When Psychology Professor Lori Barker attended her first Western Psychological Association Convention in 1994, she never imagined she would one day become the president of the WPA.

Throughout the years, Barker has served on the WPA Convention Program Review Committee and the WPA Council of Representatives - a group of designated members from western universities and colleges who provide advice and feedback to the board and act as WPA liaisons on their campus.

She also frequently attended, presented, and took psychology students to the annual convention and was actively engaged with the regional organization.

But despite her numerous accolades and commitment to the organization, Barker wasn't entirely convinced she was qualified to take on the presidency when the WPA first reached out to gauge her interest in the position.

She even turned down the invitation to run for president two times before finally accepting the nomination and being voted into the president-elect position at this year's WPA Convention.

"Being named president means I am at a different stage in my career," she said. "It symbolizes how much I have accomplished up to this point that I am able to contribute to the profession in this way."

Barker, who will become president in May 2023, has chosen the theme "Psychology in Action" for her term to focus on the role psychology can play in addressing prominent social issues. She also wants to prioritize finding sustainable ways for WPA to contribute to society.

"I feel like professional organizations, especially us as psychologists, have something to contribute and give back to the community," she said. "We're such a great resource in psychology. We have so much knowledge and skills that can make a difference in the community and society."

During her one-year term, she hopes to leave a legacy of community service and be known as someone who loved, inspired, and motivated others. She also looks forward to learning and growing professionally and personally.

"Whenever I go outside Cal Poly Pomona and have other experiences, I always bring them back to the classroom," she said.

To learn more about the Western Psychological Association, visit westernpsych.org.