Blog
"We’ve Gotten Through This Before: Early-Career Insights from HerStory"
On August 6, 2025, our HerStory team presented at the Asian American Psychological Association Convention. This was the first of two back-to-back sessions we shared that day, and it focused on how intergenerational narratives of leadership and resilience can guide early-career clinicians through uncertainty. I was proud to serve as second author on this work, alongside an incredible group of colleagues and mentors.
Why HerStory?
HerStory began with a simple but urgent purpose: to document and uplift the leadership, resilience, and wisdom of Asian American women psychologists. Inspired by trailblazers like Dr. Alice F. Chang and the AAPA Division on Women, the project collects stories that show how leadership can be both deeply personal and profoundly community-driven.
Art as a Bridge
We grounded part of our session in Ai Weiwei’s Kui Hua Zi (Sunflower Seeds), an art installation that speaks to endurance, connection, and the collective experiences that bind communities together. Each seed in the piece represents an individual story — unique yet interconnected. This mirrored the way our participants’ narratives wove together into a shared fabric of resilience.
Frameworks That Shaped the Conversation
- Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory: placing personal and career challenges within broader social and cultural contexts.
- Asian American Intergenerational Model of the Psychology of Working: exploring how career success is shaped by cultural heritage, generational influences, and systemic factors.
- Radical Healing Framework: addressing wounds from racism-related stress while fostering empowerment and community solidarity.
From Theory to Practice
The heart of our session was an interactive reflection activity. Attendees were invited to explore their own professional journeys alongside the HerStory narratives, considering moments where they had overcome barriers or leaned on collective support. Even in a conference setting, the space felt personal, full of shared nods, laughter, and thoughtful pauses.
Key Takeaways
For early-career clinicians, hearing “We’ve gotten through this before” is more than comfort, it’s a reminder of the legacy we inherit and contribute to. Intergenerational storytelling can be a roadmap for navigating professional and personal uncertainty with courage, clarity, and connection.
Thank you to the AAPA community and to everyone who joined our session. These conversations remind me why I keep showing up for this work. To learn, share, and carry these stories forward.