Q5: How would your presidency work to move APA toward realizing and sustaining APA Vision Statement 6: “A principal leader and global partner promoting psychological knowledge and methods to facilitate the resolution of personal, societal and global challenges in diverse, multicultural and international contexts”?
Behavior is at the core of many world problems: health, sex trafficking, climate change, violence. My experience consulting on integrated care in 14 countries across Asia, the Americas and Europe taught me the value of coming together around a common mission. To be leaders, we must be partners first. As president, I will work to create and solidify international partnerships, as we have done with the World Health Organization, to help people "Think Psychology First." Collaboration with other disciplines will help ensure psychology's research, policy and clinical knowledge is brought to bear as we tackle these complex global challenges.
Q6: In light of the impending changes in the governance structure of APA, how do you envision your role as president?
The next president will have the unprecedented privilege of leading APA as it transforms and streamlines its governance structure. It is essential that the president prioritize airing all views, managing tensions inherent in change, facilitating decisions and inspiring the organization to translate vision into reality. The president, serving on both the board and the council leadership team, will help shape their collaboration. Working with the board, she will help chart the financial course of the association, ensuring our budget reflects our values. My experiences in governance and career focus on systemic collaboration have prepared me well to meet these challenges.