Member Article: Therapists of Color (TOC) Mentorship Program

Event Recap: Highlights from the Therapist of Color Mentorship Program (TOC) Dishes of Diversity Fall Event

Keonna Robinson, LMFT

Despite a rainy morning, the Therapist of Color Dishes of Diversity Fall Event blossomed into a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and connection. The rain couldn't dampen the spirits of our community, as over 20 culturally rich dishes graced our potluck, each telling a unique story of heritage and tradition. From savory to sweet, these dishes were a testament to the diverse culinary traditions that define our community.

The excitement didn't stop with the potluck. Our Threads of Connection merch designs were on full display along with our raffle, offering over $2000 in self-care prizes, was a highlight of the day. Attendees had the chance to win exclusive items like NBA Clippers Club Seat tickets, luxurious facials, a personal chef experience from CookinGenie, VIP tickets to The Broad Museum, handcrafted jewelry, wellness services, a drone, and free roller skating lessons. These prizes were thoughtfully curated to encourage therapists to step out of the office and embrace fun and relaxation.

A significant moment of the event was the presentation of the first TOC Recognition Awards, co-presented by the committee and our sponsor, Evolve Adolescent Behavioral Health. We recognized all 10 nominees and honored Toni Watson, LMFT with the Mentor Legacy of Inspiration Award and Cassie Butcher, AMFT with the Mentee Trailblazer of Excellence Award, celebrating their outstanding contributions and commitment to excellence as our 2025 mentorship participants.

The event also featured our innovative free Heritage Headshot offering, with over half of our guests participating. Captured by the published and talented Marcus Fort of MFortPhoto, these headshots allowed participants to incorporate culturally cherished items into their portraits, beautifully illustrating that culture and professionalism can coexist harmoniously.

The afternoon concluded with our uplifting liberation circle, where we celebrated each other’s strengths and achievements through a poem by Phil Santos called, “I Want You to Thrive.” Each guest left with a swag bag with handpicked items intentionally designed to empower! 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, those who shared their cultural dishes, and everyone involved in making this event a powerful representation of when cultures of color unite to achieve authentic liberation in all facets of life. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

Congratulations to all of our 2025 mentors and mentees for completing another successful cohort of the TOC Mentorship Program. You all demonstrated such enthusiasm and motivation and we could not have been more proud. Continue utilizing the lessons learned and fostering new relationships that contribute to the success of your growing village.

Call for 2026 interested and returning Mentors and Mentees

We are actively looking for licensed professionals who are enthusiastic about guiding the next generation of therapists, as well as motivated mentees eager to learn and develop. If you're interested in returning as or becoming a mentor or mentee, stay tuned for our upcoming announcement regarding the launch of the 6th cohort of the Therapist of Color Mentorship Program. The Interest Forms for 2026 will open in February. For any inquiries or additional information, please reach out to us at tocmentorshipprogram@lacamft.org.

Keonna Robinson, MA, LMFT

TOC Mentorship Program Chair

TOC Mentorship Webpage

Email: Tocmentorshipprogram@lacamft.org 

Images: all images were taken and designed by Keonna Robinson using a personal smartphone device.