Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

Congratulations to Doris Estremera who recently received a commendation for the Women in County Government Award nomination for outstanding commitment and service to the people of San Mateo County. Doris currently works with the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) and provides oversight, planning and reporting of our Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding.

Doris started her work in the county 16 years ago as an outreach worker. In her current role, Doris’ unwavering commitment to equity, community-centered practices, and adaptive leadership style are a few of the many ways she makes us “All Together Better” and advances us towards realizing the County’s Shared Vision 2025, particularly a Healthy Community, a Prosperous Community and Collaborative Community.

She worked diligently to lead an inclusive MHSA Innovations processes that yielded more community ideas on how to improve behavioral health in our county than previously received. She also spearheaded a Coastside Community Needs Assessment that will directly feed into a new community program for an especially vulnerable community in our County. In this work she led an all Latina team, honoring the importance of language and culture in our care. Additionally, she worked tirelessly on updating and expanding the information provided in our BHRS Cultural Competence Plan, while prioritizing collaboration in all that she does.

Lastly, Doris stepped in as Interim Director of the Office of Diversity and Equity, while also continuing to maintain her responsibilities as the MHSA Manager. Doris is a clear example of why it is so important to have women in government and in leadership roles. She continually strives to 1) improve the health of San Mateo County residents, with prevention and treatment services for those with a severe mental illness through MHSA prioritization; and 2) create a more livable county through her involvement with policy and systems change.

She is also a working mom, a fitness instructor, and a serves as role model for a life dedicated to the service of others.