Jeanne Manese, PhD, is presented this Presidential Citation in recognition of her distinguished leadership and service, unwavering advocacy, extraordinary mentorship of hundreds of students and psychologists, and lifelong dedication to advancing equity and inclusion in mental health.
Manese has exemplified excellence through her decades of service to the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), now housed under the Leadership Development Institute. Her career is marked not only by her scholarly achievements, including a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University, but by the transformative impact she has had on individuals, institutions, and systems.
As director of the counseling center at the University of California (UC), Irvine, Manese implemented innovative, culturally responsive programs that empowered students from underrepresented backgrounds, earning national recognition through the APA Suinn Minority Achievement Award. Her earlier leadership at UC San Diego and her mentorship of over 150 mental health professionals of color have created a lasting legacy of culturally competent care for our most vulnerable communities. In these roles, her work included implementing strengths-based programs for first-generation college students, community building, and clinical supervision.
Her influence extends globally from the Semester at Sea program to service with the Veterans Administration to her extensive involvement within the APA as an MFP Training Advisory Committee member and mentor in the Psychology Summer Institute for 17 years. As an esteemed APA MFP alumna, Manese’s work is rooted in compassion, humility, and visionary service.
In recognition of her dedication and tireless efforts, the American Psychological Association honors Jeanne E. Manese, PhD, for her significant contributions to the field. This presidential citation celebrates a career that has changed lives, uplifted communities, and sets a standard for inclusive excellence in psychology.