Join us for a MEMBERS ONLY engaging virtual conversation created for Black occupational therapy educators to connect, reflect, and learn from one another.

Through a facilitated fireside chat and audience dialogue, we will explore the experiences of navigating academia as Black OT educators and, importantly, the strategies, relationships, and communities that help us grow and thrive.

Our conversation will explore topics such as mentorship and sponsorship, navigating academic expectations, establishing professional boundaries, building supportive networks, maintaining authenticity, and creating opportunities for those coming behind us.

Facilitated by Dr. Sandra “Sandee” Dunbar-Smalley, an occupational therapist, academic leader, ICF Certified Executive Coach, and former Provost with more than two decades of experience in higher education.

Time: 7:00–8:30 PM EST
Format: Virtual-https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84851243621?pwd=ADmedu4Z6sx42E6ALvRDYR8ric9fNJ.1
Audience: Black OT educators who are members of NBOTC

This is more than a conversation about navigating academia. It is an opportunity to learn from our collective experiences, strengthen our connections, and consider how we can support one another throughout our academic journeys.

Find your people. Protect your footing. Extend a hand.

The nomination window for the 2027 AOTA Elections is officially open! This is an opportunity to step forward in leadership—or encourage a colleague whose voice, experience, and perspective would contribute to AOTA’s leadership.

Consider nominating yourself or a colleague for an open position.

️ Nomination Window:
September 8 – October 14, 2026
Deadline: October 14 at 11:59 a.m. ET

Representation in leadership matters, and we encourage our members to explore the available opportunities and consider how you—or someone you know—can contribute to shaping the future of our profession.

View open positions and submit a nomination:
2027 AOTA Elections & Nominations

Don’t wait until the deadline. Step forward, nominate a colleague, and help ensure our voices are represented in the spaces where decisions are made.

We are excited to invite you to join us for our National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC) Meeting and Award Ceremony during AOTA INSPIRE 2027.

This is a special time for us to come together as a community to connect, reflect, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our network. We will also take time to recognize and honor individuals who continue to make meaningful contributions to our profession and our organization.

Your presence matters. Whether you have been with NBOTC for years or are newly connected, this gathering is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, build new ones, and continue moving our mission forward together.

I look forward to seeing you there and celebrating with you.

We are excited to invite you to join us for our National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC) Meeting and Award Ceremony during AOTA INSPIRE 2028.

This is a special time for us to come together as a community to connect, reflect, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our network. We will also take time to recognize and honor individuals who continue to make meaningful contributions to our profession and our organization.

Your presence matters. Whether you have been with NBOTC for years or are newly connected, this gathering is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, build new ones, and continue moving our mission forward together.

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating with you.

We are excited to invite you to join us for our National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (NBOTC) Meeting and Award Ceremony during AOTA INSPIRE 2029.

This is a special time for us to come together as a community to connect, reflect, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our network. We will also take time to recognize and honor individuals who continue to make meaningful contributions to our profession and our organization.

Your presence matters. Whether you have been with NBOTC for years or are newly connected, this gathering is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, build new ones, and continue moving our mission forward together.

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating with you.