Nancy Felipe Russo

Dr. Nancy Felipe Russo is a pioneering figure in feminist psychology and social advocacy, whose work over five decades has significantly shaped the landscape of women’s mental health, gender equity, and public policy. Earning her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Cornell University, Russo embarked on a career that bridged rigorous academic research with passionate social justice advocacy. As a Regents Professor of Psychology and Women and Gender Studies at Arizona State University (ASU), she established herself as a powerful force in higher education, mentoring generations of students and leading cutting-edge research. Russo has held pivotal leadership positions within the American Psychological Association (APA), including roles as Affirmative Action Officer and Health Scientist Administrator. Her service across multiple divisions of the APA—including presidencies and chairmanships—helped shape the organization's agenda on key issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence, abortion stigma, and gender disparities in health care. As a policy influencer, Russo worked to ensure that gender, culture, and ethnicity were considered essential variables in psychological research and practice, bringing visibility to underserved and marginalized communities. A staunch advocate for feminist perspectives in psychology, Russo's editorial work—including her tenure as Editor of Psychology of Women Quarterly—has helped institutionalize feminist frameworks within academic discourse. She co-authored landmark publications such as The Handbook of Diversity in Feminist Psychology and No Safe Haven: Male Violence Against Women, alongside more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters that explore themes including women's reproductive health, the psychological consequences of abortion, minority women's experiences, and policy-oriented approaches to mental health. Dr. Russo's contributions have garnered wide acclaim, including several APA Presidential Citations, the prestigious Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award for mentoring, and the Denmark-Grunvald Award for lifetime contributions to the psychology of women and gender. She is a Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences and is widely regarded as one of the most influential women in the history of American psychology. At ASU, Russo's impact extended beyond the classroom. She has served as a dissertation and thesis chair to countless students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in academia, clinical practice, and public policy. Her pedagogical style is lauded for its blend of intellectual rigor, warmth, and commitment to social justice. Russo’s interdisciplinary expertise spans psychology, law, public health, and education, with specific interests in the intersection of gender, violence, and health; the promotion of STEM careers for women; and the psychological dimensions of reproductive justice. Her advocacy work continues to influence national debates on controversial yet crucial topics, including abortion access and the long-term effects of gender-based violence. Dr. Nancy Felipe Russo’s legacy is one of courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity. Her life's work exemplifies the potential of psychology to be a transformative force in addressing the structural roots of social inequality, making her an enduring icon in feminist scholarship and applied psychology.