Another in a series intended to showcase our advocates and team members and their story in the arena of maternal mental health care.

Alinne’s story:

BAY AREA, CA - I am a mom, wife, daughter, and sister. I grew up surrounded by strong, independent women who were able to find success (broadly defined) despite adversity. Through my work as a clinical psychologist I’ve heard and experienced countless stories of sacrifice. I am an Associate Professor at Palo Alto University where I am fortunate to work with students who are pursuing their PhD in clinical psychology. On any given day I am working on a number of things related to their training or to my professional development. Two current projects that are very meaningful to me in this role are 1) mentoring first generation college and doctoral level students, many of whom identify as women, people of color, or both; and 2) developing a low-cost, easily accessible program to teach pregnant women and new moms about maternal mental health including skills to manage changes in their psychological well-being. All of these women motivate and remind me that I am on a life journey like them and that part of my journey is to help other women build their own happiness.

Q: What compelled you to join the board of 2020 Mom?

A: I was compelled to join because I want to learn more about how to change the current state of how we, as a society, deal with maternal mental health. What I enjoy and respect about 2020 Mom is that it is multidimensional and collaborative, and it is attacking the issues from all different angles and perspectives. Although I posses a certain expertise and knowledge base, which I hope to impart to 2020 Mom, I also recognize that I have a lot to learn about other areas of the problem.

Q: Who or what are you inspired by right now – and why?

A: Great question. Right now I am inspired by the support that women are providing each other with the goal of unity and empowerment. At the moment there is no particular person or thing that I look to. Rather I am enjoying listening to podcasts, reading books, or talking to friends about these broad topics and then relating it to our personal lives.

Q: If you could choose to have a superpower, what would it be?

A: My son asks me this ALL-THE-TIME! I usually tell him that I would want to fly because then I could see more of the world and get that “free” feeling that I observe in hawks when they glide by. It would also mean that I get to avoid airplanes.

Do you have a "My Why" story, about why you are going deep with 2020 Mom, that you'd like to share on our blog? If so click here.