What does it look like when a community invests in its own future? In this special Podcasthon episode, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Angela Vargas - licensed psychologist and inaugural Futuro Fund board member - to share the story behind the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey's scholarship program that is changing the trajectory for the next generation of Latinx mental health professionals.

From a small group of psychologists meeting in a basement 27 years ago to a two-day annual conference, a growing gala, and now a formalized scholarship fund — LMHANJ has become a cornerstone of Latino mental health representation in New Jersey. Through the Futuro Fund, they've awarded $4,000 and now $5,000 scholarships to graduate students committed to giving back to their communities.

You'll also hear directly from scholarship recipient Yareimy Patrocinio, a first-generation MSW student and daughter of Mexican immigrants, on what this scholarship means for her path forward.

In this episode:

The 27-year evolution of LMHANJ — from psychologists-only to a multi-disciplinary, rebranded association
How the Futuro Fund was born out of the inaugural gala — and why it's growing
Why mentorship and emotional support matter just as much as financial aid
How students can connect to LMHANJ and build a professional network before they even graduate
What it means to be a first-gen professional investing in the next generation

🔗 Learn more about the Latino Mental Health Association of NJ → https://www.latinomentalhealthnj.com/futurofund

💛 Donate to the Futuro Fund → https://www.latinomentalhealthnj.com/futurofund

📲 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lmha.nj/

💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/latino-mental-health-association-of-new-jersey

Guest Angela P. Vargas, PhD, Founder of Via Psychology

https://www.viapsychology.com/

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