Dr. Christiana Skinner-Walker, Ed.D., BCBA, LBS

I attribute my success to authenticity, resilience, continuous learning, compassion, and a willingness to challenge traditional ways of thinking. My experiences in behavioral science, leadership, research, and advocacy have taught me to look beyond data and outcomes to understand the people and experiences behind them. I believe meaningful leadership begins with listening, asking better questions, remaining open to growth, and keeping the individuals and communities I serve at the center of every decision. Mentorship has also been an important part of my success, because I believe achievement becomes most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others, particularly women and girls, to recognize their potential and pursue positions of influence. Ultimately, I measure success not only by the opportunities I have earned, but by the impact I can make and the number of people I can empower to create opportunities for themselves and others.

The best career advice I have ever received is to remain authentic and never wait for permission to belong. I have learned that my perspective, experiences, and voice have value, particularly in environments where women may be underrepresented in leadership. Rather than changing who I am to fit someone else’s definition of success or leadership, I believe in having the confidence to contribute authentically and create space for others to do the same. Sometimes leadership means accepting the seat offered to you, but other times, it means having the courage to create your own seat at the table.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to never wait for someone else to validate your worth, expertise, or potential. You do not need to be given a seat at the table to make an impact set the tone, own your space, and have the confidence to create your own seat or even your own table when necessary. Most importantly, remain authentic to who you are, trust your perspective, and never be afraid to make your voice heard. Your unique experiences and ideas are valuable, and you have every right to lead, influence, and create meaningful change.

One of the biggest opportunities in my field is the continued expansion of Applied Behavior Analysis beyond traditional clinics and classrooms into healthcare, workplaces, and broader community settings, allowing behavioral science to positively impact more lives. At the same time, one of our greatest challenges is ensuring that the field continues to evolve toward culturally responsive, person-centered practices that recognize how culture, history, family circumstances, and lived experiences can influence behavior. We must move beyond assumptions and one-size-fits-all approaches to better understand the whole person and provide meaningful, individualized support. I also see a significant opportunity to advance women into leadership and decision-making roles, ensuring that a profession powered by so many women is increasingly represented by their voices and perspectives at the highest levels.

The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are compassion, integrity, empathy, advocacy, mentorship, authenticity, and truth. I believe in treating others with understanding and respect while using my voice and influence to advocate for meaningful change. I am especially passionate about empowering and creating greater opportunities for women, helping them recognize their value, embrace their voices, and pursue the freedom to define success on their own terms. I also believe that authenticity and self-care are essential to sustainable leadership, because caring for others and creating positive change begins with being honest about who you are and taking care of yourself along the way.