Women Supporting Women: Leadership, Advocacy, and Change in Mental Health
Breaking stigma and building trust in mental health through cultural leadership and compassionate care.
My journey into leadership in the mental health field has been shaped by both my professional experiences and my identity as a Hispanic woman. Growing up and working within communities where mental health was often misunderstood or rarely discussed, I became passionate about helping break down the stigma and creating spaces where individuals and families feel safe seeking support.
Today, I serve as the Senior Director of CalAIM Services at MindCure, where I oversee Enhanced Care Management programs that support individuals with complex behavioral health and social needs across several counties in California’s Central Valley. In this role, I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and healthcare organizations to ensure that people receive the support they need—not just clinically, but socially and emotionally as well.
As a Hispanic woman in leadership, I recognize the importance of representation in the mental health field. Many of the communities we serve are diverse and come from cultural backgrounds where mental health has historically been overlooked or stigmatized. Being able to connect with individuals and families through cultural understanding and shared experiences helps build trust and create pathways to care that may not have existed before.
Leadership in mental health requires resilience, empathy, and the ability to balance the needs of both the communities we serve and the teams who provide that care. I have learned that strong leadership is not about doing everything alone—it is about building strong teams, trusting the people around you, and creating an environment where others feel empowered to grow and succeed.
Another area that is increasingly impacting the mental health of young women and girls is social media. While social media can be a powerful tool for connection, education, and empowerment, it can also contribute to comparison, unrealistic expectations, and pressures that negatively affect self-esteem and mental well-being. As leaders in mental health, it is important that we raise awareness of both the positive and negative effects of social media and continue creating conversations that help young women build confidence, resilience, and healthy relationships with themselves and others.
Being a woman in leadership has also taught me the importance of supporting and uplifting other women. When women empower each other, we create stronger networks, open doors to new opportunities, and build communities where future leaders can thrive. Mentorship, collaboration, and encouragement among women are essential for creating lasting change—not only within our workplaces but within our communities.
For me, leadership is about purpose. It means advocating for those who may not always have a voice, supporting the professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others, and continuing to push forward systems that prioritize compassion, dignity, and access to care. I am grateful to be part of a field that allows me to lead with both heart and intention while making a meaningful impact in the lives of the communities we serve.
“When women support and uplift one another, we don’t just change our own paths—we create stronger futures for the generations that follow.”
