Debra Kawahara, PhD, is recognized with a 2019 APA Presidential Citation for her mentorship, leadership, scholarship and service.
Kawahara has distinguished herself for her writings and practice on feminist, Asian-American and multicultural psychology. Her work demonstrates a commitment to social justice, multiculturalism and feminist practice. Over the years, she has been recognized for outstanding service to Div. 35, Society of the Psychology of Women, and Div. 45, Society of the Study of Ethnic Minority Issues. She was one of the co-founders of Div. 35’s Psychology of Asian Pacific American Women and represented the Division as the 2011 National Multicultural Conference and Summit (NCMS) lead coordinator. She represented Div. 45 as lead coordinator for the 2013 NMCS. She has represented Div. 35 on the APA Council of Representatives as well as other committees and task forces. She has served on the editorial boards of several journals and as editor-in-chief of the journal Women and Therapy.
Kawahara is beloved as she brings an authentically warm, personable, strong style of feminist leadership to those privileged to work alongside her and be touched by her.