This Presidential Citation is presented to Joanne Hands, PhD, for her visionary leadership, tireless promotion of the important role of psychology for all, and elevation of the profession in the Middle East region.
Hands has established herself as a leader not only of Kuwaiti psychology, but of psychology in the Middle East. She has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to bring psychologists together with the aim of advancing the health and well-being of adults and children. In many cases, Hands has faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, yet she has succeeded in convening psychologists from across the globe on both large-scale and local levels to share research and practice insights in the field.
Her leadership of the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA) speaks to her ability to envision a strong voice for mental health in the Middle East and her persistent championing of the role of psychology in improving lives. Hands organized the first MEPA Annual Meeting in Dubai in 2017 and has continued to bring psychologists together from at least 10 neighboring countries (Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Egypt, Pakistan), as well as the United States, Canada and Europe. By doing so, Hands has strengthened the voice of psychology and psychologists in the Middle East and supported an ever-greater representation for the field at governmental, educational, clinical and scientific gatherings.
For these and Dr. Hands’ many additional unnamed accomplishments, I, Rosie Phillips Davis, APA president, am proud to present this great honor to my colleague, Joanne Hands, PhD.