María Luisa Ramírez is awarded a Presidential Citation for her extraordinary contributions to international psychology, notably for her tireless leadership, collaborative spirit, insightful understanding and energetic engagement in support of advancement of the field throughout the Latin American region. In her tenure as the Chief for International Affairs at the Colombian College of Psychologists (COLPSIC), Ramírez has shown the importance of national organizations to engage at the international level, providing new opportunities for collaboration and for aiming for higher standards of both scientific inquiry and professional service. Ramirez has gained recognition from colleagues across the world for her efforts to elevate psychology by supporting colleagues interested in advancing the field in myriad ways, including establishing standards for training, developing regulation for practice, and growing professional associations. In addition, Ramírez has been a leader in the application of international competencies as a tool for educational advancement for psychology in the Americas.
The Office of International Affairs at COLPSIC, under her direction, is currently a model for similar organizations in Latin America and an effective partner for national, regional and international organizations around the world. As the future of psychology is certainly global and as psychological associations emphasize international perspectives, we congratulate Ramírez on her significant contributions and upward trajectory as a leader.