Presented below are nomination statements for candidates for Division 45 Executive Committee elected positions.

The following slate of Executive Committee officers are on the 2024 Division Election Ballot:

• President-Elect
• Secretary-Elect
• Member-at-Large: Black/African American Representative
• Member-at-Large: Diversity Immigration Representative
• Member-at-Large: LGBTQ of Color Representative

Members eligible to vote in this election cycle have received an email ballot. Please refer to the email for ballot directions. The 2024 Election for Division 45 ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Voting eligibility is based on a Member, Fellow, or Graduate Student Member who paid dues in full prior to July 1, 2024. Individuals who joined after this date will be eligible to vote in 2026.

If you have yet to receive a ballot, please contact us.

President-Elect Candidate Statement

Germine (Gigi) H. Awad, PhD

I am honored to be nominated for President-elect of Division 45.  Division 45 served as my divisional home within the APA since my time as a graduate student. It is my pleasure to submit my materials for the first President-elect Arab/MENA slate position.  As a graduate student, I was an active member of Division 45.  I felt at home here.  However, at times, my ethnic group was left out of division activities and priorities.  In essence, I felt that Arab/MENA individuals were invisible within the division.  Despite sometimes feeling this way, it did not deter me from getting involved in the division. In 2011, I became the membership chair for the division and was in charge of keeping track of membership data and conducting periodic surveys to assess membership satisfaction.  I was able to participate in general division business and learned significantly about the functioning of the division. In my role as membership chair, I was also able to educate about and advocate for Arab/MENA issues.  My efforts were successful and led to a new voting position for the division, Member-at-large-Arab/MENA slate.  I was voted in as the inaugural MENA member-at-large for the division in 2015.

I also was heavily involved in the Division 45 Research Conference.  In 2016, I served as program co-chair where I oversaw all proposals for the largest Division 45 Research Conference on record.  In 2018, I served as conference co-chair (with Kevin Cokley) and we hosted the conference at the University of Texas at Austin.  I managed all logistics related to conference planning and functioning.  I served as one of the program co-chairs for the 2020 Virtual Division 45 Research Conference that was hosted by the University of Michigan.  For the next 2025 Division 45 Research Conference at the University of Michigan, I will serve as program chair.

In addition to holding various leadership positions within Division 45, I have also significantly been involved with CDEMP.  I served as an ad-hoc reviewer for the journal from 2006 to 2012.  In 2012, I was invited to be an editorial board member where I served for 6 years before being asked to be an associate editor in 2019 and my term ends December 2024.

I have also served on the Fellow’s Committee for two years and now am the current Fellow’s Chair.  I have engaged in a substantial amount of service for Division 45.  I did so because I believe in the Division and its mission. As President, I hope to continue coalition building with allies and co-conspirators to serve communities of color.  At a time when DEI is under attack, our division can help lead the charge in combatting the pervasive misinformation campaigns that are relentless in their falsehoods pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our division is home to some of the best researchers and practitioners serving communities of color and I hope to help leverage the scientific, intellectual and practical expertise of our members and our field.

It would be an honor to be able to serve this division as President-elect.

Secretary-Elect Candidate Statement

Noriel (Nori) Lim, PhD

Division 45 has been my professional home at APA since I was in graduate school. It has played a vital role in shaping my professional identity and my approach to diversity education and community service—the two pillars that form the foundation of my work as an educator and a licensed psychologist.

Over the years, I have given back to our professional community in several ways. My primary contribution to national service has been through convention planning: I have served as convention co-chair for the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) conventions in Toronto (2015) and Denver (2016) and for Division 45 in the 2019 APA Convention in Chicago. I was also elected and served as a board member of APA’s Board of Convention Affairs (2017-2021, 2022-2023) and AAPA’s Executive Committee (2017-2019). My primary contribution to education has been through my work as training director for a doctoral psychology internship program for the past eight years. I also served as co-chair of AAPA’s Education and Training Council (2021-2023) and as a member of the Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology Training
Council’s diversity committee (2020-present).

These positions have given me an avenue to give back to ethnic minority communities, increase my familiarity with organizational governance and committee work, demonstrate my ability to juggle various tasks and responsibilities, and enhance my leadership skills. Given the chance to serve as Division 45 Secretary/Secretary-Elect, I intend to bring my experience and commitment to support our membership and our organization’s mission.

 

Member-at-Large Candidate Statements

Candidate for Member-at-Large Black/African American Representative

Ruddy M. Taylor, LCSW, PhD

I am Ruddy Taylor, a graduate from the University of Alaska, Anchorage as a Clinical/ Community Psychologist. I am an Early Career Psychologist, with a clinical interest in depression, trauma, and addictions. My research interest includes racial microaggression, social justice, and positive aging, with an intersectionality of spirituality. I am an active member of the Alaska Psychology Association (AK- PA).

I would like to serve as the Member-at-Large: Black/African American Representative. If elected, I will use my experience as a leader to future the mission of Division 45. A mission that is even more crucial in the days ahead. I have highlighted some of my leadership experience below:

• Past President Alaska Psychological Association 2021-2023
• Finance Committee – American Psychological Association 2019-2024
• Council of Representative American Psychological Association – Alaska Psychological Association 2017-2022
• Association of Practicing Psychologists (APP) Treasure 2021-2022
• Women’s Caucus Past-Chair 2020
• Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interest Leadership Development Institute – Division 45 Fellow 2018-2019
• Ethnic Minority Issues in Psychology Caucus (EMIC) – Member at Large 2017-2019

Two (2) Candidates for Member-at-Large: Diversity Immigration Representative 

Candidate 1:

Ayli Carrero Pinedo, PhD

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my nomination for the Member-At-Large, Diversity Immigration Representative. I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Dakota (UND), and I am a bilingual licensed psychologist in California. I am also a two-time fellow and alumna of the American Psychological Association’s Minority Fellowship Program. My lived experiences as an immigrant from the global south, professional roles as a scholar-clinician-advocate, and commitment to the liberation and wellness of People from the Global Majority has prepared me well to serve on the Executive Committee of the Society for the
Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race (Division 45).

As a formerly undocumented Peruvian immigrant and first-generation student, I learned the difference between citizenship through papers and citizenship through service. It has guided my lucha for immigrants in the U.S. to not fall prey to the country’s institutionalized racism, colorism, and xenophobia. Since 2017, I have been meeting with government leaders to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. I have also traveled to Washington D.C. for the 10th anniversary of DACA to share my story and be in community with other constituents who had shared identities and a commitment to permanent protections. My advocacy work—centering the historically excluded and unserved—caught national attention and I was featured as a fellow of the month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

During graduate school at UND, I completed local and national presentations focused on the struggles (e.g., perceptions, state and federal climate, impact on mental health) of undocumented immigrants, equipped professionals with tools to support undocumented people, and provided examples on how to become allies across different settings. Further, I completed a practicum at an established non-profit organization serving migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families in rural North Dakota. This was the first time these communities received behavioral health services. During my postdoctoral training at a government setting, I co-led a quality
improvement program designed to support immigrant women Veterans in their transition to civilian life. Not only did we learn about the structural vulnerabilities they face, but also about the cultural, social, and political dynamics that maintain their compounded stress.

Dismantling oppressive systems and eradicating inequities is at the ethos of my identity as a psychologist. My latest research is focused on the role of legal status as a social determinant of health in a Midwest community sample of documented and undocumented Latine immigrants. A common limitation is how ‘immigrant’ is utilized as a blanket term. This practice obscures the intersectionality of identities and dismisses cultural determinants of health that better inform advocacy, intervention, and policy efforts. The implication of this research expands theory and informs policy makers on the health damaging effects of discriminatory policies, particularly as race/ethnicity and perceptions of skin color are accounted. Because prevention and health promotion are pivotal to immigrant wellness, I provided participants with resources [in their preferred language] about their legal rights (i.e., Know Your Rights cards) and empowerment strategies to resist and bolster their well-being (e.g., toolkits created by Drs. Adames and Chavez-Dueñas). The latter compliments the approved APA 2024 report on immigration and health.

My leadership also expands across APA divisions and governance. When I was the Trauma Psychology (Division 56) Student Committee Chair, I developed the Cultivating Healing, Advocacy, Nonviolence, Growth, and Equity (CHANGE) Grant. This funds student’s and early career professional’s trauma-based projects. Of note, this grant is now part of the American Psychological Foundation, and each reviewer is paid an honorarium. Due to the success of this initiative, the Division 56 presidential trio asked me to lead the division’s anti-racism efforts. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I served in the Midwest regional team to support the Interdivisional Immigration Project (e.g., National Latinx Psychological Association, eight APA divisions, and immigration activists). My primary role was to identify and connect with a balanced group of community leaders/activists, host dialogues, and summarize themes.

In 2019, I became the first trainee to be appointed to the Advocacy Coordinating Committee. I gained experience facilitating a highly inclusive and transparent input process that recognized the importance of both long-term advocacy goals, and the need for agility in carrying out advocacy priorities in a fast-paced political environment. Currently, I serve as an elected member of the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest (BAPPI). Whether it is applying the latest behavioral and social science research to prepare major components of reviews on policy to recommend to the Council of Representatives or serving as a consultant/advisor in respect to the APA Public Interest Directorate, diversity, multiculturalism, and ethnic minority issues are at the forefront of my work.

If elected, I would build on cross-racial coalitions with other divisions and EPAs, with a focus on clinical, research, advocacy, and service learning. This might look like inviting immigration leaders as part of the community engagement project outside/during APA convention or collaborating on a public information campaign on immigration experiences. Second, I would increase programming and tangible resources to humanize and enhance the health of multiply marginalized immigrant communities across the lifespan (e.g., immigration syllabus that also covers asylum seekers and refugees; webinars on how to write op-eds; certification in immigration and trauma-informed care; cultural exchange and storytelling series). Lastly, I would promote leadership within APA governance and cultivate relationships with APA Boards, like BAPPI to ensure the interests of Division 45 are well represented.

I have cultivated distinctive social justice and critically conscious leadership experiences that have prepared me well to be an asset as the Division 45 Member-At-Large representing Diversity Immigration. The opportunity to represent the immigrant community is quite exciting and I hope to contribute to goal of promoting the elimination of racism and social injustice during the unfolding political reality in the U.S.

Candidate 2:

Xiang Zhou, PhD, HSPP

I am excited to submit my candidacy for the Member-at-Large: Diversity Immigration Representative position on the Division 45 Executive Committee. My professional and personal experiences as an immigrant scholar and counseling psychologist have fueled my commitment to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities, particularly as they intersect with identity, family, and systemic inequities. This position aligns deeply with my professional mission to advance equity and inclusion in psychology and my desire to amplify the often-overlooked experiences of immigrant populations.

As an immigrant who came to the U.S. for advanced education, I have navigated the complexities of cultural adjustment and systemic barriers firsthand. These experiences have shaped my research and clinical work, which focus on the nuanced interplay between immigration, identity, and mental health. I firmly believe in the importance of differentiating immigration-related experiences from those tied solely to race or ethnicity, as immigrant communities face distinct challenges, such as acculturation stress, legal barriers, and systemic discrimination, that require tailored approaches.

My academic work reflects this commitment to exploring and addressing these unique challenges. For example, in my upcoming publication, “Indigenous Healing Movements in Asia: Opportunities and Challenges for Decolonial and Liberation Psychologies” (in press, American Psychologist), I examine how indigenous healing practices intersect with global decolonial and liberation movements, offering valuable insights into the cultural frameworks that shape immigrant and diasporic mental health experiences. This work highlights the need to incorporate culturally resonant, decolonized approaches in psychological practice and research, especially for immigrant communities. In addition, as the principal investigator for the project “Chinese Queer Diaspora: A Qualitative Inquiry of Identity, Family, and Migration” (funded by the American Psychological Foundation, 2022-2023, $20,000), I explored the intersection of migration, identity, and family dynamics within the Chinese queer diaspora. This study underscores the complexities of navigating multiple marginalized identities and highlights the importance of understanding immigration as a distinct lens of diversity. Findings from this work inform culturally competent interventions and policies that can better support immigrant communities with intersecting identities.

If elected as the Member-at-Large: Diversity Immigration Representative, I aim to leverage my skills and experiences to advance Division 45’s mission through the following key initiatives:

1. Advocating for Immigration-Specific Policies Immigration issues extend beyond racial and ethnic identities, encompassing systemic barriers like acculturation stress, language access, and legal constraints. My work has consistently focused on these challenges, and I propose initiatives that emphasize immigration-specific concerns in APA policies and advocacy efforts. For example, I envision programming that addresses the mental health impact of immigration policies on individuals and families, including workshops for psychologists on navigating legal and systemic challenges with their clients.

2. Promoting Culturally Responsive Practice My research has underscored the importance of culturally resonant and decolonial approaches to mental health care. Drawing from my work on indigenous healing practices, I propose developing training resources that help psychologists integrate culturally responsive and liberation-oriented methods into their practice, especially for immigrant populations. These resources could include toolkits, webinars, and collaborations with community organizations that serve immigrant families.

3. Mentorship and Leadership Development Mentorship has been central to my academic and professional life. As an immigrant scholar, I have mentored numerous international and first-generation students, helping them navigate cultural and systemic barriers in academia and beyond. In this role, I would establish mentorship programs connecting early-career immigrant psychologists with established mentors who share their experiences and can provide guidance on navigating the profession.

4. Highlighting Intersectionality in Immigration Issues My work with the Chinese queer diaspora illustrates the importance of considering how immigration intersects with other identities, such as gender and sexual orientation. I aim to bring these intersectional perspectives to Division 45 by advocating for research and programming that explores how immigration status interacts with race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other social categories.

5. Expanding Community Engagement Division 45 has long been a leader in fostering collaboration between psychologists and marginalized communities. I propose building partnerships with immigrant-serving organizations to enhance outreach and advocacy efforts. For instance, psychologists could collaborate with legal aid organizations to support immigrant clients navigating trauma related to detention or deportation.

Division 45’s mission to address culture, ethnicity, and race is foundational to advancing equity in psychology. As an immigrant scholar, I aim to broaden the scope of this mission by highlighting immigration as a critical yet distinct lens for understanding systemic inequities. My academic work, including the two projects mentioned above, reflects my commitment to amplifying immigrant voices and addressing their unique challenges in culturally informed ways.

Through my service, I have demonstrated leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion. As a member of Purdue’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, I contributed to initiatives that support underrepresented faculty and students. My editorial roles have further allowed me to advocate for the dissemination of culturally responsive research, ensuring that the voices of immigrant and marginalized communities are heard and valued in academic discourse.

The Member-at-Large: Diversity Immigration Representative position represents an opportunity to advocate for immigrant communities, amplify their voices within APA, and ensure their unique experiences are integrated into Division 45’s transformative work. My academic, clinical, and service experiences have equipped me to thoughtfully and effectively serve in this role, and I am deeply committed to advancing Division 45’s mission.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am honored by the opportunity to contribute to this vital work and look forward to collaborating with the Division to promote equity, inclusion, and justice in psychology.

 

 

Candidate for Member-at-Large LGBTQ of Color Representative

Juan Ramón Pantoja-Patiño, PhD

I am wholeheartedly expressing my interest in the position of Member-at-Large (MAL) LGBTQ of Color Representative. My name is Juan Ramón Pantoja-Patiño (he/him/él), and I am a Latino Mexican American cisgender gay/queer man, non-disabled, first-generation, son of immigrant parents, and an early career counseling psychologist. I am forever indebted to my parents’ perseverance and radical hope, as without them I would not be where I am today. Their migration voyage was rooted in love, liberation, and social justice. Presently, I am ecologically residing in South Bend, Indiana and capitalistically employed at the University Counseling Center (UCC) University of Notre Dame as a Staff Psychologist serving college students. One of my many passions, aside from clinical work, is research, education/training, and advocacy. Attending to all these facets of our psychological professions allows us to center dynamic solutions from different angles to address the ever-evolving issues of culture, ethnicity, and race. I have been fortunate to develop these competencies and utilize them within and between my professional and personal lives. Thus, I can bring this in the position of MAL through my lived experience.

In my very early doctoral training, I imagined myself pursuing a career as a tenure track professor, yet years ago that shifted to primarily rendering clinical services to college students. In this realm, I saw myself creating a bigger impact than perhaps as an academic by directly creating therapeutic spaces to foster radical healing among minoritized populations, including LGBTQ of color communities. Being able to directly work with such communities gave me the space to think critically and weave practices of liberation, advocacy, and decolonization. By listening to the stories of many LGBTQ of color individuals, I was able to elevate their visibility by teaching/guiding other clinicians to understand the unique needs and strengths by curating a resource guide. Additionally, I have continued to engage in research to decolonize the intersectional systems of oppressions that many communities experience. One of the ways I have been able to execute this is by developing a measure that assesses the internalized heterosexist racism among queer people of color. The measure has been presented at various conferences nationally with the aim of drawing attention on the intersectional experiences of LGBTQ of color individuals. All these experiences and achievements I would be able to bring to the position and continue to expand the division’s objectives and mission in a novel and radical way.

In relation to social justice and advocacy, I feel extremely honored and compelled to advance the field of psychology in a decolonial way. For instance, I have been able to support division 17 Society of Counseling Psychology past president Amy Reynolds, Ph.D. in her counseling psychology curriculum and praxis presidential initiative by generating multicultural core competencies that reflects the emerging zeitgeist of culture, ethnicity, and race. Relatedly, in my role as a clinical trainer/supervisor I have designed and facilitated numerous social justice clinical didactic trainings for our APA accredited doctoral internship program at the UCC. Centering education and training efforts at the nexus of advocacy and clinical practice allows our professions and the next generation of psychologists, including the div 45 community, to attract strong individuals to advance not only our field, but most importantly the world. Now more than ever, we need to be bold in utilizing our areas of expertise to resist and confront the sociopolitical conditions that negatively impact our communities. I believe I have the experience to be an active leader and listener to remind our LGBTQ of color communities to continue to exist, persist, and fight for our collective freedom and healing. I have been able to achieve this in my involvement with div 44 Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity while serving in the Committee for Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. If selected in this position, I envision

myself being an active member and responding to current sociopolitical issues that affect all members of div 45. I am very direct and have no reservation confronting systems of oppression. I hope to listen and represent the voices of LGBTQ of color individuals in a candid and transparent manner. My hope for this position is to serve as a guide to create and uplift efforts that center the issues of culture, ethnicity, and race through research, clinical practice, education/training, and advocacy.

In solidarity.