My Nonprofit

For over a decade I worked as a psychologist in various settings, including community centers, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, psychiatric hospitals, and ultimately the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Working in these systems, I heard the stories of thousands of children and adults struggling to survive, strategize, heal and thrive in systems, in the community, in their homes, and their relationships without adequate resources, and in environments that were not conducive to healing. I also observed that despite the efforts of so many nurses, doctors, social workers, therapists, case managers, clergy and peer support professionals, providers struggled to build rapport, communicate with and develop effective interventions and treatment strategies for those in their care, as so many lacked both lived experience in the community and necessary cultural competence.

While I did my very best to support, guide, comfort and inspire individuals struggling through the most difficult life circumstances, from domestic violence to suicide attempts, I could see how the systems that were built to support the people had gaps and barriers to the very access they were in place to create. I could also see solutions and I would imagine how I would build a system, a clinic, hospital, correctional setting, community center etc. that was more therapeutic, that spoke to the needs of the diverse individuals that came into its walls, that was more culturally responsive, trauma informed, person/family centered and transformational.

While I was working in the system, I observed and gathered stories, solutions and feedback from people about what they needed, observing what worked and did not work. I would share these with colleagues and leadership within the systems, as well as through trainings, at conferences, in focus groups and on advisory boards throughout California and in many states around the country.

Ultimately, I created the nonprofit organization, Diversity Uplifts, Inc. that would sit at the intersection of the community and the system, and be a center from which I and other like minded advocates, educators and change-makers can contribute offerings to support individuals with high disparity and who are inadequately served. Stemming from my passion as a mother of two daughters, a doula, and the opportunity to benefit current and future generations, Diversity Uplifts focuses on improving the well-being of  women, birthing people, children and families by supporting communities impacted by historical trauma and health disparities, while also increasing competence and cultural humility among providers and systems who serve them. 

Find out more about the Diversity Uplifts, Inc. HERE.

EXPERT PRESENTER

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Topics include:

DIVERSITY

  • Cultural Humility, Implicit Bias, Cross-Cultural Awareness

  • Cultural Safety in Healthcare

  • Cultural Humility/Competency for Birthworkers

  • Impacts of Historical Trauma and Racism on Communities of Color

  • Implicit Bias Training for Early Childhood Providers

 

MENTAL HEALTH

  • Vicarious Trauma/Psychological First Aid

  • Employee Mental Health

  • Transgenerational Trauma Impacts on the Wellbeing of Affected Communities

  • Clinical Considerations for Mental Health Professionals Working with Women who have Undergone Female Genital Cutting

  • Psychological Considerations for Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery

MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH

  • Transgenerational Trauma and Resilience: A Historical Perspective of Maternal Disparities in the African American Community and Considerations for Leveraging Resilience

  • Maternal Mental Health Considerations and Impacts on Breastfeeding

  • The Community-Based Doula Model: Benefits and Barriers

  • Cultural Considerations in Assessing and Supporting Maternal Mental Health among African Americans

INCARCERATION/CRIMINAL JUSTICE

  • What is a Correctional/Prison Psychologist?

  • Incarcerated Mothers: Understanding the System and Their Unique Mental Health Needs

  • Advanced Doula Training: Strategies In Supporting Incarcerated Pregnant and Postpartum Clients

Maternal Mental Health Education & Advocacy

Dr. Sayida Peprah-Wilson is both a licensed clinical psychologist and trained birth doula. She specializes in multicultural psychology, trauma, suicide prevention and maternal mental health. Dr. Sayida has a multifaceted career as a psychologist having worked in community-based, in-home, psychiatric hospital, correctional and private practice settings. She is also a trainer and consultant on topics of cultural humility, implicit bias and trauma as they impact mental and maternal health. Dr. Sayida is the founder of the non-profit organization Diversity Uplifts, Inc.

Dr. Sayida’s work in maternal health include serving as a doula trainer/mentor, maternal mental health and cultural competency consultant for perinatal health programs in Southern California (Frontline Doulas, Sankofa Birthworkers Collective). Dr. Sayida is also an active member of the Black Women Birthing Justice Collective and a Collaborator with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, promoting research, education and community-based services to positively transform birthing experiences of black families. Dr. Sayida has served and continues to serve on advisory committees to improve maternal health including the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (Maternal Suicide Review Committee​ 2018-2019 & Maternal Mortality Review Committee 2020- Present), ​Perinatal Equity Initiative Committees​ of San Bernardino and Riverside County (2019- Present), and others aimed at identifying key risks and opportunities for quality improvement and prevention around disparities.

Dr. Sayida is dedicated to contributing her expertise to uplift the community and improve the effectiveness of health care and social support services.