Lourdes Araujo, EdD, LMHC, CFMHE

Candidate Statement:

My commitment to counseling has always been grounded in people, in the stories we carry, the resilience we build, and the responsibility we hold to serve with presence, compassion, and purpose. It is from this foundation that I am seeking the opportunity to serve within ACA. Throughout my journey as a counselor and educator, I have been shaped by the communities I serve and the leaders who have modeled what ethical, responsive, and courageous leadership looks like. Serving in leadership with the Florida Counseling Association has been a defining experience, allowing me to collaborate across diverse perspectives, support meaningful initiatives, and advocate for counselors and the communities we serve. These experiences have strengthened both my commitment and readiness to contribute at a national level. As an Assistant Professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I bring a perspective that bridges education, clinical practice, and community engagement. I understand the importance of strengthening professional identity, mentoring future counselors, supporting counselor wellness, and ensuring our work remains culturally responsive and ethically grounded. If elected, I will lead with intention, collaboration, and a deep commitment to service. I will prioritize listening to our members, fostering inclusive leadership, and advancing ACA’s mission through advocacy, leadership development, and meaningful engagement. I am not seeking this role simply to hold a position, but to serve with purpose, lead with integrity, and contribute to a profession that continues to make a profound and lasting impact. I believe the future of our profession is strengthened through connection, courageous leadership, and a shared commitment to those we serve, and I am ready to be part of that future. It would be an honor to serve and contribute to the continued strength of our profession.

Candidate Biography:

Dr. Lourdes Araujo is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand View University, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator who is a nationally engaged counseling leader bridging clinical impact, counselor education, and professional advocacy with purpose and integrity. Her work is distinguished by an integrative approach that bridges counselor education, clinical practice, and community engagement, with a specialized focus on trauma, crisis intervention, human trafficking, and domestic violence across clinical, community, and interdisciplinary settings. Dr. Araujo currently serves as Interim President-Elect of ACA–Iowa and has demonstrated transformative leadership within the Florida Counseling Association, where she currently serves as Immediate Past President, following her roles as President and President-Elect. Her leadership extends through board service with the Florida Counseling Association, Suncoast Mental Health Counselor Association, and the Florida Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. She has also chaired the FCA Traumatology Committee and serves on the FCA Nominations, Finance, and Conference Committees. Within higher education, Dr. Araujo has served as Chair of the Counselor Education Program and as Chair of the Counselor Education Program Advisory Board. She contributes to institutional service through the Assessment and Program Review Committee, Center for Excellence in Teaching, and Multicultural Affairs Committee at Grand View University. She is deeply committed to mentoring future counselors and advancing counselor education through culturally responsive, ethically grounded, and leadership-driven practices. Her contributions have been recognized with the “Jeff Siskind” Leadership Award from the Florida Counseling Association and the Traumatic Stress and Resilience Counselor Advocate Award from the American Counseling Association and the International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling. Dr. Araujo leads with intention, humility, and purpose, and is committed to advancing the counseling profession through collaborative leadership, meaningful advocacy, and service that strengthens communities across diverse settings.