Welcome! A Note From ASHA's 2025 President

Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke

As we celebrate 100 years of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, we reflect on a remarkable legacy of advancing effective communication as a human right. From a small group of 25 speech correctionists in 1925 to a thriving community of over 234,000 members today, ASHA has been at the forefront of innovation, advocacy, and education in communication sciences and disorders.

This centennial is not just a time to honor our history—it’s a moment to look boldly toward the future. As leaders, members, and partners, we have the unique opportunity to shape what’s next for our professions. Together, we can embrace transformative change, foster collaboration, and create an even greater impact in the lives of those we serve.

The future of work and learning in our field will be defined by bold action, innovative thinking, and inclusive leadership. Whether it’s advancing technology, promoting diversity and equity among the membership and spaces that our members serve, or building stronger networks across disciplines, each of us has a role to play in making communication accessible and achievable for all.

Let’s use this milestone to celebrate our shared accomplishments, recognize the change-makers among us, and inspire one another to elevate our professions to new heights. Here’s to honoring ASHA’s legacy, celebrating our impact, and embracing the exciting possibilities the next 100 years will bring.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we will continue to make history.

Warmly, 

Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow 
2025 President, ASHA Board of Directors