Trustees Week: Celebrating APF’s Board of Trustees

Angelo DiBello, PhD (he/him)

Why do you dedicate your time and energy to APF?
I dedicate my time and energy to APF because I believe deeply in the power of scientific advancement to improve lives and shape a better future. Supporting research at all stages is essential, and I am particularly committed to funding early career investigators. By helping them launch their research programs and careers, we not only advance knowledge but also invest in the next generation of scientists whose discoveries will drive progress for years to come. APF’s mission aligns perfectly with these values, and it is a privilege to contribute to that work.

What do you find fulfilling from your work as an APF Trustee?
What I find most fulfilling in my work as an APF Trustee is the opportunity to directly support psychologists and researchers who are advancing science in meaningful ways. It is deeply rewarding to know that our efforts help provide resources to early career investigators, giving them the support they need to launch impactful research programs and establish their careers. Being part of this process—helping to open doors for promising scientists and seeing their contributions take shape—is what makes this work so gratifying.

Lindsey Buckman, PsyD (she/her)

Why do you dedicate your time and energy to APF?
I saw APF making meaningful contributions and impact to the field of psychology and the community and wanted to be a part of doing something meaningful and positive.

What do you find fulfilling from your work as an APF Trustee?
It’s fulfilling working with colleagues and staff to create a meaningful impact, and having fun while doing it.

Derek C. Phillips, PsyD, MSCP, ABMP (he/him)

Why do you dedicate your time and energy to APF?
I dedicate my time and energy to APF because I deeply believe in its mission, particularly given the current sociopolitical environment. I am a past APF scholarship recipient, so I want to pay it forward now by serving on APF’s Board of Trustees. I also very much enjoy working with the other trustees and staff.

What do you find fulfilling from your work as an APF Trustee?
I find it fulfilling to help psychologists, including psychology students, complete psychological research that will benefit society. I love learning about the various ways that APF’s philanthropic work positively makes a difference in the world. It’s also great building relationships with staff, trustees, donors, and partners.

Elena L. Grigorenko, PhD (she/her)

Why do you dedicate your time and energy to APF?
I was one of the early beneficiaries of APF, receiving one of my first grants in the early 21st century. I’ve served as an APF reviewer and as Chair of a review committee. I’ve also donated. I’m deeply grateful for and committed to the organization, and with this appointment, I hope to elevate my level of support for APF.

What do you find fulfilling from your work as an APF Trustee?
I enjoy seeing the bigger picture and feeling that I contribute to APF’s mission.

Melba J.T. Vasquez, PhD (she/her/ella)
President

Why do you dedicate your time and energy to APF?
It is deeply gratifying to work to support those who work (via research or action) to apply psychology to improve the well being of others in our societies.

What do you find fulfilling from your work as an APF Trustee?
The experience of serving as an APF Trustee is one of being very constructive, positive, and contributing in use of time and energy.

Dorothy Cantor, PsyD (she/her)

Why do you dedicate your time and energy to APF?
Giving back to psychology and the community is so rewarding.

What do you find fulfilling from your work as an APF Trustee?
Having served as an APF Trustee for so long, I’m thrilled to have been a vital part of the growth and development of APF to this point, where we are giving away over $2 million annually and have begun a new area of focus in Direct Action.

Linda Forrest, PhD (she/her)
APF Treasurer

Why do you dedicate your time and energy to APF?
I am passionate about making sure the finances of the organization are being run well, consistent with best practices and policies, and thoughtful both about growing the number of grants and scholarships while also growing APF’s investment portfolio.

What do you find fulfilling from your work as an APF Trustee?
I find it fulfilling to participate with my fellow APF Trustees in hearty discussions and decisions that consider multiple viewpoints and positions, are comprehensive and thorough in our analysis, and enable us to make well-informed decisions that take into consideration our vision, mission, strategic goals, and serve multiple constituencies.