California psychologists honor Fil-Am peer

SAN DIEGO - A San Francisco Bay Area community leader and a Filipino-American pioneer in his profession has added another feather in his hat.

Dr. Jei Africa, director of the office of diversity and equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), received the 2015 Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the California Psychological Association.

The award is conferred on an individual whose "voluntary and career efforts have directly and significantly improved the quality of life for a broad range and large number of persons in society," according to the announcement from the guild.  

The award aims to highlight members of the psychology profession who transcendprofessional interests.

"I just want to do my part to make this world a better place for all of us," Africa told Philippine News after receiving the award.  "Injustice surrounds all of us and I do not want to be part of that by being a bystander. I do not want to give consent to racism or homophobia or hatred by being silent. We can all do something – no matter how small it may be – to fight inequality. We should all be strong advocates for other people."

Africa, who attended Alliant International University and California School of Professional Psychology after earning his undergraduate degree at the University of the Philippines, was honored for his achievements at the April 24 Open Plenary Session at the 2015 CPA Convention San Diego.  

He has been an advocate for social justice and health equity. He helped create the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity, establishing an infrastructure to strategically address diversity issues and help communicate its commitment to promoting healthy communities.

“To have a bigger impact, we must influence system changes and need more people to be involved in our work, that’s why the Office of Diversity and Equity was created within the county Health System,” said Africa. “We are shifting policies and practices to take into account social justice, but more importantly, help individuals and communities become part of the solution.”

Africa, 45, has been a champion for underserved communities. He is a founding member of the San Mateo County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender and Questioning Commission launched last year.  The first such body in the country to advise the County Board of Supervisors, members give recommendations on policy, bring greater visibility to the LGBT community, and provide a forum for individuals to air concerns.  (San Francisco LGBTQ Advisory Committee advises the S.F. Human Rights Commission.)

Africa co-founded the San Mateo-based Filipino Mental Health Initiative and is clinical director of ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment based in Daly City, California.  Both organizations are nonprofits dedicated to violence prevention through education.

"In the three years I've known him, I have observed and appreciated his sense of welcoming especially tomembers of the LGBTQ community.  Given the negative stereotypes and lack of role models in said group, it's great to see that there are people who bring a positive side to this community," said Jose Antonio, immediate past president of ALLICE.

"In ALLICE Jei has reinforced the values of inclusiveness and acceptance of individuals of different backgrounds including sexual orientation and gender identity," added Antonio, a vice president with Union Bank.  "Because ALLICE promotes healthy communities and relationships, these values are at the core of our mission.  He has been a proactive in promoting change as our clinical director."

Marriage and family therapist Paulita Lasola Malay, 2015 president of ALLICE, lauded Africa, who preceded her in 2009.

"We are very proud to be affiliated with Dr. Jei," said Lasola Malay.

Africa will lead annotation of the roleplay on healthy family dynamics at ALLICE's 9th annual Our Family, Our Future, 1-3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 30, at Our Lady of Mercy Church on #1 Elmwood Drive, Daly City.  Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr. and OLM Pastor Fr. Domingo Orimaco will keynote the event that will focus on elder care and elder abuse prevention.  Lloyd LaCuesta and Frances Dinglasan will co-emcee.  The event is presented in collaboration with the OLM Knights of Columbus and Legion of Mary. —Philippine News

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