Alexandria, VA – Mental Health America (MHA) recently conducted its Annual Delegate Assembly and voted in one new national Board member in addition to welcoming a new Board chair. MHA is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of mental health and business professionals, affiliate leaders, people with lived experience, and advocates for its mission. Board members meet quarterly to direct the strategic objectives and policies of the organization. Below are brief biographies for MHA Board Chair Pierluigi Mancini and Board Member Shelby Rowe.
Dr. Pierluigi Mancini
Dr. Pierluigi Mancini is the President and CEO of the Multicultural Development Institute, Inc. He is a national and international consultant and speaker about mental health and substance use disorders specializing in cultural and linguistic responsiveness, immigrant behavioral health, social and racial justice, health equity and health disparities. His new book, titled, “…And Healthcare for All: How to become a high-performing, equity-centric organization: A Practical Guide for Health Care Leaders,” has just been published and is being heralded as a timely and important book. It is available now in English and soon it will be available in Spanish at Amazon.com.
He has provided expert content to clients at the local, state and federal level. Internationally, he has provided guidance, mentorship and internships to psychology students in Mexico, has consulted in underage drinking prevention programs in Italy, and consulted in Cuba, Mexico, Kosovo, Kuwait, Colombia and Argentina. in Georgia.
Dr. Mancini’s public service announcement and documentaries addressing Latino underage drinking, suicide, and prescription drugs have won a combined six EMMY awards. Dr. Mancini has been honored with the 2023 Advocate of the Year Award, the National Latinx Psychological Association Star Vega Distinguished Service Award; the UnidosUS (NCLR) - Helen Rodríguez- Trías Award for Health; the Mental Health America “Heroes in the Fight” award and was named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to serving on the MHA Board, Dr. Mancini serves on the Board for Recovery Innovations, chairs the Minority Fellowship Program for the National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation, and sits on the Advisory Council for the Center for Victims of Torture.
Shelby Rowe
Shelby Rowe is executive director of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, the only federally supported resource center devoted to advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. A leader in the suicide prevention field for over 15 years, she has a wealth of experience working at the local, tribal, state, and national levels.
Rowe is a sought-after advisor and collaborates extensively with other leaders across the U.S. and internationally to advance suicide prevention efforts. She is a member of the Suicide in Women and Girls Taskforce for the International Association for Suicide Prevention, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention Executive Committee, and the RI International Board of Directors.
Rowe is an award-winning artist, mother of three sons, and suicide attempt survivor. She received the 2021 American Association of Suicidology Transforming Lived Experience Award and was recognized as the 2016 Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year. She has a BA in sociology and philosophy as well as an MBA.
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About Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-driven nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, resilience, recovery, and closing the mental health equity gap. Mental Health America’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of whole person health, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; and integrated care, services and supports for those who need them. Learn more at MHAnational.org.