Tag Archives: Office of Diversity and Equity

3/27 – Name Change to Farmworker Appreciation Day

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In solidarity with victims and survivors, ALAS and partners have updated this Friday’s event name to Farmworker’s Appreciation Day.

See more from Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga’s letter to the community.

Event details:
Date: Friday, March 27th, 2026
Time: 5:00PM-8:30PM
Location: Ted Adcock Community Center, Half Moon Bay

Event info:
We stand in solidarity with our local farmworkers – the backbone of our food system and our community. Join us for an evening of reflection, recognition, and collective commitment as we uplift Coastside campesinos and honor their lasting impact and continued role as agents of change.

Rsvp with Sandra@ALASDreams.com

Happy Trans* Week of Visibility! Free Community Programs Throughout the Week

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San Mateo County Pride Center is proud to be hosting their 3rd Annual Trans* Week of Visibility.  

Join us in celebrating the strength, beauty, and visibility of our Trans* , Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse community! While Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) is on March 31st, we think one day is just not enough. That’s why we’re hosting a full week of events filled with community, joy, and resources to support you. What kind of programs? We’re hosting trainings, the return of our Name and Gender Marker Change workshop, a sunset community hike, a Drag 101 workshop for our youth community members, a mixer for parents and guardians of Trans* Youth and SO MUCH MORE!  We hope you can join us for an event or three!  

For each TWOV event you attend, you’ll get one (1) entry into our prize drawing to win 1 of 3 $75 gift cards available! The more you attend, the better your chances of winning!  

Register for any and all TWOV events here! https://tinyurl.com/SMCPCTWOV2026

Do you need financial assistance with transportation to attend any of these events? Pride Center can provide a limited number of transportation vouchers to those in need. Please let us know when you RSVP or email info@sanmateopride.org for support. 

Special note for our Glitter and Glam Intro to Drag workshop participants: If you would like Pride Center to provide makeup products and tools for you to use, please RSVP by Tuesday 3/24 to ensure we’ll have enough supplies for you. Otherwise, you are welcome to RSVP anytime before the event; and we encourage you to bring whatever makeup, clothes, accessories, and tools you feel most comfortable and fabulous in! 

Trans Week of Visibility programs and events – Monday, 3/23- Tuesday, 3/31 

A Mixer for Families of Trans Kids 

Monday, 3/23 from 6-7:30PM at Outlet (1779 Woodside Road #200, Redwood City) 

Come join us for an evening with community. Are you a parent or caregiver of a trans or gender-diverse child? Navigating the world as a family can be overwhelming and isolating, but you are not alone. Join us for a supportive evening of connection where you can: 

  • Learn about your child’s legal rights, resources, and advocacy options 
    • Hear from a panel of experienced parents and community members 
    • This is a family-friendly event with space for both caregivers and children. 

Legal Name & Gender Change Workshop

Wed. 3/25, 6-7:30pm- Online 

Your name and gender should reflect who you really are—but the paperwork can feel confusing. Let us help! In this workshop, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of updating your identity documents, assist you in filling out court paperwork, and answer all your questions. 
 

Becoming More Visibly You: Gender Affirmation Workshop

Thu. 3/26, 5-7pm – Allcove San Mateo (2600 S El Camino Real, Suite 300, San Mateo) 

Your gender expression should feel like YOU. Whether you’re exploring your identity, refining your style, or just looking for community, this workshop is here to help you affirm, express, and celebrate who you are. 
What to expect:  

  • Free gender-affirming supplies – binders, trans tape, packers, breast forms, and more  
  • Style & contouring tips – learn from experienced trans makeup artists  
  • Hair & grooming consultations – explore gender-affirming haircuts and styling options  
  • Vocal coaching tips – get insights on voice training techniques  
  • Gender-Affirming Closet – browse for free clothing, makeup, and accessories 

Whether you’re trans masc, femme, nonbinary, or somewhere in between, we’re here to support your journey toward feeling more visibly you. 

Belonging In Nature – Sunset Hike at Mori Point 

Friday 3/27 5:45-8:15pm – In Person at Mori Point (775 Bradford Way, Pacifica) 

 Enjoy a beautiful sunset with our partners at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. We can make the most of the vast variety of our county. 

Register at: https://www.parksconservancy.org/events/register?fid=99&eid=a0wUQ000007obtB 

Glitter and Glam: An Intro to Drag

Saturday 2/28 2:30-5:30 In Person at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center (800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City )

We can’t begin to celebrate our Trans* community without acknowledging the role that gender diverse drag queens, kings, and monarchs continually play in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In honor of all the icons that have come before and in celebration of drag as an art form, we invite you to join us on March 28th from 2:30 – 5:30 at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center for an afternoon of learning introductory drag makeup and putting on a show that eats the house down.

If you don’t have the supplies to make your drag debut, don’t worry! We will be providing makeup, shoes, and a limited amount of clothing, however we invite folks that have their own supplies to bring them. If you want to come but do not want to participate in the drag course you are more than welcome to come to the Glitter and Glam show and support all of our new drag icons. 

Pronouns 101 Workshop

Sunday 3/29, 10:30am-12:30pm: In Person at the Belmont Public Library (1110 Alameda de las Pulgas) and Online

What are pronouns and why do they matter? Have you ever asked yourself, “did I use the ‘correct’ pronoun for that person”? Our Pronouns 101 workshop will help you feel more confident in any situation! In this workshop, you’ll learn about the history of pronouns, the importance of using them correctly, how to safely and respectfully ask for pronouns, and have a comfortable space to ask your questions about pronouns. Through interactive videos, participant engagement, and pronoun use practice, we will help you become a pro at pronouns! 

Zoom link to be shared after registration 

Trans Day of Visibility Be-YOU-tiful Celebration

Tuesday, March 31st 5:30-7:30pm – Cultural Center at Cañada College

(4200 Farm Hill, Redwood City- Building 17, room 107)

This is your night to celebrate YOU. Show up as your authentic self—however that looks for you—and let’s celebrate together.  What’s in store:  

  • DJ & music  
  • Snacks & refreshments

The world tries to tell us we don’t belong. We say otherwise. Come celebrate the joy, resilience, and beauty of our trans and gender-diverse community.  

To register for all events, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/SMCPCTWOV2026 

Questions? Please contact info@sanmateopride.org or 650-591-0133

Looking for Volunteers for the 2026 SMC Pride Celebration!

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As the months get warmer, we get closer to San Mateo County’s annual PRIDE celebration! This year’s theme is Unite, Empower, Resist, PRIDE 2026, and the celebration will be held on Saturday, June 13th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at San Mateo Central Park.

San Mateo County provides this family-friendly event to uplift our goal of unity and inclusion and show the resilience of the queer community. If you would like to share your time please consider volunteering to support the event. 

Any questions can be directed to Kai Thornton at Kthornton1@smcgov.org.

Spanish Parent Project Class Starting 2/10

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We are happy to announce that on Tuesday, February 10th we will be launching our in-person Spanish class taking place in Redwood City. To register, you can contact CARON’s, Jose Aguirre at jaguirre@smcgov.org & (650) 802-5044. For more details, please see the flyer below. Please note, this class is only in Spanish.  

PP CARON Spring 26 Spanish class 2.10.26 UPDATED (1)Download

Chinese Health Initiative Co-Chair Inducted Into San Mateo County 2026 Women’s Hall of Fame

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News header-blue gradient   Jan. 15, 2026 For Immediate Release Five Leaders, One Honor: San Mateo County Names 2026 Women’s Hall of Fame Class   Redwood City – Raised by her immigrant mother, Alyson Suzuki learned early how difficult it can be for families to navigate schools and social services when information is not available in their own language or cultural context. Through years of supporting her family and later working in education and social services, she saw firsthand how those barriers can hold families back and limit opportunity. That experience shaped her commitment to changing how systems serve communities. Today, she leads efforts across San Mateo County to strengthen language access and build durable support systems for Asian families and other underserved communities. Suzuki’s efforts will be celebrated on March 6, when she is honored alongside four other inductees in the 2026 class of the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame. The other honorees include leaders whose work has unfolded in city halls, community organizations and classrooms, as well as two high school students whose initiatives reflect the next generation of civic leadership. They are Andrea Jones, whose career centers on advancing the well-being of children and families; Terry Nagel, a community leader, former mayor and tireless volunteer in Burlingame; and two high school seniors, Danika Gonzalez Johnston of Half Moon Bay High and Amani Shroff of Carlmont High. Read More   Want to read more articles? View our Newsroom   Connect with us! facebooktwitterlinkedininstagramyoutubenextdoor   CEO-Comms logo                                         smc_news@smcgov.org

2/21- 2026 Black History Month Educational Experience

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Mark your calendars! African American Community Initiative (AACI) is hosting their 2026 Black History Month celebration! This year’s event will be an educational experience: a tour of the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center in Redwood City. 

Registration is required for this event. See more info below. 

Date: Sat, 2/21/26
Time: 12:00PM- 3:00PM PST
Location: Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center (890 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City)
Contact: Dee Pennix at AACIInitiative@gmail.com

Media Notice: 

This event will have photography and videography. Your entrance into the event area constitutes your full consent to being filmed and photographed by the County of San Mateo. The County of San Mateo reserves the right to use any photography or film taken in the event area
without providing compensation to you. Such use by County may include, but is not limited to, postings to social media or websites, and/or use in promotional or informational materials in any medium.

You agree to release and discharge the County of San Mateo, its agents, representatives, assigns, and licensees from all claims, demands, and liabilities arising out of or in connection with the use of your likeness.

Alternatively, if you wish to participate/attend the event, but do not wish to have your photograph used in accordance with the above notice, please contact an Event Organizer. 

Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026BHM

About AACI:

The mission of the African American Community Initiative is to become a known resource for African American Community members facing challenges with finding and utilizing mental health services, while addressing inequalities faced by African Americans in our county.  Our vision is to build a community driven support system for reducing mental health and substance use treatment disparities, and the stigma of mental illness.
 
Learn more about their work here. 

The Health Ambassador Program Through Photovoice | Las Voces de Programa Embajador de Salud a Través de FotoVoz 

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From November 3 to November 20, the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) hosted a powerful and deeply reflective Photovoice series honoring the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of longstanding Health Ambassadors. Designed as both a space for healing and a platform for storytelling, the series brought together BHRS Health Ambassadors across generations to uplift community narratives rooted in resilience, service, and collective care. 

The series was facilitated by community partner and Parent Project facilitator José Luis Aguirre of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Community Alliance to Recognize Our Neighborhoods (CARON), alongside Brenda Nunez, ODE Diversity and Equity Council co-chair and former Health Ambassador Youth Lead. Together, they fostered a supportive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed learning environment where ambassadors could reflect and share their stories with authenticity. 

This Photovoice series held special significance as it marked the culmination of the Fall 2025 Health Ambassador Program (HAP) cohort and served as a meaningful lead-up to the HAP Graduation and 10-Year Celebration. Spanish-speaking Health Ambassadors from multiple generations closed out their HAP training by creating Photovoice projects that reflected their lived experiences, leadership journeys, and long-standing commitment to their communities and to HAP. 

The series consisted of four interactive classes that introduced participants to the purpose and process of Photovoice, emphasized collaboration, and supported ambassadors in developing visual narratives that honored both personal and collective experiences. Ambassadors reflected on two guiding prompts: “How has becoming a Health Ambassador impacted your life?” and “How has what you have learned as a Health Ambassador impacted the lives of your loved ones, your community, and BHRS?” 

Through these reflections, ambassadors shared powerful stories rooted in healing, resilience, and service. Many of the Photovoices represented more than a decade of dedication to the BHRS Health Ambassador Program. The series reached a milestone, with 25 ambassadors contributing to 26 completed Photovoice projects, highlighting the depth and intergenerational strength of HAP. 

On November 20, ambassadors presented their Photovoices to fellow Health Ambassadors, BHRS ODE staff, and loved ones. These projects were later displayed on December 12 at the HAP Graduation and 10-Year Celebration, where over 200 attendees viewed the Photovoices in both Spanish and English. 

This impactful series was made possible through the leadership of the Health Ambassadors; Charo Martinez, HAP Coordinator; Maria Martinez, HAP Lead; Nicoletta Kelleher, ODE Photovoice Coordinator; and facilitators Brenda Nunez and José Luis Aguirre with CARON. The Health Ambassador Program serves as a vital bridge between BHRS and the diverse communities of San Mateo County, providing trusted information, compassion, and culturally responsive, trauma-informed support. We extend our deepest gratitude to our Health Ambassadors for their unwavering dedication and commitment to community healing and health equity. 

Las Voces de HAP a Través de FotoVoz 

Del 3 al 20 de noviembre, la Oficina de Diversidad y Equidad (ODE) de Servicios de Salud Conductual y Recuperación (BHRS) llevó a cabo una poderosa y profundamente reflexiva serie de FotoVoz, honrando las voces, el liderazgo y las experiencias vividas de las Embajadoras de Salud con una larga trayectoria. Diseñada como un espacio de sanación y una plataforma para contar historias, la serie reunió a BHRS Embajadoras de Salud de distintas generaciones para resaltar narrativas comunitarias basadas en la resiliencia, el servicio y el cuidado colectivo. 

La serie fue facilitada por el facilitador de Parent Project, José Luis Aguirre, de la Alianza Comunitaria para Reconocer Nuestros Vecindarios (CARON) de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de San Mateo, junto con Brenda Nunez, copresidenta del Consejo de Diversidad y Equidad de ODE y ex Líder del Programa de Embajador de Salud para Jóvenes. Ambos, crearon un entorno de aprendizaje solidario, culturalmente receptivo y con enfoque informado en el trauma, donde los embajadores pudieron reflexionar y compartir con autenticidad. 

Esta serie de FotoVoz tuvo un significado especial al marcar el cierre de la generación de Otoño 2025 del Programa Embajador de Salud (HAP) y servir como antesala de la Graduación de HAP y la Celebración de sus 10 Años. Embajador@s de habla hispana, de múltiples generaciones, concluyeron su capacitación creando proyectos de FotoVoz que reflejaron sus experiencias vividas, sus trayectorias de liderazgo y su compromiso duradero con sus comunidades y con HAP. 

La serie consistió en cuatro clases interactivas que presentaron el propósito y el proceso del FotoVoz, fomentaron la colaboración y apoyaron a l@s embajador@s en el desarrollo de narrativas visuales que honraron experiencias tanto personales como colectivas. Las reflexiones se guiaron por dos preguntas: ¿Cómo ha impactado tu vida el convertirte en Embajad@r de Salud? y ¿Cómo ha impactado lo que has aprendido como Embajad@r de Salud a tus seres queridos, tu comunidad y a BHRS? 

A través de estas reflexiones, los embajadores compartieron historias poderosas de sanación, resiliencia y servicio. Muchas de las obras representaron más de una década de dedicación al Programa Embajador de Salud de BHRS. La serie alcanzó un logro importante, con 25 embajador@s que crearon 26 proyectos FotoVoz, demostrando la profundidad y fortaleza intergeneracional de HAP. 

El 20 de noviembre, los embajadores presentaron sus FotoVoces a otros Embajador@s de Salud, personal de BHRS ODE y seres queridos. Posteriormente, el 12 de diciembre, los proyectos se exhibieron durante la Graduación de HAP y Celebración de los 10 Años, donde más de 200 asistentes los apreciaron en español e inglés. 

Esta serie fue posible gracias al liderazgo de los Embajadores de Salud y de Charo Martinez, Coordinadora de HAP; Maria Martinez, Líder de HAP; Nicoletta Kelleher, Coordinadora de Photovoice de ODE; y las facilitadoras Brenda Nunez y José Luis Aguirre con CARON. El Programa Embajador de Salud continúa siendo un puente vital entre BHRS y las diversas comunidades del Condado de San Mateo, brindando información confiable, compasión y apoyo culturalmente receptivo e informado en el trauma. Expresamos nuestro más profundo agradecimiento a los Embajadores de Salud por su compromiso constante con la sanación comunitaria y la equidad en salud.

Celebrating 100 Messengers of Hope at the BHRS Health Ambassador Graduation

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On December 12, 2025, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) celebrated a major milestone at the BHRS Health Ambassador Program (HAP) graduation. Guided by the theme “10 Years of Connection, Trust, and Healing — 100 Messengers of Hope,” the event honored a decade of community-led impact and the largest graduating class in the program’s history.

More than 200 community members, clients, partners, and BHRS staff gathered to celebrate this achievement. With the addition of this cohort, the Health Ambassador Program has surpassed 100 graduates—each one a trusted messenger of hope who bridges systems and communities. Health Ambassadors support individuals, families, and the behavioral health workforce by sharing culturally responsive information, expanding awareness of services, strengthening pathways into behavioral health careers, and connecting people to care throughout San Mateo County.

Data from the Health Ambassador Program year-end report, fiscal year 24-25, reinforces what was felt throughout the celebration. Health Ambassadors consistently report increased confidence, deeper knowledge of behavioral health, and a greater ability to support others in navigating care. Ambassadors most frequently connect people to BHRS clinics and trusted community-based organizations, settings known for accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and community trust. Each Ambassador represents countless conversations, referrals, and moments of support that strengthen the county’s behavioral health ecosystem.

For ten years, the Health Ambassador Program has centered lived experience, cultural humility, and community voice—empowering participants to develop leadership skills, reduce stigma, advocate for wellness, and foster healing through connection. As systems continue to evolve, Health Ambassadors remain essential partners in behavioral health transformation, offering early support, promoting dignity, and ensuring care is navigated with understanding and compassion.

Congratulations to the newest class of BHRS Health Ambassadors and thank you to all who have been part of this ten-year journey. Your voices matter. Your leadership matters. And your impact continues to grow—rippling hope, trust, and healing throughout our communities.

Hispanic Heritage Photovoices Displayed at Sana Sana Colita de Rana Event

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Beginning on September 22nd and finishing on October 20th, the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity launched their 4-part Hispanic Heritage Photovoice series. This series celebrates Hispanic Heritage month by sharing how one’s family traditions, stories, and/or values connect an individual to their Hispanic heritage. This Photovoice series was particularly impactful because it was our first Spanish Photovoice since the re-launch of Photovoice in 2025. This series was facilitated by our longstanding community partner, Jose Luis Aguirre, who also facilitates our Spanish Parent Project courses. In addition, this series was very important for our Health Ambassador Program as it served as the final course (5 out of the 11 training offerings) for our prospective Health Ambassadors to become official Health Ambassadors. During graduation, we had family guests join and view the final Photovoices.

Now more than ever, it is vital that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage and culture to honor the importance that cultural values and identity plays in one’s behavioral health. For this reason, on Saturday, November 15th, we displayed these Photovoices at our 12th annual Sana Sana Colita de Rana event hosted by our BHRS ODE Health Equity Initiative, Latino/a/x Collaborative. Translated in English and Spanish, the Photovoices successfully promoted the Latino/a/x Collaborative’s mission to enhance health and wellness within the Latino/a/x community in San Mateo County. These final projects were displayed at the event, amplifying Hispanic Heritage while decreasing the stigma associated with seeking behavioral and recovery services and sharing lived experiences.

Written by Nicoletta Kelleher (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity

BHSA 3-Year Integrated Plan Community Survey

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Hello! You are invited to participate in the Prop 1 – Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Three-Year Integrated Plan Community Survey. The goal of the survey is to gather community perspectives and prioritize strategies related to seven statewide behavioral health goals, to help inform the BHSA Three-Year Integrated Plan. Through this survey, we want to hear from you on which strategies will have the greatest impact over the next three years. Your input is very valuable and appreciated! 

The survey is anonymous and should take approximately 7-10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation! 

For English: CLICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY (ENG), or copy and paste the URL into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/BHSA-Community-Survey

For Spanish: ClICK HERE FOR THE SURVEY (SP), or copy and paste the URL into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/BHSA-Community-Survey-Spanish

If you have any questions or challenges accessing the survey link, please contact Sofia Recalde at srecalde@smcgov.org. Thank you for your participation!

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