The identity and values of SWP are central in my lived experiences and professional life’s purpose. Serving the underserved, advancing social justice, nurturing cultural diversity, and advancing women and ethnic minorities are values I share with SWP.
In 2009, my Division 31 (State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Association Affairs) presidential initiative was to establish the Diversity Leadership Development Workshop. I continue to organize and fund-raise for the program which occurs every two years and has the goal of assisting ethnic minority psychologists to advance into leadership positions within their SPTA. Sixty-nine psychologists of color (59 females) have completed the program; many have progressed into leadership positions within their SPTA (including President) and APA (including Council of Representatives and Board of Directors).
I serve on the Advisory Board of the Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology (LIWP), empowering mid-career women psychologists to advance professionally while addressing the demands of their personal lives.
In addition to these two formal leadership training programs, I continue to mentor ethnic minority psychologists, especially ethnic minority women.
While serving as at-large member of the APA Board of Directors and later as Recording Secretary, I requested the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest (BAPPI) and its committees as my liaison assignment. I served as BAPPI liaison for six years. BAPPI assures that psychology serves the public interest and advances social justice, health and well-being for all. I was an active, vocal advocate for BAPPI and its committee agendas before the BOD and COR. My liaison work with BAPPI was harmonious with my commitment to diversity, social justice and my belief that it is critical if we are to solve concerns facing society.
In addition to my APA activities, I am involved in other professional associations including the International Association for the Study of Pain. There I am a member of the Gender and Pain Special Interest Group and have given major talks on this subject. I was the first African American female president of the Georgia Psychological Association and am mentoring others. I am also involved in a number of community organizations again reflecting my values of building and better serving our communities.
If elected APA President, I will bring considerable APA leadership experience, a long advocacy track record, and demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion. What happens internally within the association influences what happens externally within our profession and the impact psychologists have in improving lives. Therefore, my primary goal will be to address APA’s internal challenges so that we can make a difference for the field, psychologists and society.