Board

 Diane R. Griggs, LCSW, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, attended the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) obtaining her BA degree in Psychology and the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Social Work and Community Planning and received her MSW. With extensive experience servicing vulnerable and system impacted populations, her passion is integrating holistic, culturally congruent, healing centered and social justice perspectives. A longstanding member of the ABSW-GLA chapter, Ms. Griggs has served as the Vice-President for the last eight years and additionally was recently elected Historian. Most recently, Ms. Griggs served as an Executive Producer and Interviewer for “Treasured Voices Speak: The Founding of the National Association of Black Social Workers” and is currently working on the longer feature for submission to the 2021 Pan African Film Festival. This project chronicles the historical significance of the NABSW and its contributions shaping Black life. 

 Toni is a LA Native. She received her Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University in 2018. She has worked with re-entry population, transition-age youth, the homeless population and youth participating in diversion programs. She is currently serving as the Treasurer of the ABSWGLA. She also volunteers with Centinela Youth Services, the C.A.P. Re-Entry Breakfast, and the South Central Foundation for Fitness, Dance and Arts. Toni’s vision for ABSWGLA is that it continues to positively impact the local community by offering programming and advocacy that improves long-term outcomes. ABWSGLA has been a leader in bringing timely symposium and education into the community including programming around voter rights, human trafficking, and understanding their rights when interacting with law enforcement. In her spare time, Toni is a candle maker, stained glass mosaic artist, and quilter. 

A Youngstown, OH native and a graduate of Philander Smith College (BA) and Adelphi University School of Social Work (MSW). She is a retired Clinical Social Worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs with over 40 years of experience in the helping profession.

Vivian’s affiliations includes the National Association of Black Social Workers, California Association of Black Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers, California Association of Social Workers, National Council of Negro Women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and others.  She is committed to improving the visibility of the organization by attending community meetings that address the needs of the people.

 James Maddox was reared in Norwalk, CT and attended the Norwalk Community College (NCC) until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After his Honorable Discharge from the military he resumed his education at NCC completing his Associates Degree. Maddox transferred to University of Southern California where he earned degree in Broadcast Journalism the School of Journalism. Maddox joined Vietnam Veterans of America in 1999 and in 2007 became a National Service Officer working with veterans and their families as they sought benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Being an active member in the veteran community he was encouraged to pursue a Master of Social Work in order to better serve his veterans and their families. Maddox believes that ABSW must inform and influence our profession and research that affects black people.  

A graduate from Loma Linda University with a Master’s in Social Work. I have been in the field of social work for over twenty-five years. The field of social work allowed me to work in a variety of positions from the emergency response in child protective services to management in health care. My career at present is with geriatric medicine with a primary focus on Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients and their families.

My vision for ABSWGLA is to continue to serve on the membership committee to assist with increasing the growth of new members by 10% for 2021.  ABSWGLA provides community forums, scholarships, donations to women’s shelter by utilizing members’ skills in community organization and social policy.  My affiliations are: CABSW-Rep, NASW-IE Unit Leader

A native of greater Los Angeles, Traecy Jackson is a graduat from Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She began employment with the County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services in 1998 as a Children’s Social Worker.  She has also worked with DCFS as a social worker for over 21 years.   

Her vision for ABSWGLA is to provide support and resources to African-Americans with knowledge in social work in order to work, support and encourage the African-American and minority communities.