Maysa Akbar, Chief Diversity Officer and Chief of Psychology in the Public Interest at the American Psychological Association (APA), focuses on all aspects of diversity and inclusion for historically marginalized and vulnerable populations. She is galvanizing efforts to bring awareness and healing to people of color who have experienced racism and racial trauma while promoting allyship. She leads the association’s strategy for dismantling systemic racism to achieve racial equity. Dr. Akbar, alongside APA’s 2021 President and the Task Force for the Eradication of Racism, Discrimination, and Hate, steered the association's apology to people of color in the U.S. for failing to challenge racism, racial discrimination, and human hierarchy in the United States.
Dr. Akbar was instrumental in creating a Racial Equity Action Plan, resulting in the establishment of a Racial Equity Fund. Her office led the release of APA’s Inclusive Language Guide, a foundational resource disseminated to raise awareness, guide learning, and support the use of culturally sensitive terms and phrases that center the voices and perspectives of those who are often marginalized or stereotyped. Additionally, she spearheaded the creation of APA’s Leadership Development Institute focused on the association’s investment leadership development, training, and mentoring. Dr. Akbar continually seeks to create psychologically safe spaces for open dialogue and encourages APA leaders and staff to take a coordinated and collaborative approach to ensure equity is embedded into all aspects of the association. Recently, Dr. Akbar’s role was expanded to include the title of Chief of Psychology in the Public Interest, where she will focus on driving innovative approaches to addressing critical societal issues based on psychological science.