively working to bridge this gap, ensuring that the next generation of clinicians reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.
We invite you to join us in this crucial mission. Whether you're a seasoned clinician interested in mentorship opportunities or a practice owner looking to create a more inclusive environment, Alma is here to support you. Together, we can build a future where every individual has access to culturally competent, high-quality mental health care.
Learn about Alma's work to build equity in behavioral health.
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