The past half-decade has been marked by incredible adversity and political shifts both within the United States and around the globe. What these years have taught us is the importance of resilience and the need to be proactive and responsive to change.  I would love to outline clear goals for specific task forces and other efforts in 2027. However, the tides may shift. As such, I want to simply outline my values, grounded in the APA strategic plan which will not change regardless of whatever storms may arise. 

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Many Voices, One Psychology: This value is at the heart of my commitment to the psychological community as well as the broader society. As psychologists, we represent many diverse voices, from students to retired psychologists.  We work in diverse areas of practice, from clinical settings to educational institutions to organizations to communities.  We are involved in diverse organizations within APA, such as Divisions, SPTAs (State, Provincial, Territorial Psychological Associations), and the Ethnic Psychological Associations. Moreover, our involvement extends to other psychological societies within the U.S. as well as around the globe.  Our strength as a profession expands when we listen to one another and work together. This unity is needed now more than ever to tackle significant issues facing individuals and communities around the globe.  I promise you that during my time on the Board of Directors and as APA President that I will work to build and strengthen the bridges that exist with our partners across psychology.  Our diversity, our many voices, our ability to form relationship -- our strength as one psychology. 

 

Human rights: Human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Yet, for many, these rights remain an elusive dream.  Ideally, human rights affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. Upholding human rights ensures that individuals can live without fear, express themselves freely, access opportunities, and participate fully in society. Protecting these rights is essential not only for individual psychological well-being but also for building inclusive, fair, and resilient communities. When human rights are respected, everyone benefits. When human rights are denied, we as a psychological community must speak out. Within APA, we must actively engage as advocates for and with those persons and peoples whose rights are being violated.

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Respect for persons and peoples: As psychologists, respect for persons and peoples is a fundamental ethical principle that guides our research, practice, and professional conduct. We must always acknowledge the inherent dignity, autonomy, and cultural identity of every individual and community. This value demands that we actively listen, seek informed consent, honor diverse worldviews, and promote inclusion and equity. By upholding respect for persons and peoples, APA and all of us as psychologists can foster trust, learn about each other, build relationships, empower individuals, and contribute to the well-being and flourishing of all communities. APA must live up to its commitments and goals as offered in the APA apologies to People of Color and First Peoples in the U.S.

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Importance of policy development: At first glance, policy development may seem relatively unimportant – simply “pieces of paper.”  Yet, policy development within psychology is essential for guiding ethical practice, promoting mental health, fostering sound educational pathways, and ensuring that psychological knowledge informs societal progress. Through well-crafted research-based policies, psychological science informs about systemic issues, protects vulnerable populations, and supports evidence-based decision-making in areas like healthcare, education, and justice. Additionally, APA policies play a vital role in informing legal and governmental processes. As an amicus curiae—friend of the court--APA submits briefs providing research-based insights on the mental health impacts of legislation. In this way, psychology not only advances individual well-being but also contributes meaningfully to public policy and social justice.

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Science: Psychological science is ubiquitous because it touches every aspect of human life. Psychology is at the core of who we are as people and communities, and who we are as psychologists and APA. From neurophysiology to how we think, learn, and make decisions, to how we interact with others, manage stress, and build societies—psychological science is everywhere. It shapes education, health care, workplace dynamics, marketing, public policy, community relations, technological design, and so much more. Whether we're improving mental health treatments, teaching children, designing safer environments, or understanding how people respond to global issues like climate change or pandemics, psychological science provides vital insights. A foundation of empirically-based, culturally appropriate research helps us understand ourselves, others, and our communities, making it essential. Unfortunately, in many arenas, science is under attack and being undermined with misinformation and ant-science bias.  APA must stand up against these challenges. 

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Education:  My life has been devoted to education and the teaching of psychology.  My CV is a chronicle of that commitment, and I continue to grow and learn as a teacher. APA is a leader in psychology education at all levels and I want to build on that legacy. During my Presidential year with the Society of the Teaching of Psychology (Division 2), I implemented five task forces, which exemplify my focus on emerging directions within psychology. 

• Task Force for “Teaching to Make a Difference”

• Task Force on Teaching Ethics: Literacy, Thinking, and Reasoning

• Task Force on “Decolonizing Psychology” in Introductory Psychology

• Task Force on Teaching Psychology and Climate Change

• Continuation of the work of the Task Force on Integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and International Initiatives Across STP

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​Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. Kofi Annan

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