Diane R. Griggs, LCSW, a seasoned licensed mental health practitioner with over 40 years of experience, is deeply committed to social justice advocacy. Her unique career trajectory has seen her spend most of her professional life in the Department of Mental Health and, for the last 20 years, focus on maternal mental health and the black birthing experience. She has been an active member of the African American Maternal Mortality Initiative. 

Ms. Griggs's passion for the community was rooted in family and church. As a young adult, Ms. Griggs found her way to Holman United Methodist Church, and unknown to her, her grandparents and great-grandmother were among several founders of that church. There, she was pastored by Rev. Dr. James M. Lawson, who introduced the Non-Violent movement to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

Ms. Griggs has consulted many social services and human service agencies in LA County and nationwide.  Ms. Griggs has several adjunct teaching positions, which include Howard University, the School of Social Work, and UCLA Luskin School of Social Work. She has guest lectured at the Department of Social Work at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa. Beyond her clinical practice, teaching, and training, she is the President of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers. Ms. Griggs proudly served as an Executive Producer of the documentary short titled “Treasured Voices Speak:  The Founding of the National Association of Black Social Workers.”