COTAD was established in 2014 by members of AOTA's Emerging Leaders Development Program. It's purpose was to empower equitable and inclusive practices within Occupational Therapy higher education and work practices. Since then, over 60 COTAD chapters have been established across the nation. St. Catherine's University graduate students Diamond Hill, Erin Bugajski, Naomi Teetzel, and faculty member Dr. Stephanie de Sam Lazaro will educate MOTA on their COTAD chapter, the Minority Mentorship Program, COTAD-ED, and the positive impact it has on Occupational Therapy diversity inclusion initiatives.

Learning Objectives:
1) Identify 1-2 methods COTAD aides Occupational Therapists in achieving AOTA's Vision 2025.
2) Define the collaborative student and faculty process for establishing a COTAD chapter within 1 year.
3) Describe 1 strategy COTAD can utilize to increase visibility and diversify the OT workforce.
4) Describe 1 method COTAD's Minority Mentorship Program increases retention of diverse Occupational Therapy students.