Dr. James H. Bray
* What would you do to increase the representation and participation of minority members among APA governance structure?
I strongly support increasing minority psychologists' participation in APA governance, and this will be a priority of my presidency. Minority psychologists reflect the diversity of our population, and more minority psychology leaders will attract people of color into our profession. I will reach out to minority undergraduate students to become psychologists and encourage minority graduate students and non-APA member psychologists to join and participate in APA. I will work to expand their participation in other APA programs, such as the State and Education Leadership Conferences and federal advocacy programs, to involve and prepare them for leadership roles within APA.
*How would you address issues affecting women, both within psychology and among consumers of health care?
I will continue strongly supporting issues central to women: strengthening mentoring programs for women leaders in APA; focusing on women's health initiatives; and advocating for additional funding for these programs. My research and clinical practice focuses on women and children (divorce, remarriage, family relations, domestic violence), and I will highlight these areas as president. I will advocate for more affordable psychological services for women, especially women of color, who suffer disproportionately from poverty, physical and sexual abuse, and lack of adequate resources for child care. Collaborating with primary-care providers will enhance our access and services to meet women's health-care needs.
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