38th Annual Convention
Featured Morning Speaker
Debra Kawahara, Ph.D.
"Leadership in Turbulent Times"
May 2nd, 2026, Hilton Woodland Hills
8:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
2 CEs

2026 Featured Speaker Debra Kawahara, Ph.D. in red suit

Abstract:
This presentation will outline values, concepts, and behaviors from a transformational feminist leadership model that are important for successful and effective leaders in a global world. The presenter will share examples of how these values and concepts has been and will be used in her leadership roles, particularly in her role as the 2025 president of the American Psychological Association. 

Description:
Developing transformational leaders for our ever-changing world is becoming more critical as societal issues become increasingly complex and complicated. Leadership and its outcomes have primarily been based on western dominant society in psychology and other related fields. This is often referred to as the WEIRD world (Western, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic) (Henrich et al., 2010). Yet, many people within the United States and globally do not fit these characteristics. In fact, most people live in regions designated as the Global South and constitutes the Global Majority. Given this fact, how can leaders and leadership be more inclusive, equitable and just for all?

This presentation will outline values, concepts, and behaviors from a transformational feminist leadership model that are important for successful and effective leaders in a global world. These leadership skills are required to address the needs of a world that is increasingly becoming more interconnected and complex. These skills and actions include empowerment, collaboration, power analyses, strong reflexivity, deconstruction of our biases and oppressive systems, inclusivity, and advocacy to name a few (Porter, in press), Further, a transformational feminist leadership framework will be presented to understand the multilayered systems and social locations that must be navigated, along with the actions and behaviors of how a feminist leader puts these elements in action. Ultimately, the feminist leader upholding cultural humility and respect for those voices who have been silenced or invisible such as those from the Global Majority World and Indigenous communities will find ways to collaborate and empower all in addressing the social, economic, and political disparities to create a more inclusive and just world. The presenter will share examples of how these values and concepts has been and will be used in her leadership roles, particularly in her role as the 2025 president of the American Psychological Association.

Objectives: 

  • Describe 2 key skills or behaviors for effective leadership. 

  • Identify 3 values in transformational feminist leadership. 

  • Explain 3 bases of power. 

Outline: 

  1. Introduction:  5 minutes  

  1. Exercise:  10 minutes  

  1. Leadership Approaches & Approaches: 5 minutes  

  1. Key Leadership Skills & Behaviors: 20 minutes  
    a. Relationships & People 
    b. Goals & Tasks  
    c. Change & Strategy  
    d. Self-Knowledge  

  1. W.E.I.R.D. Science: 5 minutes  

  1. Introduction of Transformational Feminist Leadership: 5 minutes  

  1. Four “P”s of the Feminist Leadership Diamond: 5 minutes  

  1. Principles of Transformational Feminist Leadership: 5 minutes  

  1. Intersectionality: 5 minutes  

  1. Exercise:  10 minutes  

  1. Values of Transformational Feminist Leadership: 5 minutes   

  1. Power & Influence: 10 minutes  

  1. Exercise: You and Power: 10 minutes  

  1. Politics & Purpose: 5 minutes  

  1. Practice: 5 minutes  

  1. Model of Transformative Feminist Leadership: 5 minutes  

  1. Questions & Answers: 5 minutes   

Debra Kawahara, Ph.D., is the 2025 President of the American Psychological Association. She is also the associate dean of Academic Affairs and distinguished professor at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, where she assists in the management of over 20 programs in psychology and mental health across six campuses in California, as well as online programs. Additionally, she has an independent practice where she sees individuals, couples, and families, and conducts trainings for organizations.  

As the APA president, Kawahara aims to bring her campaign slogan, “Strength in Unity,” to fruition. She is the first Asian American woman and the first Japanese American to serve in this role. 

“Because I believe an ethos of strengths-based unity provides us with an opportunity to continue to build inclusive structures within our communities, my action plan will be to amplify all our voices and create and support initiatives that illuminate all of our expertise and strengths in APA and psychology,” she said. “I want psychologists to feel that APA is a welcoming professional home that empowers all of its members.” 

Known as a feminist and multicultural scholar, her work centers on intersectionality, women's issues, Asian American mental health, leadership, Buddhist Psychotherapy, and the application of feminist, multicultural and social justice principles. She is widely published and has presented at the state, national, and global levels. Her most recent scholarship focuses on connecting the foundations of Early Buddhism to current mindfulness and meditation practices used in psychotherapy, with a forthcoming book, “Buddhist Psychotherapy: Connecting Early Buddhism to Mindfulness and Western Psychotherapy” (scheduled for August 2025). 

Kawahara is a fellow of APA Divisions 12, 35, 45, and 55, and the Asian American Psychological Association. In recognition of her work, she was awarded an APA Presidential Citation and the Shining Star Award at the National Multicultural Conference & Summit. She also received Div. 45's Distinguished Career Contributions for Service Award and Division 35's Pioneer Award (Section 5, Asian Pacific Islander Women).