Wisdom of Women - Breaking Stigmas around Women’s Mental Health: Insights from Valerie Cordero, Ph.D.

This episode brings us time with the inspiring Valerie Cordero, Ph.D. Co-Executive Director for Families for Depression Awareness. Today, we'll delve deep into the taboo subject of women's mental health and the importance of self-care, especially for those in caregiving roles. As a leader in her field, Valerie will guide us through the societal expectations placed on women, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the often-overlooked mental health issues associated with hormonal changes for women. She'll provide insight into navigating the mental health care system, barriers to access, practical self-care tips, and invaluable resources available to those in need. We hope that today's conversation inspires you, equips you with wisdom, and most importantly, makes you feel less alone in your journey. So sit back, relax and let's gain some wisdom from Valerie Cordero's journey. Guest Bio Valerie Cordero, Ph.D., is a dynamic non-profit leader, mental health advocate, and ethnomusicologist. After dedicating several years of her life traveling to and studying arts and culture in Havana, Cuba, she began her nonprofit career at Families for Depression Awareness (FFDA). Valerie accepted Co-Executive Director leadership at FFDA in 2016 and, since then, has become a prominent voice for suicide prevention, mental health parity, and health equity.   Valerie has advanced national discussions of mood disorders and been featured on major media outlets such as Reader’s Digest, Better Homes & Gardens, and New York Magazine’s vertical The Cut. In 2023, she presented at several conferences including the Suicide and the Black Church conference, Psych Congress, Black Mental Health Symposium, and the National Federation of Families annual conference. Valerie draws from her decades of experience to champion the role of the mental health family caregiver and advocate for culturally-responsive, affordable, and accessible mental health care. Valerie received her BA from Spelman College and her MA and PhD degrees in ethnomusicology from UCLA. Her volunteer roles have included serving on advisory and nonprofit boards. Valerie utilizes her Spanish-speaking skills to make cross-cultural connections in her community. Connect with guest here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriedcordero/ https://www.youtube.com/user/FFDA1 https://www.facebook.com/familyaware https://www.instagram.com/familyaware/ Host - Sherri Hilton's Bio Sherri Hilton is certain that strong moms create stronger daughters. She believes that sharing the wisdom and strength of women will result in stronger generations to come. She’s a sales dynamo, influential networker, podcaster, author, coach and single mom of two amazing girls. With her podcast, Wisdom of Women and her book, Strong Mom Stronger Daughters, Sherri brings meaningful conversations and knowledge to light that will benefit all women, young and old. Sherri firmly believes in the power of women who challenge the status quo conquering mountains wearing flip-flops or those fabulous high heels! Find Sherri Here: www.strongmomstrongerdaughters.com IG - @strongmomstrongerdaughters ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Podcast-⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisdom of Women⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠