Shattering Glass Ceilings: Thriving in the Shadows of Underestimation and Collective Diversity

Shattering Glass Ceilings: Thriving in the Shadows of Underestimation and Collective Diversity

Have you ever been underestimated? Do you have big vision, transformational ideas, and someone doubted you would be able to accomplish your task? Ever experienced someone perceiving your potential or value as being lower than it actually is? Those preconceived notions about you emerge and can linger!

You have small children: Why would you ever split your time in volunteer service at this stage of their lives?

You live on the West Coast: How can you lead an organization based on the East Coast?

You don’t have enough experience: What have you led before?

You can’t, you won’t, you shouldn’t!

Noise, distractions, disturbances, commotion, and interferences—how has it made you feel? Did you internalize, listen to it, react in a way that was positive or negative to your well-being? Did you feel underappreciated where you maybe did not or do not get the credit you deserve for the skillset and effort you provide? Do you feel misunderstood, unfairly assessed? Others making assumptions about you based on biases or stereotypes? Some receive them more than others.

You see, there are folks who take the noise in and allow that underestimation to create self-doubt in their minds. The limitations others place on them affects their self-image and can stifle them.

There are other folks who use being underestimated as a chip on their shoulder and flip it into motivation. An opportunity to show their true potential and prove others wrong. Perhaps it is in that motivation that true transformation occurs.

And there are many people who fall somewhere in between, experiencing a mix of emotions and responses.

It is throughout those moments of underestimation, when your confidence is questioned, when anxiety may creep up, that there has to be some true north to bring us back to our, your, purpose. Our why and our overall belief that we can shape the future we envision! You see, there is beautiful power in being underestimated: You know that quiet power, but even more so, there is power in the collective stories that many of us have about our experiences being underestimated.

These stories offer an opportunity for us to collectively reflect on ways to leverage OT and OS in a mighty way! And as we journey towards Vision 2030, it’s time to reimagine the role of occupational therapy and science within a rapidly evolving global landscape and convert our underestimation into our power!

So today, it’s not business as usual! Today is about peeling back the onion and looking at how we can shift underlying structures and practices that are limiting our progress as a profession. It is about honoring the old, leaning into the present, and introducing new ways of collaboration and transforming power dynamics.

It’s about creating sustainable and long-lasting change that we can adapt to, which will help us evolve as a profession. In order for us to have these long-lasting improvements, I look at it through a holistic lens (so OT, right?), recognizing that being underestimated individually is not just one person’s issue; rather it is understanding that we are all interconnected and impact one another, causing a ripple effect of collective underestimation. Whether we are looking at our association or other OT/OS spaces we are a part of, we must examine underestimation in its full context if we want to advance to higher levels as a profession.

Can the underestimated examine why we are allegedly an underestimated profession? Is that a double negative?

I say, heck yeah—let’s dive more into how we can and will thrive together!

Fyi, If I may throughout this discussion ask a question or two, please feel free to respond out loud and later we will have an opportunity to share more formally.

Just engage with me throughout, match my energy.

Dr. Lela Llorens

In Dr. Llorens’ excerpt from her poem “The Joy of Underestimation,” what she did not say was when she completed her Slagle lecture (still being the first and only Black female to ever hold this honor) at the reception hosted for past lecturers, which were only nine at the time. So a very intimate setting, different from now, when one of our colleagues went up to her and said she thought Dr. Llorens was going to be lecturing about OT practicing in the ghetto. She could not wrap her head around the fact that Dr. Llorens was actually lecturing on a theory she was proposing, which was the theory of facilitating occupational therapy through the lifespan.

I think it’s safe to say she proved some folks wrong, as evidenced by the living legend and icon in our profession she has become, and well-deserved might I add. One that now has her own award named after her in this very own association. I am honored to be leaning on the shoulders of several living legends, many here today, who have paved the way.

Fun fact: the hotel employees (mainly Black) in Dallas were so proud of Dr. Llorens taking the stage because they rarely saw a “spectacle” like this, that they stood in the balcony just to hear her speak.

Dolores Huerta

Another example, a non-OT person, but still mighty at that, and cofounder of the National Farm Workers Association with César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is one of the most influential labor activists of this century. A New Mexico native, she became passionate about activism while she was a teacher. She witnessed many hungry farm children coming to school. She believed she could do more to help them by organizing farmers and farm workers. Fast forward, she became heavily involved in fighting for economic improvements for Hispanics.

One of her biggest wins was securing disability insurance for injured California farm workers and getting state-backed “aid for dependent families.” She also directed a national grape boycott to protest the dangers of pesticides on grape pickers. This boycott resulted in the California grape industry changing how it practices.

She also negotiated the first-ever collective bargaining agreement with an agricultural business to earn improved working conditions and wages for farm workers. Even with all of these accomplishments, she once said that (word for word):

“In 1986, I was working on the Amnesty bill to try to get people who were undocumented their legal residency, and I found out later that many male friends told Cesar Chavez, ‘Oh, Dolores is crazy, she’ll never make it happen.’ And we did: 1.4 million farmworkers got their legalization status, and about 3 million other people did. Si se puede!”

Madison Tevlin

And then there is Madison Tevlin, who is an actress and someone who has Down Syndrome. She is on BBC’s 100 Women list and has a large online presence as an activist speaking about all things inclusion. Her motto is: I have Down Syndrome and it’s the least interesting thing about me!

Her main goal is challenging misunderstandings and in one of her recent Instagram posts, she states in her caption: “People with disabilities get underestimated all the time. I want to be part of changing the narrative.” She goes on to say shattering expectations can be tough, but it’s so much fun proving people wrong. Let’s give you a peek of Madison’s amazing platform (see Dr. Anvarizadeh’s address posted to YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0W-uqMwg9Y&t=651s], at minute 13:55).

Now that’s the energy I am talking about: We know that disability is not a diagnosis; rather, it is an identity. And it is clear that a diagnosis does not define anyone, because just like Madison, people have many, many layers!

Challenging people’s assumptions!

Challenging folks to see the ABILITY!

And, of course, shattering those glass ceilings!

Chills!

Jalen Hurts

And athletes. Where my athletes at in the audience? I will do a nod to Philly’s very own Eagle, Jalen Hurts. What a beautiful story of perseverance he has BECAUSE of being so underestimated. Going back to his college years at the University of Alabama, that infamous midgame benching during the national championship game after, might I add, he led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated season and was named Offensive Player of the Year. BENCHED (in favor of Tua). He then transferred to Oklahoma and became a Heisman finalist. Did not win! But there is more: He wasn’t even selected first round in the NFL draft, more like 53rd overall. Still outworking and outperforming expectations.

Folks said that when he lost during his first Super Bowl appearance in the 2022 season that would be his last opportunity, and did he prove everyone wrong, bringing the Eagles to the Super Bowl AGAIN and winning this year’s championship. Now he is being considered an elite quarterback and has the title of an NFL champion and MVP! Can we just say commitment to excellence, demonstrated strength during adversity, and displayed poise—even with the noise of the underestimaters.

The Power of Underestimation

For the sake of time, these are just a few examples, I can go on and on about all different people and communities who are underestimated.

These examples have very similar undertones of how these individuals used underestimation to their benefit. Embracing it as part of their lived experience that contributes to their storytelling and impacts their storymaking. Some of the common characteristics that I feel individuals who have been underestimated display or embody are:

▪ Someone who holds true to their core values.

Conversely, many people who are underestimated experience microaggressions, gaslighting, and even imposter syndrome (which should not exist). All of these experiences create an environment where the person really starts to question their own abilities and value, which so often correlates to feelings of defeat. And again, some people do experience these actions more than others.

Does anyone in the audience, who may feel like they have been underestimated, identify with any of these characteristics or experiences? Scream out a “yes” for me if so!

These characteristics of being underestimated are part of what holds your power! Why? Your power is in your preparation. It is in your ability to take action when necessary, it is in your ability to stay true to yourself. That authenticity builds trust over time. You develop a growth mindset that turns setbacks into opportunities. You adapt, you surprise, and you build your success! Thriving in that POWER, perhaps not even realizing it.

Hmmm, to be underestimated!

The Power of Community

So individually, if people who have been underestimated have these impressive characteristics, which is what encapsulates their (YOUR) power, then let’s now layer this concept even further by examining how and why there is also infinite power in having collective diversity.

Summarizing this into a question: Why is it so important for us to align the concepts of collective diversity into our own professional identity?

Recently, as all of you may be aware, the fires in Los Angeles were absolutely devastating. I can name at least 100 families who I personally know that lost their homes, schools, businesses, so much. I immediately felt compelled to organize and mobilize in grassroots ways that called for short- and long-term relief, from providing meals and clothes to partnering with foundations to provide funding to start the rebuilding process.

I am still very engaged with organizing so that families can continue to gain resources, but the biggest gift I received from this disaster is a sense of community, more specifically it is in the collective diversity that has come together towards a shared goal of being #SoCalStrong.

Through acts of kindness and aid efforts, we have this determination to support those that have been displaced, from all walks of life. An unbelievably powerful spirit has grown out of these wildfires.

I always say let community be an anchor in all of our spaces—personal AND professional. In community we feel the most ourselves and that we BELONG because, as we know, belonging is not stagnant, it changes over time! WE find comfort, security, JOY, emotional and physical safety, resilience, validation, engagement, vulnerability, and HEART!

The Power of Collective Diversity

In creating community, there is also this concept of collective diversity. It is this coming together of shared values, interests, and/or goals. Whether it is in how we identify, or in what intersectionalities we hold, that the multiple dimensions of diversity can be seen. It is in the collective piece that brings people’s varying experiences and views together that makes communities more dynamic, inclusive, richer, and accessible!

From a physical community, literally like building a community garden, to spiritual communities, to an emotional community, to a simple phone call—this is NOT novel when you think from an OT lens. All of these ideas and so many more are rooted in what? In collective occupation, which embodies what? DIVERSITY. SO OT! SO OT!

As we serve diverse populations, and we are a profession that is focused on increasing our own diversity through our recruitment efforts, embracing our collective diversity brings our unique strength to the table.

Celebrating and harnessing the strengths of different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds positions OT and our research to have improved innovation. It drives social change and occupational justice. It fosters problem-solving and better decision-making skills. It creates collaborative learning opportunities, and it promotes empathy and compassion, two of our greatest professional strengths.

We are the profession that the doing is the being is the becoming … belonging … right? There is indeed power in leaning into this professional identity now more than ever.

Is Occupational Therapy the Underestimated Profession?

Back to Jalen Hurts being the underestimated champion. So then were the Eagles the underdogs? A championship that meant more to Philly than just football. It was about proving what many said was impossible. The 3-peat for the Chiefs was the overall consensus. They showed the world that the underdog doesn’t stay down.

So I ask: Are we the underdog? Are we THE underestimated profession? What is our issue? Can we have a real moment about it. Not to be a Debbie downer, but let’s just vibe.

We have a high demand of practitioners while also experiencing cuts everywhere. Having to do more with less!

Having low insurance reimbursement rates, difficulty accessing our services (both rural and urban areas), limited visibility of our services, protecting Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, advocating to support workforce diversity, including OTA payment, new grads figuring out what we do (getting mentorship), advocating for recognition in behavioral and mental health practice settings, modernizing state practice acts and OT regulations, getting these telehealth laws passed, OT licensure compact, OT and OS kind of being in silo, low membership numbers across the board (state and national associations), disengaged, folks leaving the profession, low admission rates in OTA/OT education, LIKE sometimes, just sometimes, we go (DEEP EXHALE) … will we see the light….

This constant rotating conversation that NOBODY knows what OT is!

Every single one of us in here may have a story where you have been underestimated in the spaces you occupy. Who are doing incredible work, who have changed lives, but that work does not get acknowledged like it should. Those feelings of despair, patterns of self-doubt.

For the mental health practitioner, for the researcher searching for funding, for the entrepreneur, for the peds, older adult, phys dis therapist, for working in the SNF. My OTPs involved in rebab engineering and AT, traditional, nontraditional setting—YOU, us, WE have been collectively underestimated as occupational therapy.

I say ENOUGH! NO MORE! BOO HOO is done!

This is what I call tap in time: How are we going to tap into our power despite these issues (as the underdogs) collectively?

The Power of Occupation

This power I keep talking about! What is it? I am going to say it boldly and loudly, with my shoulders back and head up high. What my 3 year old would call magic or superpower, our magic and power is in OCCUPATION! Let’s not run from it. Let’s say it.

My occupational scientists/researchers are going to love this part.

Individuals are most true to their humanity when engaged in occupations. This idea that occupations are essential for human health and well-being: The stories we tell ourselves, about ourselves, we create narratives of meaning about what we do. Our habits, roles, and routines, our being and becoming. We understand how occupations consume our identity.

As humans, we also adapt to the demands of the environment. We have the capacity to respond to the challenges presented in life.

We are occupational beings, but more importantly, and what makes the hair rise on my arms every time I talk about who we are, WE understand these concepts so clearly, which makes us (the so-called underdogs) such an incredibly meaningful profession.

I don’t believe the conversation anymore is that people don’t know who we are. These intergenerational stories we share. I believe people do not know our SCOPE of practice, but bay-bee they do know we EXIST!

And to bring our field to the next level, we must be able to demonstrate that participation and OCCUPATION are FUNDABLE outcomes. So we can confidently use the words participation and performance and OCCUPATION, knowing that our work absolutely does demonstrate real outcomes.

Even in a world that may feel intensely divided and where energy may feel depleted, what brings us all together is the power of occupation. We are the profession that enables the doing, the architects of ACTING.

So how do we take up space?

OT as a Profession

And just like, those individual characteristics that I discussed earlier that an underestimated person embodies, as a profession we embrace the same aura, which makes sense because it’s a whole bunch of us underestimated folks in this underestimated profession.

The characteristics we display are:

▪ A profession that is resilient.

My practitioners, researchers, students, academicians, advocates, my leaders, my everyone—does some of this resonate with us as a collective?

YES? Give me a shout!

Instead of calling ourselves underestimated, let’s change the stories we tell about ourselves and lean into this radiant power of a profession called occupational therapy. Change comes about when we shift the old narrative!

THIS IS OUR COLLECTIVE IDENTITY: Capable, resourceful, spirit-filled, strong, and, yes, we may fly under the radar because of our unconventional nature, but We… Bring … the Magic!

How Do We Lean Into Underestimation?

So now we are fully leaning into our strength. How do we use this momentum to move forward as a collective unit? I am mainly interested in creating ways we will actualize our Vision 2030 [Figure 1] and reimagine our future together. I want to share a few of my concerns, desires, goals!

OPEN IN VIEWER

Figure 1.

AOTA Vision 2030.

My platform is all about community and coalition-building always—more so than ever before (you will hear me say “more so than ever before” quite a bit for the remainder of my presentation). I also strongly believe in encouraging transparency AND accountability for policies, processes, and people, especially ones that we place in positions of leadership.

I would like to make note that there are five generations currently in this profession … FIVE! Talk about diversity. What will be our impact (all five generations) in bringing this vision to life? How will we come together more so than ever before?

Throughout my President- elect-year, I have been very intentional about meeting with people, which I feel even with having had over 100 conversations, oftentimes meeting several times, and I still have not touched the tip of the iceberg.

Through forming these communities I have listened, gathered feedback, heard perspectives, honored diversity of thought, and showcased the culture I intend to establish here: authentic COLLABORATION. These conversations have afforded us the opportunity to create ideas, which has been the highlight of this year and I am excited about moving these ideas forward starting in July.

Themes about our collective power that I have gathered from these discussions are also very aligned with supporting the Vision’s pillars.

In no particular order (very broadly, today, for the sake of time, because I will be discussing the plans for these priorities in more detail throughout this year), here is a glimpse.

I believe that state associations and AOTA should be working more closely together and can support each other in very unique ways to sustain our profession: MORE SO THAN EVER BEFORE! The level of advocacy and membership engagement we can do together is highly timely and necessary right now. This is very important to me because I believe we can make a large impact in protecting our profession through our government and regulatory affairs and overall advocacy efforts, and it provides a large opportunity to showcase our professional value in practice and science together.

By doing this, we will literally touch on every single pillar. So ASAP … and even other committees, like AOTPAC, get ready. Let’s reimagine our opportunities in working together!

Innovative and entrepreneurial practice. Leaning into member and consumer value by highlighting the individuals and groups in our profession who are focusing on these practice areas.

Actually, not just highlighting, but fostering a space where these individuals feel part of the profession AND provide resources so people don’t feel that they have to leave the profession because there is not a lane for them here. It will also allow students and new grads to DREAM BIG knowing that they have resources and support coming their way. Lots of ideas around this!

Bringing folks into and keeping folks in the profession! Recruitment and retention. Retention goes back to my last comment. Feeling empowered as an OTP—if we can showcase the unique settings our practitioners and scientists are involved in, then we really can add to our value proposition. And it does not necessarily have to be a new innovative setting; we have phenomenal practitioners and scientists doing remarkable work in traditional settings as well. Not to take away from anyone.

And so now back to recruitment. To me, it is not just looking at admissions rates, but OTA and OT education as a whole. I call this holistic EDUCATION.

I would like to prioritize reimagining our education in ways of what and how we teach so that we can graduate new practitioners who are ahead of the curve and prepared to be transformational. I am looking forward to working closely with our volunteer leaders (ALC, COE) and staff to have meaningful, action-oriented discussions, as well as connecting with our accreditation agency, ACOTE and NBCOT, in identifying ways we can problem solve together.

Jobs. Public service work! We are in the midst of seeing millions of the federal workforce jobs being cut. Areas such as Medicaid, the Department of Education, and many other cuts happening … securing jobs, providing access to care for ALL, and protecting our practitioners/scientists! I need more time to discuss this but know that I am clear about this impact on us professionally and to the communities we serve. FOCUSED!

Next, it is a priority of mine to foster effective communication to create opportunities to partner. And I don’t just mean with the typical community partners or “stakeholders” our profession is used to leaning into. I mean engineering, construction, public health, environmental organizations, natural disaster teams, aviation/aerospace industry, architecture and inclusive design groups, implementation science field, and technology industries.

When I speak about people knowing our SCOPE, this is what I think of—spaces like this, where they KNOW that they need OTP representation (in forms of practice/research) on their teams either as a hired member or consultant.

As we partner with groups we have not worked with before or have minimally worked with, it is just as important to reconnect AND COLLABORATE with groups that we have a history with, such as NBCOT and AOTF.

I can list so many more groups, but my point is there is space for all of us to thrive, and in our climate today, it is critical that we work together and not in silos. The more we can have OTPs, scientists, everyone come together, the stronger we will be. Ultimately, the goal is to use our underestimated, quiet power towards actualizing our Vision and moving our profession forward—hello first and third pillars!

Last, but not least (for right now), I want us to prioritize having diverse volunteer leaders and creating more transparent processes to access and engage in volunteer leadership.

There is also opportunity to develop pathways to find MDI groups and to understand the history of these groups and why they were formed. As the first pillar talks all about inclusivity and equity, I want to be clear: Inclusion is quite different than fostering a sense of belonging. You can have one and not the other. You can be “included” and absolutely not be afforded the opportunity to gain a sense of belonging. I plan to shift that culture! Let’s actualize and have authentic collaboration! Hello, first pillar! VLDC. I see you! These are exciting times!

I am excited about all of the ways we can lean into volunteer groups, from committees to commissions, empower our volunteer leaders to be engaged and transformative.

I can’t express enough the value and importance of our staff and volunteers. Since this is a membership organization, that is who should be driving it: our members who are also our volunteer leaders but who ALSO get the opportunity to collaborate with our incredible and dedicated staff. See, all pieces of the puzzle are so significant when leaning into our power TOGETHER. Each individual on every team brings unique value.

And, of course, with my Board, I am extremely excited to share more details of the many plans to engage members and gain new members through marketing and communications.

My goal is to have a Presidency that will leave AOTA and our profession more vibrant, energetic, and thriving. Have us thinking in visionary ways; pushing us to even consider OT going beyond encompassing just health care. Transcendence comes to mind. It’s gonna be fun! WE need some fun.

The most important piece of my plan is that I won’t be completing this alone. All of you, every one of you, have the ability and capability to contribute to us being better, stronger, and more powerful. And that comes from our COLLECTIVE DIVERSITY!

A Prompt to Take Action

As we reawaken and reimagine our possibilities and capabilities, it is always important for me to take time in a presentation to focus on action. And as we are processing today’s concepts and in the spirit of remaining in community, what commitment are we planning to make in shattering a glass ceiling? And shattering a glass ceiling can be defined however you want.

I would love for us to take a moment to share in the audience. You can come up to the mic (we’ll do about two for time y’all, and we can keep talking about this throughout conference). I even set up a box at the AOTA booth to give more opportunity to share! Drop it in there. But really, what this is to me is a first step in creating community while forging ways to be transformational together.

Reimagining and Reawakening Occupational Therapy

As I close this presentation, I challenge all of us to stand in our quiet power, be motivated from being underestimated, and have the courage to speak out for what is just. We have the power to influence the direction we envision our profession to look like because things don’t have to remain the same as they’ve always been.

Deep down, the underestimated have a longing to be seen and valued. Like us as OT. Although underestimated, we are a profession of the heart, a profession for humanity, which is why the time is now, more so than ever before, for us to claim our place in the conversation or create our own space.

Yes, understanding the climate we are in.

Some people say OT is political, some say it is not, some say the same about health care, and we know that AOTA is nonpartisan. What we can agree on is that we are in quite a chaotic climate right now.

It is in times of chaos when people need some type of harmony, and our ability, as occupational therapy, to promote unity and collaboration will take us so much further in a shared purpose right now.

This is why, even in a time where many may feel overwhelmed or drained, this is our moment of validation, a reminder that humanity is what connects us, connections we are yearning so much for.

There is this powerful reminder of the mental and emotional impact of collective resilience—similar to the Eagles victory, the way a shared victory can shift narratives, renew hope, and affirm that even those who have been overlooked can rise.

Therefore, even with odds stacked against us, success is achievable. The foundation of occupational therapy is in the spirit of community and relationship building.

Similarly, the core of these types of discussions is ultimately rooted in serving our community and bridging gaps so that we can have a more equitable and just society. It is a sacred time!

Our story is far from over: Reclaiming our power and removing any self-doubt sets us up for a mighty breakthrough.

And what I stand for as your leader is someone who will not bend to politics nor break to pressure. I believe this is our chance to come together to support our practice, our science, and our clients!

WE must have a growth mindset! In order to do this, we must foster collective diversity so that we can thrive. This idea of moving from gatekeeping to gate-opening. You see, transformation happens when you are encouraged, inspired, and motivated to perform in ways that create meaningful change. If we all can rise in this way, the result is an engaged workforce that’s empowered to innovate and help shape our future success.

Shattering Glass Ceilings

I am excited about all the places we are going to go together.

And speaking of together, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my village, which you all will be seeing more of. In order for me to stay connected to my core values of community and coalition-building, family remains at the top, keeps me grounded, lifts me up.

This text is one from my father the year he passed away. It was my first attempt in running for the AOTA Board. I did not win and I immediately shared it with him. He goes on to encourage me and spoke life into me. The full-circle moment, with hard work and dedication, no corners cut. Head to the ground to serve and inspire others so that you too can be the change you want to see. I am now standing here on this stage as your incoming President, with not just a message about shattering a glass ceiling, but as an example of it!

I want to take a moment to acknowledge this front row, my family, mother, bonus mama, papa, and sisters for being here to love on me.

And coming on this stage right now, my amazing husband and sons, for loving on me! It takes a village!

For my toddlers, parents—I should have finished before bringing them up. Let’s see if I can finish my last thoughts!

My charge to all of us is: To shift our mindset that underestimation is negative; rather, stay grounded in your power and stay true to your core values. Let’s not only shatter glass ceilings, let’s make some new ones together. WE got this! Onward and upward. Be mindful—intention does not equal impact!

Thank you for your energy and time. I will see you back on this stage next year in California! And remember, it’s not business as usual.

They not like OTs!

They not like us!

They not like OTPs!

They not like OTA/OT students!

They not like AOTA!