Tanya Diaz

• Hispanic/Latine
• Bilingual/multilingual
• Individuals from a socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., individuals who were or are currently homeless or in the foster care system; were eligible for federal food and nutrition programs [for 2 or more years]; were eligible for Pell grants; received WIC; have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor's degree; grew up in a rural or low-income area)

• Student/Trainee Scholarship
• SPS Conference Mentor

I believe all individuals who aspire to be psychologists share an inherent desire for public service, and I have fulfilled this desire by supporting my peers and contributing to my community. Since my second year of graduate school, I have been a dedicated mentor to students in my program, guiding and training mentees to develop the skills necessary for clinical and academic success. My peers often seek my advice, and I take pride in being a reliable source of guidance and support. Additionally, I served as a liaison for my school’s clinic, providing guidance to first-year students working after hours when supervisors were unavailable in person, fostering their confidence as they navigated early clinical experiences. Beyond mentorship, I have volunteered as a Crisis Counselor with the Crisis Text Line and served on the Community Outreach Committee with the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, where I worked to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and improve the community’s well-being. I also served as a tutor with School on Wheels, an organization dedicated to addressing educational gaps for students experiencing homelessness or frequent relocations. These roles have deepened my commitment to service and reinforced my dedication to empowering others within the field of neuropsychology. As a Latina in neuropsychology, I am committed to incorporating service throughout my career in hopes of increasing representation and improving access to mental health services for underserved Latinx populations.

My perseverance stems from being raised by immigrant parents who emphasized the value of education and instilled in me a strong work ethic. Their guidance shaped my resilience, particularly in academic pursuits, and inspired me to overcome obstacles with determination. Despite being a caregiver to two chronically ill family members, I graduated with a bachelor’s in biology, receiving multiple awards, and went on to pursue a PhD. Although my parents did not have a college education and could not provide direct guidance on my career journey, I sought advice elsewhere. I consulted professors, spoke with peers who shared similar backgrounds, and pushed myself to succeed despite the lack of representation. Today, I work hard to increase that representation and guide students facing the same barriers I once faced. My parents taught me resilience, and it is because of this trait that I was able to pass the EPPP at the doctoral level (before graduating my PhD), defend my dissertation, and complete internship applications—all in the same year—while still being a caregiver and working part-time to help financially. I am able to manage my time effectively and continue persevering through life’s challenges because I am passionate about neuropsychology and committed to succeeding for my parents, so they can see the fruition of their sacrifices. This foundation has enabled me to excel in rigorous training programs and remain steadfast in pursuing my goals despite the challenges I continue to face. I am certain that I will continue to achieve my goals and build a successful career dedicated to serving marginalized communities.

Attending the AACN Annual Meeting would offer invaluable opportunities for professional development and networking, allowing me to engage with neuropsychology experts from across the country. This experience would enhance my clinical knowledge and expose me to current research and practices. Given my limited access to such conferences in the past due to lack of financial resources, receiving this scholarship would provide the opportunity to deepen my understanding of neuropsychology and inspire ideas for my future research. With the scarcity of Spanish-speaking neuropsychologists and supervisors, it is crucial for our field to address the barriers bilingual individuals face in pursuing postgraduate degrees. Attending the conference would allow me to increase representation while inspiring younger Latinas to continue pursuing a career in neuropsychology. It would also provide a platform for me to share my experiences and create meaningful dialogue. This could contribute to advancing the field by promoting greater linguistic diversity and thereby increasing the accessibility of neuropsychological services.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have had the opportunity to mentor individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds, an experience that has been incredibly fulfilling and central to my commitment to increasing diversity in neuropsychology. As a Latina neuropsychologist, I deeply understand the unique barriers faced by individuals from similar backgrounds and the importance of mentorship in navigating these challenges. I have been involved in supporting younger peers who face challenges related to being first-generation students, offering advice on balancing family obligations with academic and career aspirations. I take great pride in being a resource for those who may lack the guidance and representation they need to succeed in this field.

At the AACN Annual Meeting, I believe I can offer mentees from historically underrepresented backgrounds valuable insight from my own experiences. I can provide advice on overcoming the barriers that I personally faced—such as lack of representation and mentorship, managing academic responsibilities while continuing to support family, and pursuing advanced degrees as a first-generation student. I also believe that sharing my experiences with those who might be on similar paths can help them recognize their own potential and feel empowered to push forward despite obstacles. I hope to foster an open and supportive environment where mentees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance on how to thrive in the field of neuropsychology, while emphasizing the importance of persistence, self-advocacy, and creating networks of support.

This mentorship experience will contribute significantly to my professional goals by deepening my commitment to increasing diversity in neuropsychology and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for future generations. By guiding others who face similar challenges, I hope to help develop a pipeline of diverse professionals who are equipped to excel in their careers and ultimately contribute to the advancement of the field. Furthermore, the skills I gain through mentorship—such as active listening, providing constructive feedback, and fostering resilience—will be crucial in my ongoing work with underserved populations. I am committed to ensuring that the neuropsychology field becomes more accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, and my mentorship experience is a crucial step in achieving that goal.

Attending the AACN Annual Meeting would provide invaluable opportunities for professional development and networking, but it would also represent a financial hardship without this award. As someone who has faced significant financial challenges while balancing caregiving responsibilities to support my family, attending the conference without this scholarship would be difficult and is the reason I have had limited conference attendance. The opportunity to attend this meeting would not only advance my knowledge of neuropsychology but also allow me to motivate other Latinx individuals to pursue this career.