AOTA celebrates the Diverse Leaders Program inaugural cohort

Dale kicked off the Scholar reflections with her presentation, My OT Journey: RoOTed in Diversity, in which she shared her journey to become an occupational therapist, being the only Black student in her OT program, and reflecting on the advancement of Black practitioners in the profession. She noted the highlights of the DLP included finding connections and community within AOTA with members who are part of the Divine Nine (nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations called the National Pan-Hellenic Council [NPHC]), implementing the volunteer component of the program in her state, and participating in advocacy efforts with OT students. Dale ended her presentation reflecting on her experience in the program, which she attributes to recognizing the importance of lifelong learning, seeking opportunities, and achieving continuous upward mobility in her career. 

Chris shared her personal reflection, My Journey & Personal Reflections, by starting with her positionality statement and her “why.” She cites career development and a recent transition from clinical practice to academia as the reasons for applying to the DLP. Through her DLP participation, Chris indicated that she was exposed to new connections, experiences, and perspectives that support her key takeaways from program: 1) understand AOTA operations and structure; 2) honor past experiences with growth; 3) get comfortable with being uncomfortable; 4) align actions with words; 5) critically review requirements for leadership roles through an equity lens; and 6) create bridges and pathways to leverage diverse experiences, skill sets, and ideas outside the traditional framework.

Letitia’s, I Aspire to Inspire, focused on her interest in collaborating with various practitioners who equally seek to advance the OT profession’s representation of under-represented groups. Letitia’s desire to serve as a visual model of possibility for people who believe that achieving acceptance and success in the OT practice field is unattainable led her to apply to the DLP. Her personal reflections and takeaways included discovering her core values, strengths, weaknesses, and leadership skills; connecting and collaborating in a meaningful way with members of her fellow cohort and AOTA volunteer leaders; optimizing opportunities; and committing to pursue her leadership journey in her career and within AOTA. Letitia ended her presentation with personal affirmations and declaring, “AOTA, I am here to stay.”

Kathy’s presentation, Reflections, began with defining “belonging” as she shared her lived experiences as a Latin practitioner. She said that her decision to apply for the DLP was based on her ability to align her core values, expand her personal and professional growth, and produce real change with the program’s objectives. By participating in the program, she was able to gain a better understanding of AOTA operations and what each AOTA leadership role entails. Kathy recalled the Scholars’ trip to Portland as a highlight of the program. The Scholars accompanied the AOTA Board for a community service project benefiting the Blanchet House, a Portland, Ore. based non-profit organization that supports the community through food, clothing, and housing programs. During this service project, Kathy felt “a sense of connectedness, inclusion, community, and belonging with our community.” Her final reflections focused on the benefits of the DLP: leadership development, role exploration, mentorship and networking, personal and professional growth, and lastly, promotions and recognition. 

Jenny’s reflection shared her career trajectory—the highs, the lows, and the unknown. Jenny described how the many opportunities to attend board meetings, conferences, workshops, and meeting other leaders within and outside of the profession enriched her experience as a Scholar. Additionally, she gained “a better understanding of what diversity actually means and the work that has been done and the work that still needs to [happen].” Jenny encouraged others who may be apprehensive to apply for leadership roles by utilizing their skillset and adapting it to the role. By participating in this program and collaborating with her mentor, Jenny realized the full potential of her role as an OTA and the impact she can make as a leader. This self-discovery led Jenny to a new and exciting career opportunity. 

“I enjoyed the time in getting to know Dale and understand her view of occupational therapy academia, her leadership aspirations, and diverse strengths/concerns for our profession. Dale sees herself as ready to consider ‘next steps’ in leadership with a specific leadership position in mind. She recognizes her energy for the work is ripe; she feels the “momentum” is with her to put herself out there and move forward in leadership. Her ability to see the ‘big picture’ while stepping back from distractors or narrow issues supports her capacity to lead—she can can maintain ‘perspective’.” - Wendy 

“The dialogue and vision sharing for increasing and demanding diversity in the profession [was a theme in our discussions]. I found an ally, collaborator, colleague, and a new friend. Chris is practical and uses common sense for the greater good. Using common sense is often overlooked and people get caught up in the system or caught up in serving the hierarchy of a system. Chris wants to make changes to generate solutions to unmet needs. We need more leaders like Chris.” - Roger 

“Letitia is a hard worker and has a strong desire to contribute to the profession in terms of getting her work published. I wish Letitia well and was happy to be a part of her leadership development. I offer her my continued support in ways of her choosing that might continue her development in scholarship. She has potential for achieving her dreams and I would be happy to see her growth in this area.” - Penelope 

“Jenny is willing to ask questions, to ask the why behind the info she gets. Jenny has a keen sense for wanting to have the big picture, but also the details. I am so proud of Jenny for taking the risk to go for a new job that utilizes her occupational therapy lens, but more importantly, demonstrates the power of being a proud OTA. I arranged networking with non-traditional OTAs to identify goals to try new things using an occupational therapy lens. We discussed areas in which OTAs can lead.” - Melissa 

“Kathy has been a joy to mentor. I've appreciated the opportunity to work with someone who is similarly eager to connect, evolve, and learn together. We shared both the joy and challenges of being first-generation college graduates and Latinas in occupational therapy. I'm grateful for the opportunity the DLP provided us, and I look forward to future connection.” - Nicole