Member Spotlight 

Name: Mayumi Hagiwara, PhD

Location: San Francisco, CA

Member since: 2016

Employment: Assistant Professor of Department of Special Education at San Francisco State University

Why did you join AAIDD? 
Because all my professors at University of Kansas were seasoned members of the AAIDD! Also, ever since the first conference I attended in Atlanta, AAIDD became my professional home. AAIDD conferences offer the best reunions with the experts, where I can learn the most up-to-date research and practices in this field.

Why did you choose the field of intellectual disability? 
I did not choose this field, but my sister with intellectual disability has led me to seek opportunities to learn and thrive as a scholar in this field. My sister is the driving force to continue to expand my expertise to improve quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

AAIDD Leadership Positions:
International Interest Network, Co-Chair (2018-present)
Student and Early Career Professionals Interest Network, Secretary (2018-2019); Co-Chair (2019-present)