Meet Our Newest ODE Interns!
The County of San Mateo’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity is happy to announce that we have two new interns for this year! Our interns are passionate, driven, and experienced in advancing equity, wellness, and prevention for culturally diverse underserved/unserved populations. Our interns and their respective work areas include:
Ayanna Wade (She/Her) – Suicide Prevention and Stigma Reduction
Ayanna comes to us following a year abroad in South Korea and is in her final year at St. Mary’s College of California. Ayanna is pursuing a degree in communications – media, and a minor in East Asian studies. While abroad, she was immersed in a culture opposite that of western culture where she learned to be comfortable with discomfort, navigate language barriers and cross-cultural exposures. She is pleased to work on a team dedicated to creating a difference within the community. Ayanna looks forward to sharing her ideas and gaining more insight into the Office of Diversity and Equity. Ayanna values learning and exploring ways to create betterment and is excited about the direction this internship will take her personally and professionally. A little fun fact about Ayanna is she likes to write poetry during her free time when feeling inspired.
You can follow Ayanna’s internship journey on her blog site here.
To learn more, click here » Suicide Prevention – San Mateo County Health (smchealth.org)
Isaiah Cajbon (He/His) – Parent Project & the Health Ambassador Program
Isaiah comes to us following his graduation from California State University, Fullerton. Isaiah pursued a degree in Psychology where he cultivated a deep passion for understanding human behavior and cognition. Isaiah values collaboration, open communication, and is eager to learn from other professionals. Isaiah comes with strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and willingness to embrace new challenges. He aims to make a positive impact where he can contribute his skills and dedication during his internship. A fun fact about Isaiah is that he is also a certified scuba diver.
To learn more, click here » The Parent Project ® – San Mateo County Health (smchealth.org) and here » Health Ambassador Program – San Mateo County Health (smchealth.org)
About the Internship Program
The Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) Internship Program is designed to provide work opportunities and practical learning experience for undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their academic preparation and expose them to public service at the county level. This program is offered every fiscal year from September to June. Interns work 20-hours per week and are paid with a stipend funded by the Mental Health Services Act.
About the Office of Diversity and Equity
The Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) advances health equity in behavioral health outcomes of marginalized communities throughout San Mateo County. ODE works to empower communities; influence policy and system changes; develop strategic and meaningful partnerships; and promote workforce development and transformation within the County’s behavioral health service system.
To learn more about ODE’s work, visit www.smchealth.org/bhrs/ode.
To read more blog posts from BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity , please visit smcbhrsblog.org/category/office-of-diversity-equity/
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