LIFEFORCE INITIATIVE

A professional association intended to support graduate students of color currently studying in psychology, psychiatry, therapy, social work, and other allied fields. The association is focused on promoting a new generation of mental health practitioners of color who are politically-conscious, well-versed in various forms of holistic healing, and who reflect the diverse & intersectional experiences of the communities they support. The program hosts a national conference each fall.

Our Team

2020 LIFEFORCE Initiative

PLANNING COMMITTEE

nanki bhullar

Masters of Public Health & Social Work

University of California Los Angeles

yancy martinez

Masters of Social Work

University of Southern California

“Nobody but nobody makes it out here alone. What really matters now is love. I mean, that condition in the human spirit that is so profound it allows us to rise. Strength, love, courage, love, kindness, love, that is really what matters.” - Dr. Maya Angelou

sonia amin

Doctoral Candidate

Western Michigan University

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

- Dr. Maya Angelou

Linda Vongthongkham

Masters of Counseling Psychology

University of San Francisco

“Whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, its because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on Earth.”

- Paulo Coelho

JOHANA MENDOZA BERRIOS

Masters of Clinical Psychology

San Jose State University

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”

- Mahātmā Gandhi

*Founding Member

Liz chaney, PsY.D.

Doctorate of Psychology

University of San Francisco

"Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within." - James Baldwin

aRIANNA BEETZ

Doctoral Candidate

University of Pennsylvania

“I just need enough in life to be comfortable and generous to others.” - Friend

delia zaragoza

Masters of Social Work

California State University East Bay

"Dolor, placer, y muerte no son más que el proceso de la existencia. La lucha revolucionaria en este proceso es una puerta abierta a la inteligencia." - Frida Kahlo

helen kim, PH.D.

Doctorate of counseling psychology

new mexico state university

“I'll tell you right now, the doors to the world of the wild self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door; if you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much that you almost cannot bear it, that is a door. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a sane life, that is a door.” - Clarissa Pinkola Estés

*Founding Member