News and Information
MBSK Colorado Vice President Rasheeda Ouedraogo Advances Equity, Mental Health, and Leadership at the 2026 NASP Annual Convention
My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper Colorado (MBSK Colorado) proudly highlights the national leadership and advocacy of Vice President of Health and Wellness Rasheeda Ouedraogo at the 2026 National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Annual Convention,
March 4th, 2026
My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper Colorado (MBSK Colorado) proudly highlights the national leadership and advocacy of Vice President of Health and Wellness Rasheeda Ouedraogo at the 2026 National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Annual Convention, held February 24–27 in Chicago, Illinois.
The NASP Annual Convention is one of the nation’s premier professional gatherings for school psychologists and mental health professionals, bringing together more than 6,000 educators, researchers, and advocates dedicated to advancing student mental health, educational equity, and culturally responsive practices in schools.
Rasheeda’s participation reflects MBSK Colorado’s mission to disrupt and dismantle the cumulative adverse childhood and young adulthood experiences that affect Black and Brown communities across generations. Through professional leadership, national collaboration, and outreach to future practitioners, her work at the convention focused on strengthening the professionals and systems that directly support students' academic, emotional, and mental health success.
“When we strengthen the professionals who support children, we strengthen the entire ecosystem around our youth,” Rasheeda said. “School psychologists play a critical role in supporting students’ mental health, academic success, and sense of belonging in schools. Expanding leadership, supporting practitioner wellness, and increasing diversity within the profession are essential steps toward ensuring that Black and Brown students receive the care, advocacy, and opportunity they deserve.”
Transforming Leadership in School Psychology
At the convention, Rasheeda presented in the national symposium “More Than Representation: Black School Psychologists Transforming Leadership.”
The session explored the leadership journeys of Black school psychologists serving in state professional associations across the country and examined how leadership representation can influence educational systems and professional organizations.
During the session, Rasheeda shared her experience serving as President of the Colorado Society of School Psychologists (CSSP), becoming the first Black woman in the organization’s history to hold the position.
Participants discussed strategies for navigating systemic barriers within professional organizations, building inclusive leadership pipelines, advocating for culturally responsive mental health services in schools, and ensuring leadership spaces reflect the communities they serve. Inclusive leadership in school psychology helps create stronger systems of support for students and families.
Supporting the Wellness of the Professionals Who Support Students
Rasheeda also facilitated a professional development session titled “Healing, Thriving, Leading: Empowering Black Women in School Psychology.”
The session addressed intersectional challenges Black women experience in the profession, including racialized emotional labor, tokenization, and systemic barriers to leadership advancement. 
Participants explored healing-centered strategies that support resilience and sustainability in the profession, including approaches for managing racial stress, strengthening professional boundaries, and practicing identity-affirming leadership.
This work aligns directly with MBSK Colorado’s Health and Wellness Initiative, which prioritizes expanding the number of culturally competent providers and addressing mental and emotional health disparities in communities of color. Supporting the well-being of school psychologists ensures they can continue providing the care, advocacy, and guidance students need to thrive.
Elevating the Leadership of Black Men in School Psychology
Rasheeda also attended the session “Hear Us Out: Insights from Black Men in School Psychology,” featuring Dr. Geremy Grant of Alfred University and Dr. Kamontá Heidelburg of The Ohio State University.
Dr. Grant’s scholarship focuses on culturally responsive psychoeducational assessment, racial battle fatigue, and the recruitment and retention of racially and ethnically minoritized school psychologists. He co-hosts the NASP Black Men in School Psychology Podcast, which amplifies the voices and experiences of Black male practitioners in the field.
Dr. Heidelburg’s research centers on culturally adapting evidence-based interventions to support the social-emotional and academic development of Black students and implementing equitable systems such as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
The session explored barriers Black men face when entering the profession, strategies to strengthen recruitment and retention, and the importance of mentorship and professional community-building.
For Rasheeda, the conversation reinforced the importance of investing in diverse leadership pipelines and supporting the professionals who serve Black and Brown students every day.
Expanding the Pipeline of Diverse School Psychologists
While in Chicago, Rasheeda also spoke at Chicago State University, addressing adult evening students about careers in school psychology and the urgent need for greater representation in the profession.
School psychology remains a field that is approximately 87% female and 83% white, despite the growing diversity of students in American schools.
Rasheeda emphasized the national shortage of school psychologists and encouraged students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the field. Increasing diversity within school psychology helps ensure that students have access to culturally responsive mental health professionals who understand and reflect their communities.
This outreach supports MBSK Colorado’s Achievement, Career, and Post-Secondary Initiative, which works to strengthen educational pathways and expand opportunities for Black professionals within education systems.
Building National Connections to Advance Educational Equity
While attending the convention, Rasheeda also connected with Dr. Miguel Cardona, the former U.S. Secretary of Education, as well as educators, researchers, and mental health leaders from across the country. These conversations strengthened opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, supporting ongoing efforts to expand educational equity and improve student mental health services.
Honoring a Legacy of Civil Rights Leadership
While in Chicago, Rasheeda attended the public viewing honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader and founder of
the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The gathering brought together thousands of community members reflecting on Jackson’s decades-long commitment to justice, opportunity, and empowerment.
During the visit, Rasheeda also had the opportunity to meet Jesse Jackson Jr., connecting the ongoing work of education and mental health leaders with the broader civil rights legacy that continues to shape opportunities for future generations.
Advancing the Mission of MBSK Colorado
Rasheeda’s participation in the NASP Annual Convention reflects MBSK Colorado’s commitment to strengthening the systems that support the success and well-being of Black and Brown youth.
Through leadership development, professional collaboration, and advocacy for culturally responsive mental health services, these efforts help ensure that students have access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive.
“Our students deserve systems that see them, understand them, and support them,” Rasheeda said. “By investing in the educators, psychologists, and leaders who serve our communities, we are helping create pathways for the next generation to succeed.”