Presidential Opening Session 

8:00–9:00 a.m.

Welcome to APA 2025! Join us as we kick off three inspiring days of learning and connection with remarks from APA’s 2025 president, Dr. Debra Kawahara, and APA’s CEO, Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Jr., a powerful keynote presentation by Eric Lieu on responsible citizenship, and inspirational stories that highlight the “human side” of psychology. This energizing session will set the stage for exploring how engaging with an array of perspectives can power new possibilities in psychology, coming together as a community to celebrate the transformative potential of our profession. 

Speakers: 

• Jason Cantone, JD, PhD, Senior Research Associate, U.S. Government 
  
• Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association 
  
• Debra Kawahara, PhD, 2025 President, American Psychological Association 
  
• Eric Lieu, CEO, Citizen University 
• Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, PhD, Founder and Consultancy Psychologist, Fourth Dimension Consultancy; International Board, Amnesty International 
  
• Susan Opotow, PhD, Social and Organizational Psychologist, City University of New York (CUNY) 
• Rick Waters (Kiowa/Cherokee), Executive Director, Denver Indian Center, Inc.
  

How to Help a Generation Heal

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Today’s young people are coming of age in an overwhelming world. The result? A generation that's hurting, but also reaching for support, for solutions, and for space to breathe. We’ll explore new research on how to nurture youth and build resilience, as well as protective factors and practical strategies for helping young people thrive. This conversation offers an evidence-based roadmap for change that empowers not just young people, but the adults who care about them. 

Speakers: 

• Janine Jones, PhD, UC Santa Barbara 
  
• Alise Marshall, Pinterest 
  
• Renee Schneider, PhD, Google 
  
• Erlanger Turner, PhD, Pepperdine University 
  
• Nsedu Witherspoon, Children’s Environmental Health Network 
  
• David Yeager, PhD, University of Texas at Austin 
  
• Moderator: Jenisha Watts, The Atlantic
  

Burned Bridges and Broken Trust: Psychology’s Solutions for a Troubled Time 

9:30–11:00 a.m.

Division and distrust are reshaping nearly every part of society—from politics and public discourse to our personal relationships. But psychology offers a way forward. Explore what science says about the roots of polarization, the breakdown of trust, and how identity and othering can fuel division. Speakers will share promising research to help us understand the tensions impacting America’s future as a multicultural democracy and real-world strategies for rebuilding connection—online and offline. They’ll offer a hopeful but realistic, evidence-based vision of how psychology can help us move forward in a time of unprecedented change. 

Speakers: 

• Peter Coleman, PhD, Columbia University 
• Bill Doherty, PhD, Braver Angels 
• Jennifer Freyd, PhD, University of Oregon 
• Lilliana Mason, PhD, Johns Hopkins University 
• Fathali Moghaddam, PhD, Georgetown University 
• Micah Smith, Denver7
  

CEO SPOTLIGHT SESSION

From Research to Reality: Psychology’s Role in Implementing Effective Digital Mental Health Solutions

2:30-3:30 p.m. 

As digital mental health tools rapidly evolve from promising prototypes to essential clinical resources, the critical question isn't whether they work—it's how to make them work in practice. This dynamic discussion between APA’s CEO, Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, and leading experts who have successfully bridged the gap between AI’s potential and its impact will move beyond buzzwords and dive into real-world application. Whether you're a practitioner, administrator, or researcher, you'll gain actionable insights to turn digital innovation into tangible results. 

Speakers: 

• Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association 
• Munmun De Choudhury, PhD, J.Z. Liang Associate Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Social Workers
• Emily Lattie, PhD, Director of Clinical Product, Lyra Health 
  

Doing What You Can: Advocacy Doesn’t Have to be Intimidating   

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

In this energizing session, psychologists and policy shapers will share how research can directly impact legislation—from research funding to equity for vulnerable populations. We’ll move beyond vague calls to “get involved” and break down advocacy into clear, practical actions—many of which don’t require a trip to Capitol Hill or calls to your members of Congress. Through real-world examples and simple strategies, you’ll learn how to use your expertise to create impact at any level, in ways that match your comfort and capacity. 

Speakers: 

• Amy R. Beck, PhD, Missouri Psychological Association 
• Arthur C. Evans, Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association 
• Duke Han, PhD, University of Southern California 
• Katherine McGuire, MS, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Psychological Association 
• Hideko Sera, PsyD, Morehouse College 
• Bryan Stevenson, JD, Equal Justice Initiative
  

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