2024 Election
President-Elect and Executive Board Candidates
The following candidates were nominated by colleagues or submitted self-nominations for the President-elect and executive board positions of Secretary, Treasurer, and Student Representative Elect. Members of SBN will be able to vote for the slate of candidates from March 13 to March 19 via a link sent their email address. Please read more about the candidates below.
President-Elect Candidates
Tahlia Bragg, PhD
2023 – Present Advocacy Committee, Boston Postdoctoral Association
2023 – Present Secretary/Treasurer, Cultural Neuropsychology Special Interest Group (SIG), International Neuropsychological Society
2023 – Present Society of Black Neuropsychology
2023 – Present Scholar, Black Men’s Brain Health Fellowship Program, NFL Alumni Association, Alzheimer’s Association, and National Institute of Aging
2023 – Present Annual Program Representative, International Neuropsychological Society
2022 – Present Boston University Women’s Group
2022 – Present Boston University Women of Color Circle (WOCC)
2022 – Present Boston University ADRC Women’s Group
2022 – Present Boston University Postdoctoral Association
2022 – Present Boston Postdoctoral Association
2019 – 2021 Policy & Planning Committee, National Academy of Neuropsychology
I am a postdoctoral fellow at Boston University Chobanian & Avedesian School of Medicine. During my fellowship, I have joined the university’s Women’s Guild and the ADRC’s Women’s Network. I actively participate in advocacy and enrichment events for each organization and have encouraged Black women and Women of Color to join to promote inclusivity in both organizations’ endeavors. I also joined the Advocacy Committee of the Boston (City-wide) Postdoctoral Association, where I help build advocacy for postdocs surrounding issues specific to living in the metropolitan area, like housing. As a member of the National Black Postoc Association (NBPDA), I am chartering a chapter of NBPDA at Boston University to help bring community and inclusion for Black postdodoctoral fellows across campuses. I am also the Secretary & Treasurer of the Cultural Neuropsychology Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Annual Program Representative for the Student Liaison Committee of the International Neuropsychological Society, or INS. In my role as the Annual Program Representative, I have already established new partnerships with affiliate neuropsychological organizations such as SBN and the Queer Neuropsychological Society (QNS). I am just getting started. I also joined the Society of Black Neuropsychology (SBN) in 2023 and immediately became a mentor in the Mentorship program. I currently mentor two trainees (one student and one intern) and have helped each establish goals for their current training year. Mentorship is an essential component of my professional scope and trajectory.
I love networking. Having attended six professional conferences this year—AAIC, INS, and ANPA, to name a few—I made a concerted effort to participate in all networking events at the respective conferences. My efforts produced incredible opportunities, such as becoming a member of SBN and promptly building collaborations on research and professional development. I have also had the distinct pleasure of assisting trainees to connect with other professionals to enhance their exposure to experiences that further their training and early career. I know the value of having meaningful experiences as a trainee to cultivate more incredible experiences in the early career stage. As President, I will continue to build partnerships and sponsorships for SBN and center trainees’ experiences and inclusion.
Lastly, my strive is evident. I received the 2022 Stuart C. Tentoni Outstanding Professional Development Program Award, the only performance-based award given by the American Psychological Association (APA) for excellence in topic content and presentation at the annual conference. I am the recipient of the 2023 Foremother Award —Early Career Track for excellence in mentoring Black womxn from the American Psychological Association. Additionally, the Black Student Association at my alma mater honored me with the inaugural Dr. Tahlia L. Bragg Sankofa Award for Excellence and Leadership, which will now be given annually to a student, faculty, or staff as my namesake. Although I do not pursue any of the above to receive an award, I note these recent major acknowledgments to highlight that my work is noticed and valued.
It would be an esteemed honor and privilege to serve as the next President of the Society of Black Neuropsychology. Regardless of the outcome of the election, remember our ancestors DREAMED of us. Continue to be their wildest dreams!
Asé
Willie McBride, PhD
I am a co-founder of SBN and served as the initial Treasurer and Co-chair of the MET committee. I have served as a mentor for a number of students and trainees through SBN and have excited to see SBN’s growth since stepping away from leadership. I have also worked in other areas helping to establish the non-profit KnowNeuropsychology and served as an initial committee member. I also served as an SBN delegate for the Minnesota Update Conference guidelines.
I have been hesitant to throw my name in the hat for serving as SBN president. I tend to reluctantly take on leadership responsibilities as I worry about doing a good job and ensuring that I don’t crash the ship so to speak. I have been encouraged by the leadership that SBN has had thus far with Dr. Courtney Ray and then Dr. Aikisha Harley as President. I wish to follow in their footsteps and carry the mantle as a great leader for SBN. I hope that my tenure as President is focused on maintaining the foundation that has been set thus far and enhance SBN’s national profile.
Secretary-Elect Candidate
Tahlia Bragg, PhD
2023 – Present Advocacy Committee, Boston Postdoctoral Association
2023 – Present Secretary/Treasurer, Cultural Neuropsychology Special Interest Group (SIG), International Neuropsychological Society
2023 – Present Society of Black Neuropsychology
2023 – Present Scholar, Black Men’s Brain Health Fellowship Program, NFL Alumni Association, Alzheimer’s Association, and National Institute of Aging
2023 – Present Annual Program Representative, International Neuropsychological Society
2022 – Present Boston University Women’s Group
2022 – Present Boston University Women of Color Circle (WOCC)
2022 – Present Boston University ADRC Women’s Group
2022 – Present Boston University Postdoctoral Association
2022 – Present Boston Postdoctoral Association
2019 – 2021 Policy & Planning Committee, National Academy of Neuropsychology
I am a postdoctoral fellow at Boston University Chobanian & Avedesian School of Medicine. During my fellowship, I have joined the university’s Women’s Guild and the ADRC’s Women’s Network. I actively participate in advocacy and enrichment events for each organization and have encouraged Black women and Women of Color to join to promote inclusivity in both organizations’ endeavors. I also joined the Advocacy Committee of the Boston (City-wide) Postdoctoral Association, where I help build advocacy for postdocs surrounding issues specific to living in the metropolitan area, like housing. As a member of the National Black Postoc Association (NBPDA), I am chartering a chapter of NBPDA at Boston University to help bring community and inclusion for Black postdodoctoral fellows across campuses. I am also the Secretary & Treasurer of the Cultural Neuropsychology Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Annual Program Representative for the Student Liaison Committee of the International Neuropsychological Society, or INS. In my role as the Annual Program Representative, I have already established new partnerships with affiliate neuropsychological organizations such as SBN and the Queer Neuropsychological Society (QNS). I am just getting started. I also joined the Society of Black Neuropsychology (SBN) in 2023 and immediately became a mentor in the Mentorship program. I currently mentor two trainees (one student and one intern) and have helped each establish goals for their current training year. Mentorship is an essential component of my professional scope and trajectory.
I love networking. Having attended six professional conferences this year—AAIC, INS, and ANPA, to name a few—I made a concerted effort to participate in all networking events at the respective conferences. My efforts produced incredible opportunities, such as becoming a member of SBN and promptly building collaborations on research and professional development. I have also had the distinct pleasure of assisting trainees to connect with other professionals to enhance their exposure to experiences that further their training and early career. I know the value of having meaningful experiences as a trainee to cultivate more incredible experiences in the early career stage. As President, I will continue to build partnerships and sponsorships for SBN and center trainees’ experiences and inclusion.
Lastly, my strive is evident. I received the 2022 Stuart C. Tentoni Outstanding Professional Development Program Award, the only performance-based award given by the American Psychological Association (APA) for excellence in topic content and presentation at the annual conference. I am the recipient of the 2023 Foremother Award —Early Career Track for excellence in mentoring Black womxn from the American Psychological Association. Additionally, the Black Student Association at my alma mater honored me with the inaugural Dr. Tahlia L. Bragg Sankofa Award for Excellence and Leadership, which will now be given annually to a student, faculty, or staff as my namesake. Although I do not pursue any of the above to receive an award, I note these recent major acknowledgments to highlight that my work is noticed and valued.
It would be an esteemed honor and privilege to serve as the next President of the Society of Black Neuropsychology. Regardless of the outcome of the election, remember our ancestors DREAMED of us. Continue to be their wildest dreams!
Asé
Student Representative-Elect Candidates
Tolu Faromika, MA
1. Masters in Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology Specialization):
I’m currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology at York University.
2. Dedicated Mentorship and Guidance:
I am actively involved in mentoring undergraduate students who share an interest in clinical neuropsychology, offering personalized guidance and support in navigating academic and career paths. My mentee recently got accepted into a clinical psychology program!
3. Passionate Advocacy for Diversity and Representation:
It’ll always be surprising to me that I’m the 9th Black student in a program that has existed for over 20 years. As a first-generation Canadian from Nigeria, I’ll always be committed to fostering Black excellence in our field.
4. Educational Outreach and Contributions:
My enthusiasm for education extends to actively participating in guest lecturing in undergraduate classes, being on multiple panels, and producing podcast episodes, where I share valuable insights into clinical psychology and the intricacies of the application process.
5. Non-Profit Work:
As an advisor to African Impact Initiative, a non-profit organization focused on bridging the gap between Canadian and African economies, I serve as an advisor and mentor to entrepreneurs, particularly those who manage health-focused businesses. Some of these businesses make products that will support neuropsychologists and highly incorporate the lived experience of Black individuals.
6. Teaching Assistant Positions:
Currently serving as a teaching assistant, my role involves providing direct support and guidance to undergraduate students, with the use of clear and concise communication.
7. Research Expertise and Diverse Grant Acquisition:
Acquiring grants from esteemed institutions such as Mitacs, Heart & Stroke Foundation, CGS-NSERC, my research background shows a proven track record in securing funding for various projects. This positions me well to guide students on obtaining valuable work experiences and securing funding for their research pursuits.
I found out about the Student Representative position from the current student representative, Dr. Bri Darboh, who’s a good friend and mentor. I’m currently a first-year Masters student in the Adult Clinical Psychology program at York University, specializing in Neuropsychology. I’m highly interested in this position because I think I embody the right attributes for the position.
I’m originally from Nigeria, and since I arrived in Canada, I’ve always noticed that there aren’t others who look like me in the spaces I find myself in. However, I’ve never let this get in the way of my ambitions, and it has been my goal since my undergraduate studies to nurture the next generation of Black professionals in Psychology.
Beyond the classroom, I actively mentor undergraduate students who are interested in clinical neuropsychology. I’ve done this through direct one-on-one meetings, through panels dedicated to demystifying the application process, and through the creation of podcast episodes with other graduate students.
I believe that my effective communication skills, public speaking experience, experience with educational outreach, and lived experience enhance my ability to represent and amplify the voices of future Black neuropsychologists. I’m really looking forward to contributing to SBN’s mission, fostering a network of undergraduate and graduate students that embody the concept of Black excellence.
Julius Flowers, MS, LMSW
- Open to feedback
- Responsive
- Aptitude for learning
- Collaborative
I selected the SBN primarily for the chance to represent and increase visibility of SBN. Specifically, on providing information, developing partnerships with professionals and cultivating awareness. Per the Minnesota conference guideline competencies, an entry level clinical neuropsychologist should have engagement in professional neuropsychology organizations.
