Oakland, CA

Ellyn Uram Kaschak, Ph.D., a groundbreaking figure in the field of feminist psychology, passed away peacefully February 20, 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to influence and inspire. Born June 23,1943 in Brooklyn, New York, she dedicated her life to championing women's rights and advocating for gender equality.

In 2018, Dr. Kaschak’s generous financial gift to her undergraduate alma mater led to the founding of the Ellyn Uram Kaschak Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls at Binghamton University. The institute supports research in various fields, both new and ongoing, that aligns with her activist vision of making a direct, positive impact on the lives of women and girls.

Dr. Kaschak was a pioneer in developing feminist therapy, a framework that challenges traditional therapy models that often reflect patriarchal values. Dr. Kaschak’s contributions to the field earned her numerous accolades including the recipient of the Heritage Award and The Carolyn Wood Sherif Award from the Society for the Psychology of Women (APA Division 35), the Distinguished Leader Award of the APA Committee on Women in Psychology; the Denmark-Reuder Award for Outstanding Contributions to the International Psychology of Women and Gender from the Society for Global Psychology (APA Division 52); and the Feminist Therapy Institute Award for Outstanding Contributions to Feminist Psychology.

She was the author or editor of 14 books, including "Engendered Lives: A New Psychology of Women's Experience"

(1992) and "Sight Unseen: Gender and Race through Blind Eyes" (2015). For 20 years, she edited the quarterly "Journal of Women &Therapy."Her scholarship was distinguished by its depth, clarity, and unwavering courage in confronting complex social issues related to gender, power, and identity.

Dr. Kaschak’s influence extended far beyond scholarly contributions; she was a beloved mentor to countless students and professionals, an inspirational speaker to global audiences, and a compassionate therapist who dedicated herself to the well-being of her clients. Her tenure as Professor at San Jose State University and later at Peace University in Costa Rica was marked by a commitment to nurturing the next generation of feminist scholars and practitioners.

Apart from her professional accomplishments, Ellyn Kaschak was known for her vibrant personality, love of the arts, and dedication to social justice. She leaves behind a community of friends, colleagues, and admirers touched by her warmth, intellect, and unyielding dedication to making the world a more equitable place.

Dr. Kaschak is survived by her loving partner, a sister, brother, niece and nephew, and their respective families.

Her legacy lives on through her influential writings, the many lives she touched, and the enduring impact of her life's work, which will continue to resonate for generations to come.

In honoring her wishes, friends and family encourage support of organizations dedicated to the promotion of gender equality including The Ellyn Uram Kaschak InstituteofSocialJusticeforWomenandGirlshttps://www.bingha mton.edu/institutes/kaschak-social-justice-institute/index. html and invite those who knew Dr. Kaschak to celebrate her life by continuing to advocate for the causes she held dear.