AMCD continues to advocate, advance and improve educational and professional opportunities for members from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Greetings Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) Members
Dr. Tiphanie Gonzalez
President, Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development 2025-2026
I am excited and have the privilege of leading an amazing AMCD team. This 2025-2026 term as an organization we strive to continue and serve both our members and the greater counseling community by providing professional development, counseling leadership, and educational opportunities centered around building multiculturally competent Counselors serving all communities. Additionally, as an organization we understand the importance of building equitable and inclusive spaces for all people. Safe spaces where diverse communities coexist. As Counselors we have an ethical obligation to advocate for our clients, students, and colleagues while contributing to the growth of the counseling field. That being said, these have been difficult times to many for varying reasons, but particularly for communities of color, immigrant populations, low-income populations, women, SAIGE (Sexual Affectional Intersex and Gender Expansive) populations, and for individuals living with exceptionalities; some who have lost resources and/or employment. We as an organization have committed to continuing discussions and providing a call to action through service.
To do this we need to hear from you. As part of my Presidential Initiatives for 2025-2026 we will be holding several town halls as a space to discuss the needs of our members and to ask for feedback or recommendations in ways to better serve those who entrust us with their emotional wellbeing. The first will be held on November 15th at 4pm-5pm EST/ 1pm-2pm PST a second November 22nd at 4pm-5pm EST/ 1pm-2pm PST. To sign up, please click herehttps://forms.gle/zMVDuUcRVQZ3tGVNA. This will be open only to members of AMCD. Additionally, we would like to continue providing professional programming both regionally and connected to the unique needs of diverse populations. Please join us on our new website www.myamcd.org where you can receive information on upcoming webinars, programming, and resources. I look forward to connecting with you all. Thank you for your continued support of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development.
Supporting education and innovation.
Supporting education and innovation is crucial for the growth and development of society. Education allows individuals to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields, while innovation drives progress and improves the overall quality of life. By investing in education and encouraging innovation, governments, organizations, and individuals can work towards a brighter future for all.
Nominations for positions on the Executive Board
The Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development (AMCD) is pleased to announce the call for nominations for positions on the Executive Board. Currently, there are five (5) positions open.
President-Elect: Criteria for nominations include:
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Having served on AMCDs Executive Board as VP of a Concerns Group or Regional Rep, in good standing.
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Having previously held the position of President of AMCD more than 5 years prior to this
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year’s elections and is currently in good standing
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Being a current member of AMCD in good standing
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Being willing to serve for a total of three years as President-Elect, President, and Immediate
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Past-President, beginning July 1st, 2026.
Graduate Student Representative: Criteria for nomination include:
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Being a current graduate student in a CACREP accredited program
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Being AMCD member in good standing
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beginning July 1st, 2026Willingness to serve on the AMCD Executive Board for a one-year, renewable term,
Western Regional Representative: Criteria for nomination include:
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Being a current AMCD member in good standing
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Willingness to serve for 3 consecutive years beginning July 1st, 2026
Southern Regional Representative: Criteria for nomination include:
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Being a current AMCD member in good standing
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Willingness to serve for 3 consecutive years beginning July 1st, 2026
Chair of VPs of Multicultural Concerns: Criteria for nomination include:
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Being a current AMCD member in good standing
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Willing to serve for 3 consecutive years beginning July 1st , 2026
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Willing to serve as liaison between AMCDs executive council and VPs of concerns team
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Willing to provide oversight, leadership and training to VPs of concerns team
All interested candidates must submit a request to be nominated to Dr. Ann Shillingford, AMCD Immediate Past President/Nominations Committee Chair. Your email should include ONE PDF document with a one-page letter of interest for one of the specified positions and a copy of your CV. All interested submissions should be submitted to Dr. Shillingford (presidentialtrio@myamcd.com) no later than 4:00pm, November 3rd, 2025. Nominations will be submitted to the AMCD Executive Board for review.
Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development
A Division of the American Counseling Association
AMCD Advocates for Multiculturalism, Diversity, and Social Justice The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) has a longstanding history of advocating for cultural competency development, social justice, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in educational and professional settings. We recognize that DEI initiatives are essential for fostering environments where all individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive. These initiatives not only promote fairness and equity but also enhance the quality of services provided by counselors who are better equipped to understand and address the unique needs of their clients.
Research consistently demonstrates that DEI initiatives contribute to greater workplace innovation, improved mental health outcomes, and more effective service provision in counseling and education. However, by restricting DEI efforts, the presidential executive
order not only contradicts established best practices in multicultural competence and ethical responsibility but also hinders progress towards a more equitable and inclusive society, as outlined by the ACA Code of Ethics and the Multicultural and Social Justice
Counseling Competencies.
AMCD stands in solidarity with educators, counselors, researchers, students, and advocates who continue to advance DEI initiatives despite these restrictive measures. We call upon policymakers and educational leaders to reject legislation and executive actions that curtail
essential diversity-related professional development. Instead, we urge support for policies that uphold the values of humanity, inclusion, fairness, dignity, and equity in all professional and educational settings.
AMCD remains committed to its mission of advancing multicultural counseling and social justice. We will not waver in our efforts to support equitable practices that help to empower individuals from all backgrounds to thrive. These executive orders are a step backward for our nation and an attempt to erase decades of social progress, but we stand resolute in our belief that equity and inclusion are fundamental to a just society and the mental health of communities of all cultural backgrounds and intersecting identities.
AMCD Past Presidents Council
March, 2025