President's Message

It is a true honor to serve as President of the Association of Women Psychiatrists as we begin another exciting year together. I’m deeply grateful to the leaders who came before me — our past presidents and longtime members whose dedication, advocacy, mentorship, and friendship helped shape AWP into the extraordinary community it is today.
I hope many of you were able to join us for our membership meeting at the American Psychiatric Association meeting this year. It was genuinely invigorating to be in a room filled with such wisdom, warmth, and energy across generations of women psychiatrists. Hearing reflections and stories from members who helped build this organization — alongside the ideas and passion of newer voices entering the field — was a powerful reminder of what makes AWP so special.

That spirit is exactly what I hope we continue to build on this year: renewed engagement, fresh energy, and meaningful connection across our organization. Whether you have been part of AWP for decades or are just finding us now, I want this organization to feel like a place where your voice matters and where opportunities to lead, mentor, collaborate, and support one another continue to grow.

I’m excited for the year ahead and look forward to working together to strengthen our community and continue advancing the mission of AWP. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this remarkable organization.

Nikole Benders, President