Diversity Uplifts, Inc.

FOUNDER/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY & TRAINING

Sayida Peprah, PsyD

Dr. Sayida Peprah is both a licensed clinical psychologist and birth doula with specialty in multicultural psychology, trauma, suicide prevention and maternal mental health. Dr. Sayida earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with a Multicultural Clinical-Community Emphasis, from the California School of Professional Psychology, at Alliant International University. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Religion at Spelman College. Dr. Sayida’s study and work strongly emphasize multicultural awareness and in an effort to further this, she has traveled to Ghana, Mexico, Egypt and India, studying mental health approaches, indigenous culture and local spiritual traditions.

Dr. Sayida is the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Diversity Uplifts, Inc., through which she regularly offers cultural competency, mental health and maternal mental health trainings and consultations throughout the US. In 2014, she was a featured speaker at the United Nations 65th NGO Conference on the topic of Mental Illness, An Invisible Disability. Dr. Sayida is dedicated to contributing her expertise to uplift the community and improve the effectiveness of health care and social support services.

SECRETARY

Susan Lowe, LMFT

Susan Lowe is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #113352). Susan has worked in the in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family therapy from Pacific Oaks School of Cultural and Family Psychology in Pasadena. She has been trained Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Nurtured Parenting, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, and Meditation and Mindfulness. She offers psychotherapy (talk therapy) services to adults, children, teens, couples, and families. She specializes helping clients with anxiety, PTSD, depression, parenting and relational challenges.

TREASURER

TBA

BOARD MEMBER

Phillipa Johnson, MA

Ms. Phillipa Johnson has over 35 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She served as the Executive Director, University of Southern California, (USC) School for Early Childhood Education. Prior to her USC appointment Ms. Johnson worked 25 years as the Deputy Director and Interim Director for Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Head Start, Early Head Start, State Preschool - Early Education Programs. The Drew University Early Education Programs were annually funded for $18 million, served 1,800 children ages 0-5 years old with 21 school sites located in Compton, Los Angeles, Paramount, and Lynwood communities.

As Deputy Director Ms. Johnson managed the operations of all comprehensive services: health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, social services, and educational services. She worked with MLK Jr. hospital medical team formulating health services and operation of the Head Start specific health clinic. Ms. Johnson managed research grants from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and US Department of Health and Human Services.

Ms. Johnson currently serves as the Community Initiatives - Senior Fellow for Fathers & Families Coalition of America. She serves on the Board of Directors for Nehemiah Project LA foster youth program and See A Man Be A Man Locke High School mentoring program, and Diversity Uplifts, Inc. A current member of Early Learning Alliance and Charles Drew University Academic Senate Clinical and Community Programs Committee.

Board of directors