The American Sociological Association (ASA) International Migration Section has selected Dr. Elizabeth Aranda () as the Chair-Elect of the International Migration Section for the coming 2025-26 term. The election results are a testament to Dr. Aranda’s award-winning body of academic research, leadership in public sociology, and commitment to service and mentorship in the field of sociology.
“It is truly an honor to represent the International Migration Section as Chair,” said Dr. Aranda. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with members of the Section Council and scholars on international migration to elevate and uplift our field during this critical time.”
In addition to co-founding the , Dr. Aranda is founder of the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center at the and . She was also recently awarded the 2025 Julian Samora Distinguished Career Award from the American Sociological Association Latina/o Sociology Section in recognition of her profound impact on research, mentorship, and teaching. She was additionally honored as the keynote speaker at the 2025 League of United Latin American Citizens Florida Convention.
Dr. Aranda succeeds current Chair , Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Sociology Department at the University at Albany, SUNY. As stated on the : “The purpose of the Section on International Migration is to stimulate, promote, and reward the development of original theory and research on international migration.”
For over two decades, Dr. Aranda has made significant strides in academic research and public sociology. She has published a wealth of research uncovering critical findings on immigration and immigrant well-being, authored op-eds in major outlets, communicated complex issues in both Spanish and English media, launched the Im/migrant Lives podcast, spearheaded major academic conferences on im/migrant well-being, and consistently elevated and nurtured junior scholars. In 2023, she launched the Im/migrant Well-Being Scholar Collaborative, a network of researchers, centers, and institutes working together to translate research on the lived experiences of immigrants and their communities for impact in state and national policymaking.
“Being elected Chair is a testament to the power of public sociology and translating your research for a broader audience,” said Dr. Aranda. “At a time when immigration policy is so front and center and, on the hearts and minds of so many, one of our main goals is to ensure empirical research led by underrepresented scholars receives the attention it deserves.”
Congratulations to Dr. Aranda for her exceptional contributions, well-deserved recognition and leadership!