Laura E. Stephens, Ph.D. (she, her, hers) received her B.A. in Psychology from University of Hawaii – Hilo and her Ph.D. in Cognitive, Social & Developmental Psychology from the New School for Social Research (NSSR). Her areas of expertise include women’s rights, gender inequality, infrahumanization, and social categorization. As a social psychologist, a gender lens is used to conduct research and as a critical filter for the assessment of current social policies, patterns of social influence (i.e., social media), implicit and explicit bias as well as communication models. Her research interests include the infrahumanization of women; the social construction of language concerning gender and oppression; and the implications of patriarchy to violence against women. Currently, she is a Senior Adjunct Lecturer at St. Francis College, a member of the American Psychological Association Division 35, and a Board member and Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee of UN Women USA – NY.

As the Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the UN Women USA - NY, she stays updated on the international research, policies, and public debates around gender equality and the implications when it is well implemented in government, education, or the workplace (and when it is not). Moreover, she continues to participate in the Committee on the Status of Women which is the international gathering of governments, non-profit and civil organizations, and NGOs to discuss and co-educate the current issues for the continued advancement of women.