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Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology (LIWP)

Empowering women psychologists to lead in their field, their careers, and their communities.

Programs / Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology

About LIWP

The Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology is dedicated to helping women psychologists achieve their full potential as leaders. By connecting with a diverse group of professionals and gaining valuable leadership skills, LIWP participants are well-positioned to drive meaningful change and promote a more inclusive future for psychology.

Education

The LIWP Signature Program provides initial training designed to equip women in psychology with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to succeed in leadership roles and advance their careers.

Outreach

LIWP offers ongoing support, resources, and networking opportunities for graduates, fostering a lifelong journey of growth and empowerment within a diverse community of women leaders in psychology.

Fundraising

LIWP secures funding to support its mission of advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in psychology and empowering women leaders to make a positive impact in their field and communities.

Mission

Provide leadership development, mentorship, and community through a gender equity lens to mid-career psychologists that seek positive change within themselves, their teams, organizations, and within society.


Vision

A world with equitable systems led by diverse individuals with leadership training based in psychology and principles of gender equity.


Creed

Positive change comes from gender diverse psychologist leaders who question their roles in society, assert their rights, and are empowered to transform oppressive systems.

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LIWP has made me think about myself, and about how I can use my voice to make change, in ways I never even imagined.

LIWP Participant

Our Impact

LIWP continues to cultivate influential women leaders who drive positive change in psychology and beyond, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and innovation across the field.

TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP

LIWP alumnae are reshaping leadership across diverse sectors:

  • Academia: Alumnae serve as University Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Provosts
  • Business: 60+ alumnae hold Chief Executive and Organizational Director positions
  • Media: Graduates are published authors, award-winning podcast hosts, and prominent TV personalities
  • Public Service: Spearheading major initiatives like the National Inpatient Health Mental Program for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION INFLUENCE

Our graduates' reach extends to key professional roles:

State Psychological Association officers

APA Council members

APA Board members

APA President

recipients of APA Presidential Citations

Research and Practice Impact

Grant funding secured by 203 alumnae in 2023 alone

LIWP Leader Spotlights

Find more in the APA On Leadership blog.

Portrait of Deborah Kawahara

Commit to Those Things That Are Meaningful

July 31, 2024
LIWP Leader Spotlight: Debra Kawahara, PhD — APA President Elect, 2025; Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, California School of Professional Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University
Portrait of Anita Thomas, PhD

Leadership Comes in Different Styles

July 24, 2024
LIWP Leader Spotlight: Anita Thomas, PhD — Executive Vice President and Provost, St. Catherine University
Portrait of Kimberly Balsam

Take the Time to Figure it Out

July 17, 2024
LIWP Leader Spotlight: Kimberly Balsam, PhD — Professor of Psychology, Director of the LGBTQ Area of Emphasis, and Director of the Center for LGBTQ Evidence-Based Applied Research (CLEAR), Palo Alto University
Portrait of Sarah Burgamy

Showing Up Authentically

July 10, 2024
LIWP Leader Spotlight: Sarah Burgamy, PhD — Clinical Psychologist and Founder of PhoenixRISE
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