Cindy Crusto, PhD, Associate Professor and Deputy Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, is the 2020 recipient of the Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA) Award for Distinguished Contribution to Diversity in Psychology.
Anne Klee, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and President of the CPA, said Crusto’s roles addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion as have made a difference in Crusto’s work with trainees, primary and secondary schools, mental health systems of care, within the Department, Yale School of Medicine and Yale University-at-large.
Klee said Crusto’s leadership and collaborative style has increased the number of women and individuals who have traditionally been underrepresented at Yale, and is changing the environment to be more inclusive and equitable. Klee also cited Crusto’s work this past year in the creation of Yale Department of Psychiatry’s Anti-Racism Task Force.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the Connecticut Psychological Association for work that I am deeply committed to,” Crusto said. “This recognition has prompted me to pause and reflect on my personal and professional journey and the small and big wins along the way. I am ever grateful for the partnerships, collaborations, and friendships that I have developed while engaged in this challenging yet rewarding work. There is much to do, and I am encouraged to keep going.”
Crusto has more than 25 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives in numerous settings. She holds leadership roles in several organizations and committees addressing DEIB both internal and external to Yale. She has 25 years of experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating preventive interventions in schools and community agencies. She also has extensive experience providing training and technical assistance to schools and to community-based organizations on the evaluation of prevention programs. Crusto's research examines the impact of family violence on children and the ecological influences on child and family well-being, and includes rigorous evaluations of community-based initiatives involving substance use and violence prevention, and the promotion of school readiness.
Crusto will be honored at the 34th Annual CPA Convention, held virtually, on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020.