Puerto Rican Voice and Participation on the Executive Board of the International Union of Psychological Science

The International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) elected Puerto Rican Dr. Marizaida Sánchez Cesáreo as the organization’s treasurer. Dr. Sánchez Cesáreo is the first Puerto Rican woman to hold a leadership position in this organization, which brings together professionals and associations dedicated to mental health worldwide. In her role, Sánchez Cesáreo will promote an agenda representing Caribbean identities in international psychology, bring new resources to the institution, and foster collaborations with other organizations.

“The International Union of Psychological Science has tremendous potential to engage in collective impact efforts to attract new members, expand its capacity, and consolidate its position as a global psychology representative. I look forward to contributing to the organization’s growth and the advancement of a diverse agenda on the issues driving our profession and impacting the countries of our region,” said Sánchez Cesáreo, who is the CEO of Grupo Nexos, a Puerto Rican nonprofit organization providing consulting, capacity building, and evaluation services using evidence-based practices.

Sánchez Cesáreo holds a Ph.D. in Community Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Women’s Studies from DePaul University in Chicago. In addition to leading Grupo Nexos, she chairs the Governor’s Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice Prevention. She has played a key role in the local creation and dissemination of evidence-based practices. Recognized for her contributions to public health, she has initiated more than 50 community health projects grounded in the collective impact framework.

Sánchez Cesáreo’s election took place during the 33rd International Congress of Psychology, recently held in Prague, Czech Republic. The organization elected its board of directors to drive the entity’s strategic plans for the next four years. The Congress brought together over 4,000 psychology professionals from around the world.

The International Union of Psychological Science has 96 member countries and 20 affiliated organizations, representing over a million psychologists worldwide. It seeks to promote the development, practice, and representation of psychology as a science at national, regional, and international levels. Founded in 1889 during the first International Congress of Psychology in Paris, it holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, maintains formal association relations with UNESCO, and official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).