Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti is a bilingual, bicultural woman who immigrated to the United States from Argentina. Building a new home in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1978, Dr. Lorente-Foresti pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. With a rich professional history spanning three decades, Dr. Lorente-Foresti has stepped into many roles, including psychologist, Behavioral Mental Health Program Director, parent education program coordinator, and behavioral health equity director. Dr. Lorente-Foresti’s most recent notable achievements in the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) include the implementation of the Spirituality Policy, optimizing the Parent Project Program, the establishment of the Health Ambassador Program & Stop Bullying Program, active participation in Health Equity Initiatives, being a founding member of the Native & Indigenous Peoples Initiative, and receiving recognition for her work in student training with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Currently serving as the Director of the Office of Diversity & Equity at San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services. In her current role as the BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity Director, Dr. Lorente-Foresti spearheads efforts to enhance the County’s public behavioral health system to be more culturally responsive and inclusive for San Mateo County workforce and community members. Driven by a passion for equity, advocacy, collaboration, compassion, and cultural humility, Dr. Lorente-Foresti feels honored and privileged to contribute to advancing behavioral health equity for marginalized communities in San Mateo County. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Lorente Foresti enjoys getting to know our local cities and takes pride in being a single mother and living in a multigenerational home.