Leadership in Focus: a panel focused on Lessons Learned from Women Leaders presented by APA Division 40’s Women in Neuropsychology (WIN) committee

This article provides a structured summary of "Leadership in Focus: Lessons Learned from Women Leaders," a conference panel organized by the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 40's Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (SCN)'s Women in Neuropsychology (WIN) committee at APA's annual conference in 2025. This panel brought together four prolific women leaders in neuropsychology and associated fields, Kim Gorgens, PhD, ABPP, Paula Shear, PhD, Chriscelyn Tussey, PsyD, ABPP, and Sara Weisenbach, PhD, ABPP, to discuss major themes related to women's leadership in neuropsychology, including: (1) a historical view of women in leadership positions, (2) systemic barriers faced by women in leadership, and (3) strategies used as a woman in leadership. Erin Sullivan-Baca, PhD, ABPP, and Rachael L. Ellison, PhD, co-moderated this panel discussion. The panel session and this resulting paper aim to disseminate the panelists' wisdom around best practices in knowledge and strategies for promoting gender equity and supporting the advancement of women in leadership within neuropsychology. Common themes across panelists and topics included celebrating and recognizing the strengths of women's unique leadership style, reflecting on personal strengths, seeking out mentorship and sponsorship, engaging in professional organizations, and not overplanning or waiting until conditions are perfect to volunteer for leadership opportunities. Panelists concluded by acknowledging continued barriers to women in leadership while also providing a vision of hope for the future of women leaders in neuropsychology.