Women Leaders Share Their Secrets to Success

The 2025 APA annual conference featured a panel called “Leadership in Focus, ” organized by the Women in Neuropsychology committee of Division 40. Four well‑known female experts—Kim Gorgens, Paula Shear, Chriscelyn Tussey, and Sara Weisenbach—joined together to talk about how women can thrive in neuropsychology leadership roles. The discussion began with a look back at history, showing how women have slowly moved into positions of authority. It then highlighted the obstacles that still exist today, such as unequal pay and limited networking opportunities. Finally, each speaker offered practical advice on how to overcome these barriers and grow as a leader.

Key ideas that surfaced include recognizing the strengths of women’s unique leadership styles, regularly reflecting on one’s own skills, and actively seeking mentors and sponsors. They also stressed the importance of staying involved in professional groups and stepping forward for leadership roles even when conditions feel imperfect. The moderators, Erin Sullivan‑Baca and Rachael Ellison, helped keep the conversation focused and energized. Together with the panelists, they aim to spread knowledge about gender equity and inspire more women to pursue leadership positions in neuropsychology. While the panelists acknowledged that challenges remain, they ended on an optimistic note, encouraging listeners to keep pushing for a future where women’s leadership is the norm rather than the exception.

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