Leneice L Rice

Leneice brings over a decade of experience in mental health, community engagement, and resilience-building to her role as Program Coordinator for the Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship. With a deep passion for supporting individuals and communities in navigating life’s challenges, she is committed to fostering empowering environments where people can grow, connect, and thrive.

Leneice holds a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Journalism from Tusculum University. Her career has centered on mental health advocacy—particularly suicide and substance abuse prevention—and the development of culturally responsive programming for marginalized communities.

Throughout her career, Leneice has combined clinical expertise with a strong commitment to community empowerment. From leading therapy groups to developing life-skills curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals, her work is grounded in helping others build resilience, find purpose, and achieve personal and professional growth.

In her previous role as the inaugural Community Engagement Coordinator for Multnomah County, she partnered with justice and mental health systems to reduce disparities and create structures rooted in hope, dignity, and equity. Now leading the Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship Program, Leneice integrates Positive Psychology principles to guide and support emerging healthcare professionals. She envisions the program as a space where fellows feel seen, supported, and connected—not just to their careers, but to the New Hanover community they serve.

Education

Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP), University of Pennsylvania
B.A. in Psychology, Tusculum University

Professional Service

Leneice’s professional service is anchored in a passion for equitable access to mental health support and a drive to build stronger, more resilient communities. Throughout her career, she has taken on leadership roles that prioritize collaboration, innovation, and healing-centered engagement. Most recently, she has been instrumental in shaping the Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship into a transformative program that prepares future healthcare leaders to serve with empathy, cultural awareness, and community connection.
Her focus on cultivating safe, affirming spaces has helped emerging professionals feel grounded in their purpose and deeply connected to the populations they serve.

Beyond her current position, Leneice continues to contribute to mental health and wellness initiatives at the local and regional levels. She frequently consults on program design, especially in areas related to suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices. Her insights have helped organizations rethink how they engage with historically underserved communities.

Community Engagement

Leneice Rice is deeply committed to building relationships that foster trust, connection, and lasting impact. Her approach to community engagement is grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and a genuine belief in the power of people coming together to shape their own futures. She creates spaces where individuals feel heard and valued, and where communities can grow stronger through collaboration.
Her approach centers on listening first—honoring the lived experiences of those she serves and co-creating solutions that reflect their voices. Whether facilitating healing conversations, organizing grassroots initiatives, or mentoring others through times of transition, Leneice leads with care and intention. She believes true engagement means more than outreach; it’s about relationship-building that fosters trust and long-term impact.

Leneice’s work focuses on dismantling barriers and uplifting communities that have historically been overlooked. She is especially committed to creating environments where people feel empowered to lead within their own lives and neighborhoods. Her strength lies in helping others recognize their own capacity for growth and collective change.

As a member of the WILMA Leadership Institute, Leneice connects with and learns alongside a network of women leaders dedicated to driving positive change in southeastern North Carolina. This experience continues to shape her collaborative, equity-driven approach to leadership and community engagement.

Leneice’s vision for community engagement extends beyond programs and initiatives—it’s about cultivating a culture of care. One where people not only receive services but help shape how those services are delivered. One where connection leads to confidence, and confidence leads to collective change.

Honors & Awards

LPS Government’s 2023-24 Resilience Award Recipient
University of Pennsylvania, Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program
Recognized for exemplifying resilience and leadership in advancing community well-being through applied positive psychology.

Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society Member
Tusculum College
Inducted based on academic excellence, representing the top 10% of the college's upperclassmen.

Ronald E. McNair Scholar
Tusculum College
Selected for this prestigious federal TRIO program supporting first-generation, underrepresented students in pursuit of doctoral studies.

Cum Laude Honors Graduate
Tusculum College, B.A. in Psychology
Graduated with honors for outstanding academic achievement.

First President of the Lines for Life Leadership Institution
Lines for Life
Chosen to lead a groundbreaking leadership development program focused on professional growth and peer mentorship within crisis intervention services.

First Black Executive for Multnomah County’s Local Public Safety Coordinating Council
A historic leadership role championing equity and justice reform efforts in the Portland community.