CAMPBELL, CA, August 6, 2021 – Uplift Family Services welcomes Dr. Angelica Cortez, who will join the agency as its first Vice President of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In this new role, Dr. Cortez will advance the agency’s racial equity and justice agenda by applying an equity lens to organizational culture, policies, practices, and procedures. She will also represent Uplift Family Services in forums to address systems and structural change in behavioral healthcare, child welfare, and juvenile justice that have led to historical racial disparities and inequities.
“I’m thrilled that Dr. Cortez will be joining our executive team in this transformational work to further solutions to racial inequalities, structural racism, diversity, and inclusion,” said Eva M. Terrazas, Vice President of Public Policy and Special Initiatives at Uplift Family Services.
Prior to joining Uplift Family Services, Dr. Cortez was the Vice President of Racial Justice and Equity at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and led investor relations and strategic initiatives. She brings a wealth of policy and advocacy acumen, having worked in the district office of Assemblymember Rich Gordon from Los Altos, and as a Policy Manager at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits. Dr. Cortez is also a founder of LEAD Filipino, a Fil-Am civic participation and leadership nonprofit.
“Centering racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across a statewide agency requires a deep commitment held by all. Reflecting on our mission in service to children, youth, and adults, as well as the dedicated staff throughout California, I look forward to joining the Uplift Family Services team,” said Dr. Cortez.
Genevieve Jopanda, Board President for West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center added, “Advancing racial justice and equity happens beyond the headlines. This work requires consistency, sensitivity, and an understanding of people and our larger society. Dr. Cortez’s lived experience and cross-sector leadership on issues of inclusion, access, and representation will be a strong addition to the racial equity goals of Uplift Family Services.”
Dr. Cortez received her Ed.D./Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California in Organizational Change and Leadership and is the recipient of numerous awards, including a 2021 Woman of Influence, the Silicon Valley Business Journal‘s 40 under 40 Honoree, the 2018 Outreach Champion Award from the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women, and Asian American Recovery Services‘ Sister-to-Sister Legacy Award.
Dr. Cortez officially assumes the position on August 30, 2021. She currently resides in San Jose and will work out of Uplift Family Services’ Campbell office.
About Uplift Family Services
Uplift Family Services is one of the largest, most comprehensive behavioral health treatment programs in California. Each year, we do whatever it takes to help more than 35,000 children and family members manage and recover from challenges stemming from prior trauma—such as severe neglect and abuse—and learn the essential life skills they need to be successful at home, at school, and in their community.
For more information, please visit www.www.pacificclinics.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Editorial Contact:
Rachel Lepold
Uplift Family Services
(408) 628-5579
rachel.lepold@upliftfs.org
