Women in Behavior Analysis - WIBA

04/17/2026

Presentations Update!

Submitted a proposal? 📬 Check your email!

Decisions are out, and we are so excited for what’s ahead.

See you in Chicago!

04/17/2026

🥰🥰🥰

👩‍🔬 Also in Operants Q1 2026!

In 2010, Emaley McCulloch walked into her first ABA conference as a young, newly credentialed BCaBA, excited, nervous, and ready to join her professional community.

She noticed something immediately: the audience was overwhelmingly female. The stage was overwhelmingly not.

In "Finding My Voice: Reflections from the Women in Behavior Analysis Conference," McCulloch traces her journey from that first conference to becoming a passionate advocate for what WIBA, Women in Behavior Analysis, has built: not just an annual conference, but a movement intentionally designed to empower, celebrate, and mentor women in the field.

A space where on-site childcare removes barriers to attendance. Where mentorship is both formal and the invaluable hallway conversation. Where the Women's Hall of Fame honors pioneers like Eve Segal, Ellen Reese, and Julie Vargas, women who weren't just participants in the history of behavior analysis.

They were its architects.

The disparity between who does the daily work and who gets the stage hasn't disappeared. But the field is evolving and WIBA is one of the reasons why.

📅 The 2026 WIBA Conference is coming up July 15-17 in Chicago.

Haven't been? This is your sign.

📖 Read the full reflection in Operants Q1 2026. It is coming soon.

04/16/2026

Woo hoo! 10K on Instagram!! 🥳🥳

04/12/2026

A message from NASA astronaut Christina Koch who has now arrived safely back to Earth: "To everyone who has been following my journey, I want to sincerely thank you for your continued support — it truly means everything. Being part of the Artemis II mission is not just a personal milestone, but a step forward for all of us who believe in exploration and possibility.

To the young women and aspiring explorers out there: never doubt what you’re capable of. Your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your place in science, engineering, and space is absolutely yours to claim. I hope my journey reminds you that no goal is too far, and no dream is out of reach when you commit to it.

And to everyone inspired or interested in this path — stay curious, stay driven, and don’t be afraid to take that first step. I’m always grateful to connect with people who share the same passion, so feel free to reach out and be part of this journey with us. 🚀"

Christina, pictured above at Space Camp, attended every summer from the ages of 13 to 17.

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To inspire the space-loving Mighty Girls in your life, you can find books about mighty women of space and space-themed toys in our blog post "Reach for the Stars!" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=16848

To introduce kids to trailblazing women of NASA, we highly recommend "Margaret and the Moon" for ages 5 to 9 (https://www.amightygirl.com/margaret-and-the-moon), "A Computer Called Katherine" for ages 5 to 9 (https://www.amightygirl.com/a-computer-called-katherine), Galaxy Girls" for ages 7 to 12 (https://www.amightygirl.com/galaxy-girls), and "Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts" for ages 8 to 12 (https://www.amightygirl.com/gutsy-girls-astronauts)

For a thrilling introduction to more pioneering women of space, we also recommend the inspiring graphic novel "Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier," for ages 10 and up at https://www.amightygirl.com/astronauts-women-on-the-final-frontier

04/11/2026

📣 WIBA 2026 Proposal Update 📣

If you submitted a proposal for the 9th Annual Women in Behavior Analysis Conference, this is your heads up 👀

Notifications regarding selected talks will be sent out on Friday, April 17.

We know how much work goes into developing data-driven, meaningful submissions that move our field forward. Thank you for contributing your time, expertise, and ideas to WIBA. This is how we continue to build a conference grounded in strong science, leadership, and real-world impact.

Keep an eye on your inbox this Friday ✉️

We cannot wait to share what is shaping up to be an incredible 2026 program in Chicago.

04/10/2026

🎥 When You Think You Messed Up as a Clinician

Caring deeply about your work?
That’s exactly what makes these moments hit harder.

In behavior analysis, the stakes are real. Real clients. Real families. Real teams.
So when something doesn’t go as planned, the default thought can be:
“I’m a bad clinician.”
“I shouldn’t be doing this.”

Let’s interrupt that.

✨ First: Separate the event from your identity.
“Today I made a decision I’d handle differently next time” is not the same as “I’m incompetent.”

One is DATA. The other is a global label. We work with data.

✨ Second: Debrief, don’t spiral.
Ask yourself:
• What actually happened?
• What was within my control?
• What would I try differently next time?
• Do I need consultation, repair, or documentation?

Write it down. Turn emotion into action.

✨ Third: Use ethics as a compass, not guilt.
“I feel terrible” ≠ “I violated the code.”

Go back to the standards. Consult. Collaborate.
And if a violation did occur, accountability is part of ethical practice, not a personal failure.

Here’s the truth:
Every clinician you respect has had moments they wish they could redo.

Being a strong clinician isn’t about being flawless.
It’s about being honest, reflective, open to support, and committed to growth.

💬 Save this for the next time your brain replays a session on a loop and send it to a colleague who needs the reminder too.

04/09/2026

The wait is over.

We are excited to officially announce the invited speakers for the 9th Annual Women in Behavior Analysis Conference:

🎉 Paula Danquah-Brobby, PhD, BCBA, LBA, IBA
🎉 Joanne Gerenser, PhD
🎉 Malika Pritchett, PhD, BCBA, LBA-TX
🎉 Patricia Wright, PhD, BCBA-D

Get ready for an incredible conference featuring powerful voices, meaningful conversation, and the kind of energy that makes WIBA so special.

Register now: https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/wiba26/registration

04/09/2026

📣 WIBA is headed to Chicago this July, and this is your sign to register now.

The Women in Behavior Analysis Conference 2026 is bringing the energy, the community, and the conversations you don’t get anywhere else.

✨ Early Registration Perk
The first 100 people who register between now and May 1 will receive a $50 credit to the WIBA Swag Store.

We are dropping all new 2026 styles, including:
• Apparel
• Drinkware
• Pins
• And more

Consider it reinforcement for making a great decision.

🎯 Register now, secure your spot, and treat yourself to new WIBA gear on us.

🔗 https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/wiba26/registration

04/03/2026

📣 Now Recruiting: WIBA 2026 Volunteers!

Join us in Chicago from July 15–17, 2026 for the 9th Annual Women in Behavior Analysis (WIBA) Conference and be part of what makes this event so powerful: the people behind it.

WIBA doesn’t run on logistics alone. It runs on community, leadership, and women showing up for each other. That’s where you come in.

✨ Why volunteer?
Volunteering at WIBA is more than helping out. It is a front-row seat to connection, mentorship, and professional growth. Plus, you earn major registration discounts:

• 2 shifts = 50% off
• 3 shifts = 75% off
• 4+ shifts = 100% off

📌 What you’ll do:
• Support registration and attendee check-in
• Assist speakers and monitor session rooms
• Scan for CEUs and help manage flow
• Work the WIBA swag store
• Help set up spaces and assemble materials

🧠 What you’ll gain:
• Real-world experience in a high-impact professional setting
• Direct access to leaders in behavior analysis
• Expanded network of women and allies in the field
• A deeper connection to WIBA’s mission of empowerment and mentorship

📋 Requirements:
• Apply by May 15, 2026
• Submit 1 reference
• Attend 1 virtual training + 1 onsite training
• Commit to at least 2 shifts (8 total available across 3 days)
• Register for the conference (reimbursement issued after completion of shifts)

🚨 Spots will fill quickly. If you’ve been wanting to get more involved, this is your moment.

👉 Apply here: https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/wiba26/volunteer

Come be part of the engine that makes WIBA unforgettable. 💜

04/03/2026

📣 WIBA 2026 Scholarship Opportunities Are Open!

Want to attend the 9th Annual Women in Behavior Analysis Conference in Chicago this July? WIBA is offering scholarships for both in-person and livestream attendance and this is your chance to be in the room.

✨ What’s available?
WIBA will award scholarships to:
• 3 students + 1 professional (in-person)
• 10 livestream recipients (proportionate across students and professionals)

💡 In-person scholarship includes:
• Conference registration for July 16–17, 2026
• 2-night hotel stay (July 15–16)
• A guaranteed spot in a mentorship session

🎯 Who should apply?
We strongly encourage applicants from historically and systematically excluded communities, including those from diverse cultural, linguistic, gender, disability, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds. This initiative is about strengthening representation and supporting the next generation of behavior analysts.

🧠 Selection process:
• Blind review by the WIBA Conference Committee
• No identifying information shared
• Applicants must complete all required questions

📅 Key dates:
• Deadline to apply: April 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
• Notification: By April 27, 2026
• Travel confirmation (in-person recipients): Due May 25, 2026

🔒 Confidentiality matters.
Scholarship recipients remain private unless they choose to share.

🚨 If cost has ever been a barrier to attending WIBA, this is your moment.

👉 Apply now and take your seat in the room where leadership, science, and community come together. https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/wiba26/scholarship

04/01/2026

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month 💙➡️❤️➡️♾️

For many in our field, this month comes with a complicated history and an important evolution.

The blue puzzle piece has long been associated with autism awareness. It originated decades ago, with input from an autistic individual, and was intended to represent “mystery” or something to be solved. Over time, many autistic self-advocates and professionals have voiced concerns about this framing, noting that it can unintentionally position autistic individuals as incomplete or in need of fixing.

In response, the movement began to shift.

The call to “Light It Up Red” and the broader red movement emerged to center acceptance over awareness. Red became a way to move beyond visibility and toward valuing autistic individuals as they are, while also amplifying autistic voices and lived experiences.

More recently, the infinity symbol (♾️) has gained traction as a representation of neurodiversity. It reflects the wide, dynamic range of human cognition, communication, and behavior. Not something to solve, but something to understand, respect, and support.

At Women in Behavior Analysis, we recognize that our science carries both responsibility and opportunity.

🔍 Awareness asks us to learn
🤝 Acceptance asks us to change how we show up
📊 Behavior analysis asks us to use data, ethics, and collaboration to improve meaningful outcomes

This month, we challenge our community to move beyond awareness alone.

✔ Listen to autistic individuals and their families.
✔ Examine the social validity of what we do.
✔ Collaborate across disciplines.
✔ Prioritize dignity, assent, and meaningful participation.

Why? Because acceptance is not a campaign. It is a practice.

03/26/2026

Happiest of Birthday Wishes to the Executive Director of WIBA, Janet Lund! 😍

Your leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing women in behavior analysis continue to shape this field in meaningful and lasting ways. WIBA is stronger because of your dedication to creating spaces where women can grow as scientists, leaders, and advocates.

Wishing you a day that reflects the impact you have made on so many, and a year ahead filled with continued success, inspiration, and well-deserved celebration.