NASQN Welcomes Dr. Harry Voulgarakis as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Bryant Silbaugh
- Feb 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 22
NASQN's Leadership and Initiatives Expand
At NASQN, we recognize strong policies supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) play an important role in ABA quality assurance and trade associations like NASQN that operate as safeguards for quality in the ABA services industry.
Ensuring that NASQN's operations, resources, and services are accessible, ethical, and representative of the diverse populations NASQN serves is not just an aspiration—it is a requirement for achieving NASQN's Action Plan for American ABA.
That’s why we are excited to welcome Dr. Harry Voulgarakis as NASQN’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)!
Dr. Voulgarakis is an accomplished psychologist, BCBA-D, researcher, and educator with extensive experience in behavior analytic education, training, and clinical leadership. As an Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s University, New York, and Clinical Supervisor at Teachers College, Columbia University, he has spent his career bridging research and practice to ensure ABA services meet the needs of diverse individuals and communities.
When asked why he was interested in this position, Dr. Voulgarakis shared,
"I am deeply interested in this position because it aligns with my longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Over the years, I have worked extensively to advance DEI initiatives, recognizing that fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment is critical to providing quality support to ABA professionals and the clients they serve.
The field of ABA is at a critical juncture, where greater emphasis on culturally responsive and neuroaffirmative practices is essential. I believe this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to these advancements by equipping ABA professionals with the tools, frameworks, and resources necessary to thrive in diverse environments. By supporting practitioners in navigating complex client needs and systemic challenges, we can improve outcomes, build trust with the communities we serve, and elevate the profession as a whole.
Champion for DEI
As a founding member of the DEI Committee at St Joseph's University, New York (SJNY), Dr. Voulgarakis helped design and implement initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive environment for both faculty and students. This experience gave him insight into the complexities of organizational change and the skills to lead collaborative efforts effectively.
As an alumni member of the Diversity Council at Fielding Graduate University, Dr. Voulgarakis contributed to initiatives that advanced equity and inclusion at an institutional level, further enhancing his understanding of how to drive meaningful DEI progress in higher education, representing the interests of students as a recent graduate at the time. He has also completed coursework in DEI for higher education that included case studies and projects that helped him to understand the benefits of applying a science of organizational behavior equity and inclusion.
Additionally, his expertise as a psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst includes creating culturally responsive programs, mentoring students from diverse backgrounds, and training professionals in ethical, client-centered practices.
Ensuring an Inclusive NASQN
Under Dr. Voulgarakis’s leadership, NASQN will ensure that its operations, services, and policies reflect its commitment to an ABA field that is equitable, transparent, and accountable.
Dr. Voulgarakis will be leading several key DEI initiatives that align with NASQN’s priorities in policy development, team building, member registration, engagement, and resource development.
📌 NASQN will finalize a DEI policy approved by the Board of Directors, ensuring it is aligned with NASQN’s Action Plan for American ABA and has a meaningful impact on operations, services, products, and member relations.
📌 NASQN will host its first DEI team meeting, bringing together new members who are committed to driving long-term improvements in representation, access, and inclusion within NASQN and ABA service organizations.
--> Interested in joining his team? Apply here.
📌 The DEI team will introduce DEI-themed NASQN merchandise, reinforcing NASQN’s public commitment to inclusion, belonging, and quality in ABA.
📌 Dr. Voulgarakis will launch a social media campaign to engage the ABA community in discussions about DEI in the industry.
📌 NASQN will deliver a free, impactful DEI resource that ABA professionals can use to promote quality assurance and inclusive practices in their service settings.
📌 Dr. Voulgarakis will submit a comprehensive report to the NASQN Board of Directors detailing the measurable impact of NASQN’s DEI policy across its operations, services, products, and member engagement.
A Call to Action: Get Involved in NASQN’s DEI Initiatives
DEI isn’t just a conversation—it’s a commitment to action. NASQN is building a team of dedicated professionals who will work alongside Dr. Voulgarakis to ensure that NASQN serves as a model for trade associations in equitable, inclusive, and representative of the populations they serve.
✅ Are you passionate about diversity and quality in ABA? Join NASQN’s DEI team and be part of a nationwide movement for better, more inclusive ABA services.
✅ Looking for ways to support DEI initiatives? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of our upcoming DEI resources and NASQN swag to promote inclusion in ABA.
✅ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and engage with #NASQN to stay up to date on our DEI efforts and share your perspective on how ABA service organizations can continue to promote increasingly equitable and effective services.
Welcome, Dr. Voulgarakis!
NASQN is honored to have Dr. Voulgarakis leading our DEI efforts within NASQN's operations and shaping a future where quality in ABA includes equity, accountability, and excellence.
🔹 Stay tuned for updates as NASQN implements its DEI policies, expands its community, and delivers resources that ABA professionals can use to drive meaningful change.
🔗 Join the conversation using #NASQN and help us build a stronger, more inclusive ABA field!