We are in an economic recession and the fall of the dot com companies and angel investors. We are more than a year post-September 11, a date now embedded in our memories. As we look back in history, perhaps it will help us to look forward with clearer vision. What brought us to the euphoria of the dot.com era. Let's not forget that the astounding rise of stock market prices was not the result of product, but more the result of promise; that the tragedy of September 11 was fueled by the perceived evilness of American aggression into Arab countries. The suicide mission of the terrorists, incomprehensible to us living in a democracy and relative affluence, perhaps was viewed as the last resort when all else failed. Let us look back further in history at the Amazon women warriors who once ruled, and the fear of them by men that led to their destruction. Maybe there are lessons to be learned.

I look to this year as one for us in Division 35 to look at feminist leadership, both conceptually and pragmatically. The discussion forums of my presidential initiative: Feminist Visions and Diverse Voices: Leadership and Collaboration will help us dialogue about issues of feminist leadership. What is feminist leadership? What are the diverse and different ways in which women lead and are managers? What can we learn of the positive? What can we do to promote feminist leadership in policy and collaboration, and among diverse groups? I hope all division 35 members will join one of the discussion forums.

Pragmatically, how do we as Division 35 lead our feminist sisters? It is time for us in Division 35 to step back and look at our vision, i.e., Strategic Planning to ensure that our division is inclusive and embraces an agenda consistent with our times and fitting to our values about social justice, an equitable society. Division 35 began at a time when the oppression of women was felt to be commonplace and women's voices were silenced. While some may disagree, I think we have come a long way. Feminism is no longer a dirty word. Female APA division presidents now number about 25 or almost 50% of the divisions within APA. Four of the five APA presidential candidates for 2003 are women. Maybe times have changed. But what should Division 35 be doing to promote feminist principles, feminist leadership and collaboration?

During my presidential year, I am inviting all Division 35 members to join the dialogue and provide feedback and input to the Executive Committee for our Strategic Planning. I will answer all entries. I plan to work together with Maggie Madden, our President-Elect and the Division 35 Executive Committee to ensure the division will be responsive to feminist concerns. This is an opportunity to get your voices heard. Sign on to www.feministleadership.com to chat and share your thoughts in the Division 35 Strategic Planning discussion forum.

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