CEO Spotlight: Georgiana Koyama is honoured at Black Women in Applied Behaviour Analysis Appreciation Day

Georgiana Koyama, MSc, BCBA, in Sierre Leone, where she volunteers for Junior’s Place of Hope, a school for SEN & Autistic children.

BWIBAAD (Black Women in Applied Behaviour Analysis Appreciation Day) is dedicated to honouring and celebrating the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black women in Behaviour Analysis.

From the creators themselves:

“Our mission is to create a space where their unique voices are uplifted, accomplishments are recognised, and the rich diversity they bring to the field is celebrated and embraced.

We envision a day filled with inspiration, unity, and empowerment. BWIBAAD strives to foster a sense of belonging, promote collaboration, and inspire the next generation of Black women in the field.”

This day is all about acknowledgement of Black Women’s impact in the industry, and how the ABA community actively works towards greater equity and representation for Black women.

Honouring Georgiana Koyama, MSC, BCBA, Founder of All Behaviour Consultancy 

Our founder, Georgiana Koyama, was honoured and celebrated on 21st February 2024, for her passion, dedication and tireless work spent on advocating for equality and autism acceptance across the globe.

In the field of Behaviour Analysis, Black women have long been under-represented and under-valued. Despite their immense contributions to the field, they often face systemic barriers that hinder their success and recognition. 

Recognising the need to celebrate and uplift the voices of Black women in Behaviour Analysis, Black Women In Behavior Analysis Appreciation Day was born.

The statistics surrounding the representation of Black women in Behaviour Analysis are disheartening. 

According to the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB), as of 2021, only 2.5% of Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) identify as Black/African American. 

This lack of diversity not only hinders the field's progress but also deprives it of valuable perspectives and insights that could enrich the practice of Behaviour Analysis.

Despite the challenges they face, Black women in behaviour analysis continue to make significant contributions to the field. 

From research to clinical practice, advocacy to mentorship, Black women BCBAs have a significant impact on improving the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. They play a crucial role in advancing the field and advocating for equality and diversity within Behaviour Analysis.

It is a day to recognise Black women’s resilience, creativity, and dedication to creating positive change in the lives of others. It is an opportunity to amplify their voices, celebrate their accomplishments, and show our appreciation for all that they do.

This day serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in Behavior Analysis. By celebrating Black women in the field, we are not only recognising their achievements but also highlighting the need for greater representation and support for marginalised groups within the profession.

We will continue to hope that the mission of Black Women In Behaviour Analysis Appreciation Day can, one day, become mainstream, where we don’t need a special day to uplift, recognise, and support the Black women BCBAs, but where they are celebrated every day for creating positive change in communities, and making the lives of those with autism a whole lot better.