RAMA eXtra Bio: Dr. Concha Saucedo

RAMA Blueprints

In this eXtra of the RAMA Blueprints Podcast, we listen to Doctora Concepcion Saucedo- Martinez PH.d also known to many with respect and love as “Concha”, who is a Mexican Yaqui Chicana born in California and raised in traditional indigenous ways.

In the 1970’s, Dr. Concha Saucedo- Martinez was instrumental in co-founding Instituto Familiar de la Raza, a Latino mental health clinic in San Francisco’s Mission District. Concha and her colleagues in the community revolutionized mental health practices by providing clients with spiritual and culturally sensitive services and workshops. Through her knowledge, teachings and wisdom, she made therapy and psychiatric care more accessible and affordable to the Latino community in San Francisco.

In the year 2000, Dr. Saucedo in collaboration with the Real Alternatives Program created and developed La Cultura Cura which promotes a reflection of culture, critical consciousness, self reflection, social-emotional wellness, deep understanding of the individual, group, historical and cultural relationships, and the teaching of En La K'ech (You are my other self)

A community activist for social justice for over 50 years, she is a grandmother of seven, respected Elder, traditional healer practitioner, visionary, public school teacher, professor, former Board President of the Real Alternatives Program (RAP), and Executive Director Emeritus of Insituto Familiar de La Raza. She has focused her life work on integrating indigenous spiritual practices with mental health services for the healing of youth, families, and community. At present her vocation is to pass on to others, particularly young people, the healing practices and ceremonies from this continent.

We present, in her own words, Dr. Concepcion “Concha” Saucedo-Martinez.

The eXtras of RAMA Blueprints podcast are intended to help the listener with a deeper understanding of the people, events, and places that created the Mission District and the series as a whole.

To listen to other episodes and donate to the RAMA Blueprint podcast, please visit CARECEN SF. Thank you for listening.