MPA Multicultural Summit: Multicultural Competence in Everyday Practice

This program will be held virtually via Zoom and qualifies for 6 continuing education credits. Registrant must attend the entire conference to receive credit. No partial credits will be given. 

This program is designed for psychologists and other behavioral health professionals in related fields.
Intermediate Level: Assumes post-doctoral education status and general familiarity with the topic.

This biennial virtual event will bring together psychology experts in social justice, developmental disruption, and disability to set the stage for important conversations. Sessions will range from gender health to working with rural clients to the history of multiculturism in psychology. While research in psychology serves as the backbone of this conference, attendees will be challenged to integrate the research with lived experiences as they move toward greater multicultural competence. 

REGISTER HERE for the full session (6 CE credits)
REGISTER HERE for one session (1.5 CE credits)

Interested in sponsoring the Multicultural Summit? Click here to view sponsor benefits which include complimentary registration(s). 

Questions? Contact MPA Conference Manager Sherri at [email protected]. 

8:30 a.m. History of Multiculturism in Psychology

This presentation will provide an overview of the parallel historical changes in education, psychological associations, and therapy over the years that lead to the October 2021 APA Council's passage of a trio of resolutions calling for the association to dismantle systemic racism, issuing an apology for psychology’s role in perpetuating racism, and proposing to advance racial health equity. It will summarize with a case study illustrating the practice of multicultural therapy.

Participants will be able to:
1. Demonstrate awareness of the history of modern multicultural movement in United States psychology.
2. Describe an application of multicultural psychotherapy in a clinical setting.

Cynthia de las Fuentes, Ph.D., earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994 and became licensed by the State of Texas in 1996. From 1993-2007, she was a tenured associate professor of psychology at an APA accredited doctoral program. Since 2007, she has worked in private practice offering sliding-scale consultation, psychotherapy, and forensic evaluations focusing her expert testimony on the victims of hate crimes, racial, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination and immigration evaluations. She has dozens of presentations and publications in her areas of scholarship: ethics in psychology, feminist psychology, multicultural and Latiné psychologies. She is currently the 2024 President of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association Services Inc.

10:15 a.m. From Do No Harm to Promoting Gender Health: The Interdisciplinary Gender Affirmative Model

This presentation will offer a “Gender-Affirmative Lens” for your clinical practice by focusing on the general guidelines for interdisciplinary care, research informing this care (including priorities for ongoing and future research), clinical challenges in working with children, clinical challenges in working with adolescents, barriers to care and the sociopolitical climate in which we are applying this model. The interdisciplinary gender affirmative model presented in this presentation has been co-constructed internationally among professionals and the community over several years and considered an organic breathing model open to change as we learn more. Within that model, the task of the professional is to design an individualized gender health plan for each youth and their family. This program will include two didactic sessions: One, primarily medical, focusing on evidence for biological underpinnings of gender identity development, outcomes of current treatment models, and gaps in knowledge, barriers to care, and priorities for research, and one primarily mental health, focusing on developmental pathways of gender, treatment goals and practices in work with transgender and gender diverse children and adolescents, and theoretical constructs underlying these practices. We will conclude with a brief clinical presentation, a composite case based on Drs. Ehrensaft and Rosenthal’s work together at the UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center highlighting the interdisciplinary gender affirmative perspective, with opportunity for questions/comments between the attendees and presenters.

 

Participants will be able to:
1. Identify the key features of the gender affirmative model.
2. Refer to evidence-based research related to pediatric gender care.
3. Explain the interdisciplinary collaboration between mental health and medical providers in delivering gender affirmative care.
4. List ways participants can apply the gender affirmative model to their own practice.

Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Michigan. She is a developmental and clinical psychologist, adjunct professor of Pediatrics at University of California San Francisco, and Director of Mental Health at the Child and Adolescent Gender Center, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. She is author of The Gender Creative Child and Gender Born, Gender Made, co-editor with Dr. Colt Keo-Meier of The Gender Affirmative Model, and co-author with Michelle Jurkiewicz of the upcoming book, Gender Explained. She specializes in research, writing, clinical work, training, consultation, special expert testimony related to gender diverse children and youth and publishes and lectures both nationally and internationally on this topic.

Stephen M. Rosenthal, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at University of California San Francisco (UCSF), received his undergraduate degree from Yale and his medical degree from Columbia University, where he completed his residency in pediatrics. He subsequently completed his postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at UCSF and joined the UCSF faculty in 1983. Dr. Rosenthal has served as Program Director for Pediatric Endocrinology and Director of the Pediatric Endocrine Clinics, and currently serves as co-founder and Medical Director of the multidisciplinary UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center (CAGC). He is Principal Investigator (PI) (multiple PI format) for NIH/NICHD “The Impact of Early Medical Treatment in Transgender Youth” and co-Investigator on two additional NIH-funded studies focused on optimizing care of transgender/gender diverse youth. He has also co-directed a collaboration between the UCSF CAGC and the San Francisco Department of Public Health to develop community outreach services for gender diverse youth. Dr. Rosenthal has recently completed his terms as President of the Pediatric Endocrine Society and as Vice President and member of the Board of Directors of the Endocrine Society. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. Dr. Rosenthal’s principal non-work passion is figure skating. He has participated in various adult national and international competitions, most recently in Paris, August 2018.

12:45 p.m. Work with Rural Clients: Importance, Issues, Competencies

People living in rural areas generally experience mental health issues at similar or higher rates than urban populations yet have a fraction of the behavioral health providers. The diversity section of classes and continuing education should cover rural culture to prepare both rural practitioners and urban practitioners treating rural people who move to cities. Telebehavioral health (TBH) is increasingly being provided to rural people, and it is critical that these providers have the knowledge and competencies to serve rural people. This presentation will explore these issues and summarize rural culture and practice skills needed to work with rural clients. Dr. Slama will also discuss rural ethical issues, community collaboration, and integrated care, including how these issues apply to TBH. To the extent that time allows, the presentation will include rural issues in treating farmers, women, interpersonal violence, men, children/youth, elders, and special populations such as GLBTQ, ethnic/indigenous, imprisoned, veterans, unhoused, and disabled people. The presentation will conclude with further resources for gaining competencies in working with rural clients.

Participants will be able to:
1. Articulate the unique perspectives of psychological practice with rural clients.
2. Examine ethical and professional issues encountered in practice with rural clients.
3, Develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes for gaining competencies to provide services to rural clients.

Katherine (Kay) Slama, Ph.D., MSS, LP, earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Iowa. She is retired from an adjunct position with The University of Minnesota Medical School Dept. of Psychiatry, as well as from teaching Rural Practice courses at the University of St. Mary’s Minnesota. She has worked with most clinical populations and in management, specializing in the last decades in rural and agricultural behavioral health. She earned the 2019 APA’s Excellence in Rural Psychology award and a 2018 MPA Presidential citation for Outstanding Contributions to Psychology. Slama served on the Governing Council of the Minnesota Psychological Association and as President of the Minnesota Rural Health Association, chair of MPA's Rural and Greater Minnesota Division, and chair and coordinator of its Rural Behavioral Health Practice Conference. She also has a number of publications and has given numerous presentations.

2:30 p.m. Never Gonna Break My Faith: Psychology’s Role in Promoting Social Justice, Healing and Hope

The purpose of this presentation is to challenge psychologists and other providers to think about their ethical roles within the larger community. Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya will explore how systemic abuses and structural inequities are maintained through practices associated with what she refers to as “Oppression Reactive Syndromes.” She will also explore ways to dismantle the culturally destructive thoughts, feelings and behaviors associated with Oppression Reactive Syndromes by understanding how to share power and engage in courageous conversations that lead to growth when missteps are invariably made. Lastly, this presentation will introduce participants to both individual and collective approaches for strengthening their faith in the goodness of others, as well as creating forgiveness, healing, and hope in their communities and within themselves.

Participants will be able to:
1. Describe the concept of Oppression Reactive Syndromes and how systemic and structural inequities are maintained.
2. Apply strategies for dismantling Oppressive Reactive Syndromes by learning how to share power, engage in courageous conversations and manage the inevitable missteps that will occur in the process of growth and change.
3. Explain a process to create Personal Mission statements so participants can affirm and strengthen their faith, forgiveness, and hope as they engage in a holistic process for healing themselves and others.

Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., LP is a licensed clinical psychologist and Board-Certified Diplomate and Fellow in African Centered Black Psychology by the Association of Black Psychologists. She is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Division 35, Society for the Psychology of Women. Dr. Akinsanya received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Texas Tech University. With over 40 years of experience in the field of mental health as a researcher, practitioner and consultant, she has received local, state and national recognition for her leadership in the areas of diversity and mental health. Using a strength-based wellness model, she assists educators and other professionals in developing culturally responsive and trauma-informed strategies that engage diverse youth and their families – especially when their lives have been touched by racism, severe psychopathology, abuse, trauma, sexual assault and community violence.

 Click here to view and download a PDF program flyer.

Registration Price (full day of 6 CE credits):
MPA Member $149
Non-Member $169
Student $30
Retired Member (no CE credit) $30
Retired Non-Member (no CE credit) $75

Registration Price for One Session (1.5 CE credits) - Attendees can purchase one session or opt for the full day (cannot purchase 2 one-session registrations).
MPA Member $49
Non-Member $59
Student $19

REGISTER HERE for the full session (6 CE credits)
REGISTER HERE for one session (1.5 CE credits)

Group Rate Promotion!  

Please contact MPA staff at [email protected] if you are interested in the group rate. 
*In order to receive this promotional group rate, all individuals in a group must work for the same company and all names must be submitted to MPA staff by EOD on October 28.

Attendees Member/Non-Member Cost
1-5 $149/$169
5-9 $139
10-14 $129
15-19 $119
20-24 $100
25+ Contact [email protected]

 

CONFIRMATION/CANCELLATION: You will receive an emailed confirmation of your registration. You will be notified by mail, e-mail or telephone if your selection is filled or cancelled.
REFUND POLICY: A 100% refund will be made if the event is cancelled. Refunds, less a $5 handling fee, will be given if a written cancellation is received at least two working days before the scheduled program begins. No refund or transfer is given the day of the program.

 

Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:  If you need disability related accommodations to make this event accessible, please contact Sherri at [email protected].

Participants will be able to:

 

1. Demonstrate awareness of the history of modern multicultural movement in United States

 

psychology.

 

2. Describe an application of multicultural psychotherapy in a clinical setting.

 

Cynthia de las Fuentes, Ph.D., earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994 and became licensed by the State of Texas in 1996. From 1993-2007, she was a tenured associate professor of psychology at an APA accredited doctoral program. Since 2007, she has worked in private practice offering sliding-scale consultation, psychotherapy, and forensic evaluations focusing her expert testimony on the victims of hate crimes, racial, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination and immigration evaluations. She has dozens of presentations and publications in her areas of scholarship: ethics in psychology, feminist psychology, multicultural and Latiné psychologies. She is currently the 2024 President of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association Services Inc.

 

The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

10:15 a.m. From Do No Harm to Promoting Gender Health: The Interdisciplinary Gender Affirmative Model

 

This presentation will offer a “Gender-Affirmative Lens” for your clinical practice by focusing on the general guidelines for interdisciplinary care, research informing this care (including priorities for ongoing and future research), clinical challenges in working with children, clinical challenges in working with adolescents, barriers to care and the sociopolitical climate in which we are applying this model. The interdisciplinary gender affirmative model presented in this presentation has been co-constructed internationally among professionals and the community over several years and considered an organic breathing model open to change as we learn more. Within that model, the task of the professional is to design an individualized gender health plan for each youth and their family. This program will include two didactic sessions: One, primarily medical, focusing on evidence for biological underpinnings of gender identity development, outcomes of current treatment models, and gaps in knowledge, barriers to care, and priorities for research, and one primarily mental health, focusing on developmental pathways of gender, treatment goals and practices in work with transgender and gender diverse children and adolescents, and theoretical constructs underlying these practices. (continued)

 

3

 

Keynote: Psychologists' Role in Social Justice Social injustices seem to be growing exponentially. Racism, xenophobia, reproductive rights, transgender healthcare, and climate change are topics that are often emotionally charged and, these days, can be viewed as divisive. Organizations, leaders, and individuals may struggle with whether to bring these conversations into the workplace or to bring these topics up with patients. Psychologists know social exclusion can lead to emotional pain. There are consequences to chronic social exclusion, which is why inclusion and belonging are important to diversity and equity work. Dr. Talee Vang discusses psychologists' role in social justice, strategies to address inequities, and highlight tools that psychologists already have to combat injustices.

 

Participants will be able to:

 

1. Explain the human design to survive. 2. Identify psychological tactic used to advance divisiveness. 3. Apply strategies to address social injustices.

 

Talee Vang, Psy.D., LP, is personable, authentic, and engaging, Dr. Talee Vang is a licensed psychologist with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), as well as health equity. Her educational background as a social scientist and reputation as an effective educator perfectly positions her to help organizations in their evolutionary growth. She received a Psy.D, from the University of St. Thomas in Counseling Psychology. Skilled at conceptualizing complexity, tailoring strategies and trainings to the unique need of any organization, Dr. Vang has a collaborative style that offers expertise, while establishing sustainable methodology for clients to use into the future. Evidence based theories, as well as strategies, and interventions rooted in human and organizational psychology inform the content and work Dr. Vang brings.

 

The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

Keynote: Psychologists' Role in Social Justice Social injustices seem to be growing exponentially. Racism, xenophobia, reproductive rights, transgender healthcare, and climate change are topics that are often emotionally charged and, these days, can be viewed as divisive. Organizations, leaders, and individuals may struggle with whether to bring these conversations into the workplace or to bring these topics up with patients. Psychologists know social exclusion can lead to emotional pain. There are consequences to chronic social exclusion, which is why inclusion and belonging are important to diversity and equity work. Dr. Talee Vang discusses psychologists' role in social justice, strategies to address

 

inequities, and highlight tools that psychologists already have to combat injustices.

 

Participants will be able to: 1. Explain the human design to survive. 2. Identify psychological tactic used to advance divisiveness.

 

3. Apply strategies to address social injustices.

 

Talee Vang, Psy.D., LP, is personable, authentic, and engaging, Dr. Talee Vang is a licensed psychologist with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), as well as health equity. Her educational background as a social scientist and reputation as an effective educator perfectly positions her to help organizations in their evolutionary growth. She received a Psy.D, from the University of St. Thomas in Counseling Psychology. Skilled at conceptualizing complexity, tailoring strategies and trainings to the unique need of any organization, Dr. Vang has a collaborative style that offers expertise, while establishing sustainable methodology for clients to use into the future. Evidence based theories, as well as strategies, and interventions rooted in human and

 

organizational psychology inform the content and work Dr. Vang brings. The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

We will conclude with a brief clinical presentation, a composite case based on Drs. Ehrensaft and Rosenthal’s work together at the UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center highlighting the interdisciplinary gender affirmative perspective, with opportunity for questions/comments between the attendees and presenters.

 

Participants will be able to:

 

1. Identify the key features of the gender affirmative model.

 

2. Refer to evidence-based research related to pediatric gender care.

 

3. Explain the interdisciplinary collaboration between mental health and medical providers in

 

delivering gender affirmative care.

 

4. List ways participants can apply the gender affirmative model to their own practice.

 

Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Michigan. She is a developmental and clinical psychologist, adjunct professor of Pediatrics at University of California San Francisco, and Director of Mental Health at the Child and Adolescent Gender Center, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. She is author of The Gender Creative Child and Gender Born, Gender Made, co-editor with Dr. Colt Keo-Meier of The Gender Affirmative Model, and co-author with Michelle Jurkiewicz of the upcoming book, Gender Explained. She specializes in research, writing, clinical work, training, consultation, special expert testimony related to gender diverse children and youth and publishes and lectures both nationally and internationally on this topic.

 

Stephen M. Rosenthal, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at University of California San Francisco (UCSF), received his undergraduate degree from Yale and his medical degree from Columbia University, where he completed his residency in pediatrics. He subsequently completed his postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at UCSF and joined the UCSF faculty in 1983. Dr. Rosenthal has served as Program Director for Pediatric Endocrinology and Director of the Pediatric Endocrine Clinics, and currently serves as co-founder and Medical Director of the multidisciplinary UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center (CAGC). He is Principal Investigator (PI) (multiple PI format) for NIH/NICHD “The Impact of Early Medical Treatment in Transgender Youth” and co-Investigator on two additional NIH-funded studies focused on optimizing care of transgender/gender diverse youth. He has also co-directed a collaboration between the UCSF CAGC and the San Francisco Department of Public Health to develop community outreach services for gender diverse youth. Dr. Rosenthal has recently completed his terms as President of the Pediatric Endocrine Society and as Vice President and member of the Board of Directors of the Endocrine Society. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. Dr. Rosenthal’s principal non-work passion is figure skating. He has participated in various adult national and international competitions, most recently in Paris, August, 2018.

 

These speakers have indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

4

 

Keynote: Psychologists' Role in Social Justice Social injustices seem to be growing exponentially. Racism, xenophobia, reproductive rights, transgender healthcare, and climate change are topics that are often emotionally charged and, these days, can be viewed as divisive. Organizations, leaders, and individuals may struggle with whether to bring these conversations into the workplace or to bring these topics up with patients. Psychologists know social exclusion can lead to emotional pain. There are consequences to chronic social exclusion, which is why inclusion and belonging are important to diversity and equity work. Dr. Talee Vang discusses psychologists' role in social justice, strategies to address inequities, and highlight tools that psychologists already have to combat injustices.

 

Participants will be able to:

 

1. Explain the human design to survive. 2. Identify psychological tactic used to advance divisiveness. 3. Apply strategies to address social injustices.

 

Talee Vang, Psy.D., LP, is personable, authentic, and engaging, Dr. Talee Vang is a licensed psychologist with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), as well as health equity. Her educational background as a social scientist and reputation as an effective educator perfectly positions her to help organizations in their evolutionary growth. She received a Psy.D, from the University of St. Thomas in Counseling Psychology. Skilled at conceptualizing complexity, tailoring strategies and trainings to the unique need of any organization, Dr. Vang has a collaborative style that offers expertise, while establishing sustainable methodology for clients to use into the future. Evidence based theories, as well as strategies, and interventions rooted in human and organizational psychology inform the content and work Dr. Vang brings.

 

The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

Keynote: Psychologists' Role in Social Justice Social injustices seem to be growing exponentially. Racism, xenophobia, reproductive rights, transgender healthcare, and climate change are topics that are often emotionally charged and, these days, can be viewed as divisive. Organizations, leaders, and individuals may struggle with whether to bring these conversations into the workplace or to bring these topics up with patients. Psychologists know social exclusion can lead to emotional pain. There are consequences to chronic social exclusion, which is why inclusion and belonging are important to diversity and equity work. Dr. Talee Vang discusses psychologists' role in social justice, strategies to address

 

inequities, and highlight tools that psychologists already have to combat injustices.

 

Participants will be able to: 1. Explain the human design to survive. 2. Identify psychological tactic used to advance divisiveness.

 

3. Apply strategies to address social injustices.

 

Talee Vang, Psy.D., LP, is personable, authentic, and engaging, Dr. Talee Vang is a licensed psychologist with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), as well as health equity. Her educational background as a social scientist and reputation as an effective educator perfectly positions her to help organizations in their evolutionary growth. She received a Psy.D, from the University of St. Thomas in Counseling Psychology. Skilled at conceptualizing complexity, tailoring strategies and trainings to the unique need of any organization, Dr. Vang has a collaborative style that offers expertise, while establishing sustainable methodology for clients to use into the future. Evidence based theories, as well as strategies, and interventions rooted in human and

 

organizational psychology inform the content and work Dr. Vang brings. The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

12:45 p.m. Work with Rural Clients: Importance, Issues, Competencies

 

People living in rural areas generally eri ce mental health issues at similar or higher rates han urban popu ations yet have fraction of the behavioral health providers. The diversity section of classes and continuing education should cover rural cultu e to prepare both rural practitioners and urban practitioners treating rural people wh move to cities. Telebehavioral health (TBH) is increasin ly bei g provided to rural people, and it is critical that these providers hav th knowledge and competencies to serve rural people. This presentat on will explore these issu s and summariz rural culture and practice skills ne ded to work with rural clients. Dr. Slama will also discuss rural ethical issues, community collaboration, and integrated care, including how these issues apply to TBH. To the extent that time allows, the presentation will include rural issues in treating farmers, women, interpersonal violence, men, children/youth, elders, and special populations such as GLBTQ, ethnic/indigenous, imprisoned, veterans, unhoused, and disabled people. The presentation will conclude with further resources for gaining competencies in working with rural clients.

 

P rticipants will be able to:

 

1. Articulate the unique perspectives of psychological practice with rural client .

 

2. Examine ethical and professional issues encountered in practice with rural clients.

 

3. Develop knowl dge, skills, and attitudes for gaining competenci s to provide services to rural

 

clients.

 

Katherine (Kay) Slama, Ph.D., MSS, LP, earned her Ph.D. in Clinica Psychology at the Univ rsity of Iowa. She is retired from an adjunct position with The University of Min esota Medical School Dept. of Psychiatry, as well as from te ching Rural Practice courses at the University of St. Mary’s Minnesota. She has worked with most clinical populations and in management, specializing in the last decades in rural and agricultural behavioral health. She earned the 2019 APA’s Excellence in Rural Psychology award and a 2018 MPA Presidential citation for Outstanding Contributions to Psychology. Slama served on the Governing Council of the Minnesota Psychological Association and as President of the Minnesota Rural Health Association, chair of MPA's Rural and Greater Minnesota Division, and chair and coordinator of its Rural Behavioral Health Practice Conference. She also has a number of publications and has given numerous presentations.

 

The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

5

 

Keynote: Psychologists' Role in Social Justice Social injustices seem to be growing exponentially. Racism, xenophobia, reproductive rights, transgender healthcare, and climate change are topics that are often emotionally charged and, these days, can be viewed as divisive. Organizations, leaders, and individuals may struggle with whether to bring these conversations into the workplace or to bring these topics up with patients. Psychologists know social exclusion can lead to emotional pain. There are consequences to chronic social exclusion, which is why inclusion and belonging are important to diversity and equity work. Dr. Talee Vang discusses psychologists' role in social justice, strategies to address inequities, and highlight tools that psychologists already have to combat injustices.

 

Participants will be able to:

 

1. Explain the human design to survive. 2. Identify psychological tactic used to advance divisiveness. 3. Apply strategies to address social injustices.

 

Talee Vang, Psy.D., LP, is personable, authentic, and engaging, Dr. Talee Vang is a licensed psychologist with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), as well as health equity. Her educational background as a social scientist and reputation as an effective educator perfectly positions her to help organizations in their evolutionary growth. She received a Psy.D, from the University of St. Thomas in Counseling Psychology. Skilled at conceptualizing complexity, tailoring strategies and trainings to the unique need of any organization, Dr. Vang has a collaborative style that offers expertise, while establishing sustainable methodology for clients to use into the future. Evidence based theories, as well as strategies, and interventions rooted in human and organizational psychology inform the content and work Dr. Vang brings.

 

The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

Keynote: Psychologists' Role in Social Justice Social injustices seem to be growing exponentially. Racism, xenophobia, reproductive rights, transgender healthcare, and climate change are topics that are often emotionally charged and, these days, can be viewed as divisive. Organizations, leaders, and individuals may struggle with whether to bring these conversations into the workplace or to bring these topics up with patients. Psychologists know social exclusion can lead to emotional pain. There are consequences to chronic social exclusion, which is why inclusion and belonging are important to diversity and equity work. Dr. Talee Vang discusses psychologists' role in social justice, strategies to address

 

inequities, and highlight tools that psychologists already have to combat injustices.

 

Participants will be able to: 1. Explain the human design to survive. 2. Identify psychological tactic used to advance divisiveness.

 

3. Apply strategies to address social injustices.

 

Talee Vang, Psy.D., LP, is personable, authentic, and engaging, Dr. Talee Vang is a licensed psychologist with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), as well as health equity. Her educational background as a social scientist and reputation as an effective educator perfectly positions her to help organizations in their evolutionary growth. She received a Psy.D, from the University of St. Thomas in Counseling Psychology. Skilled at conceptualizing complexity, tailoring strategies and trainings to the unique need of any organization, Dr. Vang has a collaborative style that offers expertise, while establishing sustainable methodology for clients to use into the future. Evidence based theories, as well as strategies, and interventions rooted in human and

 

organizational psychology inform the content and work Dr. Vang brings. The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.

 

2:30 p.m. Never G nna Break My Faith: Psychology’s Role in Promoting Social Justice, Healing and Hope

 

The purpose of this p se tation is to challenge psychologists and other pr viders to think about ir ethical roles within the larger community. Dr. Garr tt-Akinsanya will explore how systemic abuses and structural inequities are maintained through p actices associated with what she refers to as “Oppre sion Rea tive Syndr mes.” She will also explore ways to dismantle the culturally destru tive thoughts, feelings and behavior associated with Oppression Reactive Syndromes by understanding how to share power and engage in courageous conversations that lead to growth when mi steps are invariab y m de. Lastly, this presentation will introduce participants to both individual and collective approaches for strengthening their faith in the goodness of others, as well as creating forgiveness, healing, and hope in their communities and within themselves.

 

Participants will be able to:

 

1 Describe th concept of Oppression Rea tive Syndromes and how systemic and structural inequities are maintained.

 

2. Apply strategies for dismantling Oppressiv Reactive Syndromes by learning how to shar

 

ower, engage in courageous conversations and manage the inevitable missteps that will occur in

 

the process of growth and change.

 

3. Explain a process to create Personal Mission statements so participants can affirm and

 

strengthen their faith, forgiveness, and hope as they engage in a holistic process for healing

 

themselves and others.

 

Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya, Ph.D., LP is a licensed clinical psychologist and Board-Certified Diplomate and Fellow in African Centered Black Psychology by the Association of Black Psychologists. She is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Division 35, Society for the Psychology of Women. Dr. Akinsanya received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Texas Tech University. With over 40 years of experience in the field of mental health as a researcher, practitioner and consultant, she has received local, state and national recognition for her leadership in the areas of diversity and mental health. Using a strength-based wellness model, she assists educators and other professionals in developing culturally responsive and traumainformed strategies that engage diverse youth and their families – especially when their lives have been touched by racism, severe psychopathology, abuse, trauma, sexual assault and community violence.

 

The speaker has indicated no conflicts of interest.