Culture and Diversity SIG – 2025 Annual Report

By Yors Garcia

Accomplishments Over the Past Year

The Culture and Diversity SIG has experienced remarkable growth over the past year, strengthening our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive behavior analysis community. Under the leadership of our board members—President: Yors Garcia, Vice-President: Kade-Ann Henry, and Secretary: Noor Syed—we have successfully expanded our membership, launched new initiatives, and increased engagement within our field.

One of our most notable achievements has been the significant growth in membership, reflecting a heightened interest in our mission. Our SIG has also focused on supporting research projects that explore the intersection of diversity, cultural factors, and behavior analysis. We have provided valuable mentorship, resources, and platforms to researchers investigating ways to enhance outcomes for diverse groups through behavior analytic practices.

Plans for the Upcoming Year

Looking ahead to 2025, our SIG is committed to advancing several key initiatives:

Membership Expansion: We will intensify recruitment efforts to attract a broader range of professionals and students, ensuring an inclusive environment where all members can contribute and benefit from shared knowledge and experience.
Research Support: We will continue endorsing research that aligns with our mission, offering resources and guidance to scholars dedicated to advancing behavior analysis through a cultural and diversity-informed lens.
Community Engagement: We aim to strengthen partnerships with allied organizations and advocacy groups to amplify the impact of behavior analysis across different populations.

We are excited about the potential of these initiatives to further enhance our profession and positively impact the communities we serve.

Membership Information

Becoming a Culture and Diversity member is an opportunity to join a dynamic network of professionals dedicated to the evolution of behavior analysis. Membership offers:

Access to exclusive research updates, networking events, and mentorship opportunities.
Participation in collaborative projects and special interest discussions.
The chance to contribute to shaping policy, research, and best practices in behavior analysis.

We welcome all professionals and students passionate about behavior analysis and its role in promoting diversity and inclusion.

ABAI Annual Convention Participation

While our SIG did not have an active role in the 2024 ABAI Annual Convention, we recognize the importance of engaging in these discussions and are making it a priority for 2025. Next year, we plan to contribute meaningfully by organizing sessions, participating in panels, and collaborating with other SIGs and professionals to advance conversations on diversity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness in behavior analysis.

Our goal is to highlight best practices for integrating cultural considerations into behavior analytic interventions, present new research findings, and provide networking opportunities for professionals committed to fostering inclusivity in our field. We look forward to a stronger presence at the next ABAI convention and encourage our members to participate in these initiatives.

Looking Forward

As we move into 2025, we invite the ABAI community to join us in shaping a more inclusive and impactful future for behavior analysis. Together, we can drive meaningful change through research, advocacy, and professional development.

For more information on how to become a member or get involved, please visit at Culture and Diversity SIG.