President-Elect Statements

Hector Y. Adames, PhD

It is with great humility and enthusiasm that I accept the nomination to serve as President-elect for Division 45 during a time in history where People of Color and Indigenous individuals (POC) are organizing, forming solidarities, and fighting against the many ways in which we are dehumanized. Our connections, strengths, and culturally responsive praxis fuels our collective fight to be heard, to be seen, and to be freed. For the past three years, I have been involved in Division 45 leadership as the scientific program co-chair, member of the taskforce on Healing through Social Justice, and as Council of Representative. Additionally, I have served as membership chair, newsletter editor, and conference co-chair of NLPA. In 2017, I was appointed to APA’s Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs (CEMA).

Others have described my leadership style as participative, wherein I involve all stakeholders and create space for all voices to be centered while developing strategies that uphold and embolden human rights and dignity for all. If I am given the honor to serve as an elected officer, I will build on the work of current and past leaders by focusing on  ways to intentionally meet the needs of Women of Color, Queer People of Color, and undocumented immigrants who often are neglected. I envision us disrupting forces that treat and keep segments of our community as non-beings by acting and thinking critically about our science and practice. Together we can hear, we can see, and we can free each other while radically expanding our POCI-Division.

Y. Evie Garcia, PhD

I am honored to be considered to assist Division 45 members to work together collectively as a resource for psychologists, students, and communities during these challenging times. When I think of the dedication of Division 45’s members to addressing issues important across all groups, I am reminded of the Spanish saying “la diferencia entre lo posible y lo imposible está en la determinación de algunas personas que trabajan juntas” : the difference between the possible and the impossible lies in the determination of a few people working together.

I am an Associate Professor and Doctoral Training Director of the Counseling/School of Psychology PhD Program at Northern Arizona University. My research is in health disparities and resilience across the lifespan.

Having previously served on the Division 45 EC as Member-at-Large for the Latinx Slate, I value the opportunity to again work to benefit psychologists and students from widely diverse backgrounds. As one of the founding members of the CNPAAEMI Leadership Development Institute, I was privilieged to work collaboratively across ethnocultural groups to prepare new leaders to serve in Division 45. Having been President of the National Latinx Psychological Association in 2017 and the 2018 Chair of the Alliance of National Psychological Associations for Racial and Ethnic Equity, I value the integration of perspectives in developing initiatives that fight against racism and discrimination in all of its forms.

Division 45 has benefited from thoughtful, innovative leadership and I would be honored to add my ideas and experience to build upon that momentum.

John Gonzalez, PhD

Boozhoo. When I think of out amazing Elders and leaders of out Division, it is with great humility that I accept the nomination and opportunity to serve Division 45.

Some of you might know and remember me as your past Treasurer. For those that don’t – my name is Makade Mai’ingan (Black Wolf), I am Ojibwe from White Earth Indian Reservation, in MN. My colonized name is John Gonzalez and I am a Professor of Psychology at Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota.

I was honored to serve as Division 45 Treasurer-elect for 2010 and Treasurer from 2011-2014. I also served as the Division 45 Program Chair in 2007. These were great learning experiences where I gained a respect and understanding of leadership within our Executive Committee and how best to serve and give back to our membership.

With that, I believe in carrying on the vision, goals, and heavy lifting of those who came before us. Although we face difficult and challenging times as People of Color and Indigenous Communities – we are strong and beautiful people – and still have a powerful voice because of our Ancestors and Elders who showed us the way. A theme I would envision as President of Division 45 would be Celebrating Resilience: Strength Based Approaches to Continuing the Circle.

I appreciate this chance to re-introduce myself and would be honored to serve you in Division 45 as President. Chi-Miigwech! (Many Thanks).

Art Blume

Yesterday, running for Division 45 President was not even a thought. However, when we became members of this division, it was with the commitment to use our minds, hearts, and spirits into advancing its mission through service and cultural humility, and sometimes with spontaneity. As an American Indian Psychologist, 45 has been my divisional home since joining APA. I have served 45 as an Associate Editor of CDEMP and on the search committee that resulted in the hiring of Dr. Lee as its next editor. I have served APA on CEMA, on the work group addressing health disparities for boys and men, and as the inaugural public interest representative and current chair of NASCC. Division 45 has honored me as a fellow and as an inaugural co-awardee of the Joseph E. Trimble and Jewell E. Horvat Award for Distinguished Contributions to Native and Indigenous Psychology. I am also a former President of SIP.

We live in challenging times that present many opportunities to promote psychological well-being and growth. These times teach us that we must come together in resilient strength as a division. We have learned together to be more nimble and collaborative in out responsiveness to threats to multiculturalism and psychological well-being, thanks to our current leadership. I fully intend to help 45 continue on this path of advocacy for our people. Advancing diversity in psychology and in the public interest remains my passion and the current circumstances have strengthened my resolve.

Secretary-Elect Statement

G.E. Kawika Allen, PhD

I am honored and humbled about my nomination to serve as Division 45 Secretary-elect. Division 45 has been my diversity psychology home where I have found support, encouragement, and resources to enhance my work in multicultural psychology. I have a passion for and committed to promoting diversity, facilitating understanding of ethnic minority psychology, and expanding multicultural research, education, and training regarding People of Color.

I am European (English) and Polynesian (Hawaiian/Tongan; ‘Ohi’ak?ikalani/Kawelu/Kulihia and Kamea/Bloomfield). I received my PhD in counseling psychology from University of Missouri-Columbia. My research involves spiritual, cultural, and indigenous healing in psychotherapy, culture-specific psychotherapies for Polynesians, and examining psychological well-being/adjustment among Polynesians.

I serve on the Leadership Board of Section for Ethnic and Racial Diversity, Division 17, and enjoy working on diversity and multicultural initiatives. I developed the Kaha Nui Summit, a prospective graduate student conference for Pacific Islander undergraduate students at BYU, which provides graduate recruitment opportunities for Polynesian undergraduate students. As Division 45 secretary, I’ll work toward organized leadership coordination, ensure that meeting minutes are accurately and diligently recorded, various events are running smoothly and effectively, facilitate clear and open communication with membership and others on the Division 45 listserv. I am excited to not only record meeting minutes, but engage with colleagues regarding multicultural and professional issues. I greatly look forward to contributing multicultural perspectives from a Polynesian perspective and excited about listening to and learning from others’ cultural perspectives. I hope to facilitate Division 45’s strategic goals with other leaders. Mahalo nui loa.

Glenna Stumblingbear-Riddle, PhD

It is with gratitude that I accept the nomination for APA Division 45 Secretary-Elect (2020-2022). I truly appreciate the opportunity to be considered and serve if elected. My name is Glenna Stumblingbear-Riddle, PhD, (Khoiye-hayn-ee). I’m a proud citizen of the Kiowa tribe, mother to Rainee (Sape Ahn) and a licensed health service psychologist in Oklahoma. I obtained my doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University. I’m dedicated to reducing behavioral health disparities while promoting overall mental health and wellness in Indian Country. With specific focus on reducing suicide and the negative impact of trauma through the use of evidenced-based, community-led, cultural and strength based approaches.

I’m passionate about giving back to communities and our profession. I have experience serving on several local and state boards and I am currently the past Chairperson on APA’s CEMA. As this term ends I am eager for new opportunities. Although I have not yet served within Division 45 it has been a goal to get more involved. I have experience serving in the role of secretary on the OPA board and can commit to serving Division 45. I wake up each day with the intention of making my ancestors, family and community proud by honoring my responsibilities to the best of my ability. I would serve Division 45 with the same respect.

I look forward to what is on the horizon and thank you (ah-ho) for the consideration.

Respectfully,

Glenna Stumblingbear-Riddle, Ph.D.

Member At Large Statements

Brandi P. Pritchett-Johnson, Ph.D.

As a person that seeks to make professional commitments with intention, I am honored to accept nomination to serve as the Member-at-Large for Division 45’s African American Slate. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a more fitting time. I have had the privilege of serving as an educator in academia where I teach and supervise in relatable and captivating ways. I engage in community based therapeutic interventions as the Founder/Executive Director of a 501c3 non-profit organization, Future 4 Teens. My life’s purpose has been to change-the-game of mental health. Being adaptive and culturally conscientious is something I practice daily in my private practice, The Diane Morgan Group. I seek to always exercise innovative strategies in each of my professional identities, particularly in my current role as an Assistant Professor/Director of Clinical Training for Wayne State University’s Counseling Psychology program. I am truly a visionary and wholeheartedly believe that my maturing skills as a clinician, scholar, and activist would benefit Division 45. I have an interest in furthering the already strong commitment to ECP mentorship as I know that to change-the-game of mental we must also support one another and the next generation of professionals. I am also energized to influence policy and inform clinical standards when working with historically marginalized populations. My heart and innovative skill set matched with the maturity and synergy found within Division 45 would prove to be the perfect storm. I am eager to join a collective group of individuals that move with vision and passion.

Martinique “Marti” Jones, Ph.D.

I am honored to be nominated for the APA Division 45 Member-at-Large Middle East / North Africa (MENA) slate. As a Palestinian American, I strive to be in tune with the mental health needs of my community. Over the past year, I worked with the Division 45 conference planning committee. I was touched by the warm welcome the MENA psychology community received and was struck by the parallel and unique struggles of marginalized communities.

Since beginning my career at Governors State University, my research agenda has centered on using an intersectional lens to address the needs of the MENA community. I was awarded a grant by the Center for Arab American Philanthropy to explore cultural barriers and facilitators to reproductive health and preventative care among Arab American women. I have also engaged in service to the community through my work as a board member for Arab American Family Services. In this position, I work to center the needs of LGBTQIA members of the community. I presently serve as the social media coordinator and advocacy committee chair for the Arab American Middle Eastern Psychological Association and participated in its founding as a member of the steering committee and the chair of the first election committee.

I am excited for the growing presence of MENA psychologists in the Division and I am grateful to our elders for the path they forged within APA and Division 45. I gladly welcome the chance to play a role in this important chapter in our development.

Ruddy Taylor, 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 joined as a graduate student and served as an American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) Representative. I was later appointed as the Diversity Delegate Liaison to APA Practice Leadership Conference (PLC) and in 2018 served as Chairperson of the Diversity Committee. My APA memberships include the following Divisions 45, 38, 35, 18, and 56. Currently, I am a Fellow for the Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Interests (CNPAAEMI), representing Division 45.

I am seeking your vote to serve in Division 45, in the role of Member At Large – Diversity Slate. My selection as CNPAAEMI Fellow has been instrumental in building my courage to express my desire to seek this active leadership role in the Division. I am committed to serving the Division and representing the goals and mission of the organization. I would bring to this position my dedication, my servant leadership style, and my desire to learn. Thank you in advance for your consideration as I request your vote to serve Division 45 in the role of Member At Large – Diversity Slate.

Kerrie Wilkins-Yel, PhD

It is with great excitement, gratitude, and humility that I accept the nomination to serve as the Member-at-Large (Black/African American slate) for Division 45.

As a scholar, I take an intersectional approach to understanding and advancing the career development of Black and Brown women in male dominated professions. Thus far, my work has shed light on the ways in which experiences such as microaggression, delegitimization, invisibility, and hypervisibility create a chilly climate that stifles career persistence among women of color. As an assistant professor at Indiana University, I train and mentor masters and doctoral level students to take an intersectional advocacy-informed approach to advancing clients’ holistic wellbeing.

As a leader, I work at both the local and national levels to effect systemic change through applied efforts characterized by diversity in action. This is evidenced by the collaborative creation of initiatives to combat health disparities among Black women, advance academic and career persistence among Black and Brown women in traditionally White and male-dominated careers, and employ a social-justice informed approach to equip more than 300 students at a PWI with the necessary skills to engage effectively in diversity dialogues.

I am excited to expand my service to Division 45 as the Member-at-Large (Black/African American slate). I am committed to listening deeply and foregrounding the voices of those we serve, strengthening the legacies of those who have come before us, and applying critically conscious and innovative approaches to creating systemic change.

Lamise Shawahin, PhD

I am honored to be nominated for the APA Division 45 Member-at-Large Middle East / North Africa (MENA) slate. As a Palestinian American, I strive to be in tune with the mental health needs of my community. Over the past year, I worked with the Division 45 conference planning committee. I was touched by the warm welcome the MENA psychology community received and was struck by the parallel and unique struggles of marginalized communities.

Since beginning my career at Governors State University, my research agenda has centered on using an intersectional lens to address the needs of the MENA community. I was awarded a grant by the Center for Arab American Philanthropy to explore cultural barriers and facilitators to reproductive health and preventative care among Arab American women. I have also engaged in service to the community through my work as a board member for Arab American Family Services. In this position, I work to center the needs of LGBTQIA members of the community. I presently serve as the social media coordinator and advocacy committee chair for the Arab American Middle Eastern Psychological Association and participated in its founding as a member of the steering committee and the chair of the first election committee.

I am excited for the growing presence of MENA psychologists in the Division and I am grateful to our elders for the path they forged within APA and Division 45. I gladly welcome the chance to play a role in this important chapter in our development.

Council Representative Statements

Kira Banks, PhD

I care deeply about Division 45 and recognize the important role serving on council plays in APA’s governance structure.

I have served as Division 45 member-at-large for three years and been involved in 1) revitalizing the undergraduate honors society, 2) planning the Division 35/45 dance and raising funds for charities within the convention host city, and 3) engaging with graduate students through mentoring events, webinars, and reviewing applications for travel awards. As my term ended, I was lucky enough to contribute to the Advocacy Toolkit, which was a joint effort with Divisions 17, 27, 35, and 45.

I have been in the field for 15 years, have taught and conducted research as well as supervised undergraduates and graduate students at Illinois Wesleyan University and currently Saint Louis University. I also have a consulting business and am active in the community. My community work most recently led to being honored as a Citizen Psychologist by President Jessica Henderson Daniel. I would be honored to serve the division as a Council Representative and appreciate your vote.

Angela D. Ferguson, PhD

I am honored to have been nominated to the slate for Division 45 representative for APA Council of Representatives. I have a long history of governance within APA. I have been on the executive committee of the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs; the executive committee of Division 44 as a Member-At-Large and Treasurer; the Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns Committee (CLGBTC); and have recently ended my term serving on the executive committee of Division 45, as LGBT Member-At-Large. I have also served on the Editorial Board for The Counseling Psychologist (2009-2012), and currently serve on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development.

I am currently at Howard University in the Counseling Psychology Program (2004-present) and have served in leadership positions during my tenure (e.g., Training Director, Director of Graduate Studies). My research, supervision and academic work infuses an intersectional cultural perspective relative to the ways in which sociopolitical and sociohistorical experiences of oppressed, marginalized groups influence social, emotional, sociocultural and psychological functioning and development of personal and group identity.

I bring my governance experience and leadership skills to this position; I am committed to ensuring that the diverse voices and concerns within Division 45 are heard by the larger APA body. Our communities of color face numerous challenges in our society; as psychologists it is our task to infuse issues of culture, race, and ethnicity in the overall discourse within APA such that our communities are assured of receiving culturally competent services.

James J. Garcia, PhD

From 2007-2016, racial/ethnic minorities in the Psychology workforce increased from 9% to 16%, with younger Psychologists more likely to be persons of color (American Psychological Association [APA] Center for Workforce Studies, 2018). This means the profession is becoming a more diverse workforce, suggesting greater representation of our voices in APA governance. I have served in several roles within APA, namely as subcommittee chair of the APA Graduate Students Committee for the Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Diversity, member of the Div45 Student Committee, as an ECP to the Immigration Taskforce of the National Latinx Psychological Association and for the Div45 Presidential Taskforce proposing changes to the Div45 structure to sustain graduate students and ECPs. These experiences fuel my belief that now is the time for APA and divisions to change their structures (e.g., policies and procedures, bylaws, etc.) to promote and sustain the development of the diverse wave of people like me, Early Career Psychologists with diverse identities transitioning out of the psychology training pipeline. I am guided by three core values: accountability, transparency, and persistence. If elected, I will use my voice as the Div45 COR ECP to make sure ECPs are not only given space to exist and seriously heard but also given seats at the table in APA governance. Furthermore, I will push for transparent decision-making on issues that affect the everyday lives of the diverse ECP workforce. Thus, it is with great honor that I am running for Div45’s COR as an ECP.

Robyn L. Gobin, PhD

It is with great excitement and humility that I accept the nomination for Division 45 Council Representative (Early Career Psychologist slate). I am a trauma psychologist who uses my skills to promote healing among trauma survivors, with a particular focus on African American women. For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of helping the Division advance its mission as Member-at-Large (African American slate). What I appreciate most about serving in Division 45 is having a professional home—a space where I am seen, supported, and energized by individuals who are passionate about elevating the status of people of color.

My commitment to serving ethnic and racial minorities is reflected in my record of leadership on several national and community organizations, such as the Association of Black Psychologists. As the Psychology in the Public Interest Representative for the APA Committee on Early Career Psychologists, I promoted cultural humility and advocated for ECPs in positions of leadership. As Division 45 Council Representative, I will be committed to bringing the unique interests and perspectives of ECPs to bear while representing ethnic minority concerns.

My greatest assets are my commitment to service and the passion with which I embrace missions related to empowering those who have been silenced and oppressed. In serving, I strive for excellence while maintaining an optimistic perspective, a self-less orientation, and a calm demeanor. I welcome the opportunity to represent Division 45 and continue our collective work for social justice, equity, and healing in communities of color.

Patrice M. Leverett, PhD

Thank you for the opportunity to be a candidate for the position of Division 45 Council of Representative, ECP. I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. I received my Master’s Degree in Education at Queens College of New York and my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison (UW).

While at UW, I co-chaired the Division 45 Mentoring Committee for two years. This experience gave me an in-depth look a the work Division 45 does within APA and for the broader community; spurring a path of continued advocacy for students of color across educational spaces. Currently, I serve on the Teacher Education, Licensed Personnel, and Experience committee, which focuses on streamlining curriculum to ensure licensure for a school psychologist in the state of Nevada. Additionally, I am developing a measure that examines the effectiveness of school psychology programs in producing socially just clinicians. I spearhead a research team that examines the impact of implicit bias on the decision making of school-based personnel on disciplinary practices, to mitigate the effect of bias on racial disproportionality. Lastly, through student interviews, I examine student perspectives of disciplinary practices and integrate those voices into training school psychologists.

In the position of council representative, I will continue to advocate for marginalized voices and for the diversification of the profession to meet the needs of all students, clients, and communities.

Farzana T. Saleem, PhD

I am honored to be nominated as a Division 45 Early Career (EC) Council Representative (CR). I am a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California Los Angeles. My research examines factors that can reduce the impact of racial stress on the mental health of African American and Latinx youth. As an African American and Indian psychologist, my scholarship and service are sustained by the dearth of racial representation within the field and within organizational leadership positions (e.g., CR) of those from my background.

As a potential EC CR, I am committed to representing psychologists on topics of culture, race/ethnicity, and equality. I will also advocate for and add the perspective of graduate students and EC psychologists in CR, EMC, and EC meetings. The skills that I offer this position I partly learned through serving in several APA positions. While working in the APA Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs in 2011, I became interested in how organizational policies impact psychologists of color throughout the pipeline. As a member of the Graduate Student Committee for the Advancement of Racial and Ethnic Diversity, I advocated and created resources for multicultural practice and training. While serving on the APA Division 45 Graduate Student Committee, I developed strategies and activities to sustain the mentorship program for racially diverse and first-generation doctoral students. Currently, I am an APA RESilience Initiative Visiting Scholar. I am personally and professionally dedicated to these topics, and I appreciate your vote to represent Division 45 on Council.

Enedina Vazquez, PhD

Today’s climate is horrific, especially for social justice and human kind. We have seen our children be killed almost regularly these days; making getting an education difficult. And education has historically been the great equalizer. Will it continue for our future generations of children of color? It may not be easy for future generations given that the violence has not stopped there. Violence against people of color seems to have escalated not just by terrorists but also by leaders and those we have expected would be there to protect us. This is why I want to be the Division’s next representative on the COR. Our past representatives have worked long hours and fought many fights to bring changes to APA. We need to keep that voice strong. We need to be able to respect the voices of those who came before us and not sit in silence. We need to speak out more than ever so that we can turn the tide or at least not allow it to deteriorate any further. I often have heard that we stand on the shoulders of giants. I agree. Yet we also need to honor these giants by keeping the work on social justice growing and continue the positive work. I want to do my part especially since we continue to be challenged by terrors. We cannot lose hope but we also cannot stand idly by in silence, not condoning those who cause such grievous harm. The time to speak up is now!

Amanda J. Waters, PhD

I feel the honor of running to represent Division 45 in APA’s Council of Representatives and I hope to continue serving the Division as I have the past four years as the FOCUS Newsletter editor. Through the editorship, I have a front row seat to the Division and membership’s opportunities for advocacy, pathways for mentorship, and the ongoing support for psychologists of color. As a representative, I see a myriad of ways I can continue this work by amplifying the voices of our Division, championing the membership’s efforts, and partnering with colleagues to address the needs of those who are presently and historically marginalized and minoritized. As an Early Career Psychologist, I will represent the unique stage of emerging professionalism which is critical to the ongoing success of our field.

I have an established leadership history with Division 45 including serving on the Student Committee as a Campus Representative Co-Chair and National Multicultural Conference and Summit Student Planning Committee member. Furthermore, I founded the Association for Counseling Center Diversity Coordinators, an organization dedicated to collaboration and support for the ongoing work of diversity-focused colleagues across the country. Among others, these opportunities have prepared me to serve as a Council Representative by understanding the priorities of our Division and needs of our communities. I believe I can create avenues for our Division by highlighting our collective voices in advocacy for workable policies and equitable practices while remaining true to the mission of making the world more equitable, just, and loving

Student Representatives Statements

Danna Bismar, MS

I am excited, energized, and humbled to run for the Division 45 Student Representative position. I believe that Division 45 is uniquely positioned to model and promote diversity, inclusion, and equity. My background as the eldest daughter of Syrian immigrants has played an important role in shaping my approach and commitment to inclusion and social justice in who I am as a person and all aspects of my professional activities, e.g., research, teaching, leadership, and practice in psychology. On my campus, I serve on the executive committee for Psychology Advocates for Social Change (PASC), and I am currently serving my final term as the student representative for the counseling psychology program at UNT. Through these positions, I have been actively involved in several departmental and program initiatives, including working with the UNT Office of Diversity and Inclusion to plan and implement a successful diversity training series for graduate students and faculty in our Department. I also serve as a student committee member for Arab, Middle Eastern and North African Psychologists (AMENA-Psy) and campus representative for Student Affiliates of Seventeen. If elected as the student representative, I will draw from my previous leadership and programming experiences to significantly increase the Division student members’ attention to the importance of equity and inclusion. I will work toward fostering resilience through narratives of hope by listening to and centering the voices of marginalized and disenfranchised individuals and groups in our communities.

Kaleen Carimbocas, MA

It is an honor to be submitting a statement for consideration to serve as Division 45’s Student Representative.

I am a second year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student in the Diversity and Community Mental Health emphasis and in the Ethnic Minority research lab at Palo Alto University (PAU). I obtained my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. Throughout my academic career, I have held several leadership positions, including events coordinator and vice president of Diaspora: The Black Mental Health Student organization of PAU, and APAGS and CPAGS student representative for the University of San Francisco.

Race, ethnicity, diversity and intersectionality are central foci within my research, teaching, clinical practice and professional identity. Specifically, within these spheres, my work focuses on: 1) factors related to representation of marginalized groups, 2) methods of addressing issues relevant to marginalized groups, 3) advocacy and social justice efforts aimed at meeting the needs of these groups, 4) culturally sensitive research and dissemination, and 5) culturally sensitive clinical practice.

As Division 45’s Student Representative, I would continue to support and strengthen the Division’s initiatives of supporting students from diverse, underserved backgrounds, with a specific focus on addressing intersectionality. I would also like to develop national efforts across universities to create space for students of color and other intersectional identities to build community and feel supported around issues at the university level and within society.

Terrill O. Taylor, BS

I am grateful for the opportunity to present as a candidate for Student Representative of Division 45. I am a Black man who holds multiple marginalized identities and a current Counseling Psychology doctoral student at the University of North Dakota. My desire to serve is anchored in dedication as I hope to promote and enhance the vision and mission of Division 45 far and wide.

I currently serve as Co-Chair for the Division 45 Campus Representative Program. Serving in this position is a privilege as I work actively with several student leaders and continuously engage in processes to support greater representation and resources for students; knowing the importance of our efforts. I hope to embark on a new direction of service while maintaining my dedication to having our student voices heard, respected, and valued.

I have a strong interest in facilitating student growth and involvement and hope to widen the network of students and professionals to whom we interact with through ongoing mentorship and programming initiatives. If selected to serve as student representative, I will aim to voice student concerns proactively, while promoting objectives pertinent to our growth and development as racial and ethnic minorities; and for our many friends, advocates, and allies that support us. Collectively, I hope to engage in mutually collaborative and growth-fostering relationships with division leaders, and to create greater connections with other divisional student-led organizations and APAGS. With gratitude, it is my intent amplify our student voices within the division specifically, and APA more broadly.

Keoshia J. Harris, MA, PLPC

The battle our ancestors endured to provide equal opportunities for future generations has resulted in some change; however, there is still more to be done to eradicate racism. My research interests could be broadly categorized as Black Psychology with a specific focus on the racial achievement gap, racial microaggressions, and the lasting impact of racism (e.g. psychological, emotional, physiological impacts of racism). From my leadership roles in the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) student organization to the Psychologists for Black Lives, they have each uniquely contributed to my social justice orientation. The need for more individuals who are culturally aware became more evident when facilitating a roundtable discussion about the long-lasting impacts of racial microaggressions (racial battle fatigue). The dialogue about the level of pain individuals have endured as a result of malicious behavior, whether intentional or unintentional, was heart wrenching. When leaving the discussion at the National Multicultural Summit, I was further fueled to create a sense of unity, so we don’t suffer in silence. In general, these experiences represent the need for a strong community to successfully dismantle systemic injustice and maintain a healthy sense of well-being. As the student representative, I aim to create a stronger sense of community to prevent instances of the “only” and continuing to create programs geared towards thriving, not just surviving, in difficult environments. I, Keoshia Harris, thank you for your consideration and hope to continue the journey I began in the Psychologists for Black Lives as the student representative.