Dr. Mohamed Elnakib
American Arab, Middle Eastern & North African Psychological Association
“Participating in the CONREPA Leadership Development Institute Fellowship has been truly life-changing. Through this program, I connected with brilliant colleagues who quickly became lifelong friends, partners, and sources of inspiration. The fellowship offered a space where I felt fully seen and valued as an Arab/MENA psychologist, and it deepened my commitment to advancing equity and representation within our field. Most importantly, LDI helped us build powerful cross-association coalitions that continue to shape meaningful collaborative work. The relationships and solidarity cultivated through this fellowship have strengthened my leadership and expanded my vision of what we can accomplish together. I am profoundly grateful for this transformative experience.”
Dr. Kinjal Panchal
Asian American Psychological Association
“The LDI came to me at a time when I was deeply in need of a professional community. What I found was so much more—an extended family that has provided steady grounding during a moment when the world around us feels anything but stable. I would recommend this journey to anyone ready to jump in with both feet and commit to taking action, even when that action is choosing to be still. The LDI has been a true source of joy, insight, and growth.”
Dr. Joniesha Hickson
Association of Black Psychologists
“Participating in the Leadership Development Institute has been one of the most profound experiences of my personal and professional journey. From the moment I entered this sacred space, I was embraced with a divine sense of belonging, one that affirmed not only my identity but also my calling. This was more than leadership training; it was a spiritual and political awakening, deeply rooted in the radical tradition of the Rainbow Coalition that the Black Panther Party so fiercely revered.
My path to leadership has not been easy. It has been shaped by struggle, self-doubt, and the burden of navigating institutions not built with our liberation in mind. Yet, through this institute, I have been supported in ways that transcended expectation. Surrounded by a powerful cohort of fellows from our allied associations, and upheld by the unwavering love and commitment of the ABPsi community, I found the strength to grow into the kind of leader our people need—one who leads with purpose, integrity, and vision.
This experience has helped me see myself more clearly and love myself more fully. I feel better equipped to lead with authenticity and to carry forward the legacy of radical Black psychology. I’m proud of the leader I am becoming, and I am deeply grateful to be a part of this transformative movement.“
Dr. Katia Canenguez
National Latinx Psychological Association
“It has truly been an honor to be part of this year’s LDI cohort. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues who embody everything I aspire to in a leader—brilliant, thoughtful, ethical, and deeply caring individuals devoted to mental health and healing. This experience has both challenged and inspired me, pushing me to reflect deeply on how to care for others while tending to my own growth and well-being. I have felt supported, encouraged, and uplifted by my cohort and our mentors in ways I cannot fully express. The power of coalitions—of coming together with others who share a commitment to meaningful change—has been one of the most profound lessons I have gained from this experience. Each cohort meeting leaves me re-energized, filled with new perspectives, and ready to move forward! The insights, guidance, and connections I have gained from this group have strengthened me as a leader, and knowing that I have this extraordinary community supporting me on my journey is priceless. ”
Leadership Development Institute 