Dr. Debra M. Kawahara earned her BA in Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles and earned her doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on multicultural and community psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She is currently the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. Dr. Kawahara is a feminist and multicultural scholar whose work centers on intersectionality, women of color, particularly Asian American women, and the application of feminist and multicultural values and social justice principles. She is widely published, and in 2018, she will become the Editor of Women & Therapy. She has served as chair for over 30 dissertations and enjoys mentoring many aspiring feminist and multicultural psychologists, particularly women and those of color. She is a Fellow of APA Divisions 35 and 45 and the Asian American Psychological Association. In recognition of her work, she was awarded the Shining Star Award at the National Multicultural Conference & Summit in 2017. In 2015, she received Division 45's Distinguished Career Contributions for Service Award, and in 2012, she received Division 35's Pioneer Award (Section 5, Asian Pacific Islander Women).
