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GLOBALIZATION & PUBLIC PSYCHOLOGY: CASE STUDY OF HAIR INDUSTRY RESEARCH
University of Central Florida Medical School.     Orlando, FL

The University of Central Florida’s Population Health Sciences Research Seminar, hosted by the School of Medicine, will feature a thought-provoking presentation by Dr. Dionne Stephens. In her talk, Dr. Stephens will share reflections on the shared experiences of women across global contexts, drawing from a public psychology lens to explore how cultural, social, and structural factors shape women’s lives and well-being. This seminar promises to offer valuable insights into the intersections of gender, health, and community, fostering a deeper understanding of how global narratives of womanhood can inform population health research and practice.

FROM “ME RESEARCH" TO “WE RESEARCH”: AN EMPOWERMENT APPROACH TO BLACK WOMEN'S SEXUAL RISK RESEARCH

Department of Psychology

York University        Toronto, Canada

This presentation emphasizes the importance of aligning personal research passions with rigorous, theory-driven approaches that connect individual experiences to larger social systems. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, Dr. Stephens will explore how sexualized images of Black women are aligned with sexual risk outcomes—such as early sexual debut, condom negotiation, and vulnerability to exploitation—across interconnected ecological levels. Rather than isolating behavior as an individual variable, this framework encourages students to shift from “me research” to “we research,” linking identity, risk, and health to systemic structures like media, education, and cultural ideologies. This session is ideal for students interested in articulating their personal curiosities into impactful, applied research rooted in real-world complexity.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BLACK WOMANHOOD SYMPOSIUM AT SPELMAN

Spelman College        Atlanta, Georgia

The Psychology of Black Womanhood Symposium at Spelman College is a free, interactive event inspired by the groundbreaking book The Psychology of Black Womanhood. Featuring scholars, community leaders, and researchers, the symposium will explore key psychological issues impacting Black women in the U.S. Scheduled topics include the politics of hair, Black women’s joy, dating experiences, mindfulness practices, and living authentically in a time of chaos. Through open dialogue and shared insights, the event seeks to foster understanding, healing, and empowerment.