Catalyst Center 2024 Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship Recipients Announced

Catalyst Center and PhRMA Announce Recipients of Catalyst Center 2024 Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship 

Sacramento, CA – August 14 - The Catalyst Center (a collaboration of the California Alliance) and PhRMA are thrilled to announce the 2024 Catalyst Center Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship recipients. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the field of behavioral health. 

“We are immensely proud to support these incredible individuals through the Catalyst Center Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship. Their dedication to improving mental health and foster youth services and their resilience in the face of adversity inspire us all. We are confident they will continue to make significant contributions to the field of behavioral health.” - Christine-Stoner Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services 

This year’s scholarship recipients are Blanca Burciaga, Ro'Mel Smith, Vonnique Mitchell, and Alexandria Silva. Each has shown remarkable compassion and dedication to improving mental health services within their communities. Their achievements were recognized at a reception, where representatives from the offices of Senator Wahab, Senator Ashby, and Assemblymember Bonta presented the winners with awards.

Blanca Burciaga began her journey in behavioral health in 2017 after a tragic loss in her family. Despite immense challenges, she was motivated to understand mental health better and dedicated herself to supporting others, particularly within the Hispanic community. Now a mental health counselor at Seneca’s Family of Agencies, Blanca supports youth with emotional trauma. Her dedication to the field is driven by her desire to be a voice for those who struggle to advocate for themselves in mental health spaces due to language barriers, stigmas, and lack of access. 

Ro'Mel Smith has a profound empathy for those navigating mental health complexities, driving his passion for behavioral health from a young age. As the Peer Advocate Program Manager at Stanford Sierra Youth and Families, Ro'Mel tirelessly advocates for mental health awareness and destigmatizes psychological issues. His commitment to inclusivity and equity in healthcare aims to help others overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma through evidence-based practices and innovative approaches. 

Vonnique Mitchell was inspired to pursue a career in behavioral health through personal challenges and family struggles, including her own battle with chronic depression. As a resource parent for her nephew, she discovered the impact of the behavioral health field and committed herself to giving back to those in need. Vonnique is a dedicated professional, wife, and mother of four, committed to ensuring the support she received is passed on to others. 

Alexandria Silva has faced significant challenges, including a difficult home life and time spent in foster care. Her experiences fueled her passion for behavioral health, and she has already made a significant impact as a youth advocate at a children’s clinic. Alexandria is dedicated to helping others navigate their behavioral health journeys and aims to provide tangible resources and support to those in need. 

“Investing in our future behavioral health providers will advance the quality and accessibility of mental health care in California. We are thrilled to partner with the CA Alliance and Catalyst Center on this scholarship. It’s an honor to support these incredible apprentices as part of PhRMA’s commitment to workforce development and trauma-informed care. Together, we are fostering a health care system that is better equipped to meet the complex needs of our communities.” – Flo Kahn, Deputy Vice President, State Advocacy, PhRMA 

The Catalyst Center Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship aims to support the education and career advancement of individuals committed to making a difference in behavioral health. This scholarship reflects the Catalyst Center’s mission to empower and uplift future leaders in the mental health field. 

For more information about the Catalyst Center Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship and its recipients, please contact CWCApprenticeship@catalyst-center.org