SIG History
In 2011, the Diversity SIG was developed as a subcommittee of the SPP Diversity Committee – an SPP executive committee established in 2006. As it grew, the Diversity SIG developed its own leadership and infrastructure, which initially began with a SIG chair and SIG sub-committees focused on Dissemination, Research Publications and Presentations, and Training and Mentorship. These subcommittees, were led by members of the SIG who were appointed by the chair to further the SIG's mission in advancing diversity in these areas. In 2016, the SIG structure changed to better accommodate the needs of our membership and increase the involvement of students. Thus, the SIG evolved from having 1 chair with 3 sub-committees to 2 chairs, 1 secretary, and 3 student trainee member-at-large positions. Leadership positions are now elected by the general SIG membership. Past and current individuals who have played a role in SIG leadership are listed below:
2011-2015
SIG Chair:
Jessica Valenzuela, PhD
Dissemination:
Wendy Gray, PhD
Research & Publications:
Elizabeth Pulgaron, PhD
Training & Mentoring:
Idia Thurston, PhD
2016-2018
SIG Co-Chairs:
Elizabeth Pulgaron, PhD
Idia Thurston, PhD
SIG Secretary:
Wendy Gray, PhD
Trainee MAL:
Megan Schaefer, MA
Gabrielle Banks, MS
Sarah Martin, MA
2019-2021
SIG Co-Chairs:
Josie Welkom, PhD
Steven Reader, PhD
SIG Secretary:
Justin Williams, PhD
Trainee MAL:
Ashley Marchante-Hoffmon, PhD
Nikita Rodrigues,
Juliana Yanguanas, MS
2022-2024
SIG Co-Chairs:
Justin Williams, PhD
Naadira Upshaw, PhD
SIG Secretary:
Rebecca Kamody, PhD
Trainee MAL:
Paulina Lim, MA
Mirae Fornander, MA
Delilah Ellzey, PhD
2024-2026
SIG Co-Chairs:
Anjana Jagpal, PhD
Kristin Niel, PhD
SIG Secretary:
Kristie Vail Schultz, PhD
Trainee MAL:
Haley Coronado, MA
Erica Hobbs, MA