Fireside Chat

Biography:

Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA is a Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy and former Director of Admissions at the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. As the architect of USC Chan’s holistic admissions process, Dr. Anvarizadeh led transformative efforts that resulted in the most diverse cohorts in the Division’s history—all while preserving rigorous and effective admissions standards. Her leadership has also been pivotal in strengthening recruitment and retention strategies, creating pathway programs, and promoting inclusive pedagogy.

A Founding Member and former Chair of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD), Dr. Anvarizadeh has been a driving force in advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression within the occupational therapy profession. She is the visionary behind many of COTAD’s cornerstone initiatives, including COTAD Chapters, the COTAD Toolkit, the Ignite Series, and the Fieldwork Task Force.

Dr. Anvarizadeh made history as the youngest and the first Black and Iranian woman to serve as Vice President of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and to be inducted into the prestigious Roster of Fellows (FAOTA). She made history again with her landslide election as AOTA President, a role she officially assumed in July 2025.

In addition to her current role as AOTA President, Dr. Anvarizadeh has held numerous national leadership positions, including Chair of the Credential Review and Accountability Committee (CRAC), member of the Representative Assembly Leadership Committee (RALC), member of the Governance Task Force, and liaison between the Governance and DEI Task Forces. She also served on the AOTA Special Task Force on Entry-Level Education and was a key contributor to the national dialogue on entry-level degree requirements. Dr. Anvarizadeh is a proud alumna of the 2020 Executive Leadership Program for Multicultural Women.

In her home state of California, she has been recognized with the Janice Matsutsuyu Outstanding Service Award and the Vision Award from the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC). She previously served as OTAC’s Communications Chair for seven years and contributed to various committees, including Advocacy and Government Affairs and Conference Planning.

An accomplished author and dynamic speaker, Dr. Anvarizadeh has presented at numerous state, national, and international conferences, delivering keynotes, lectures, and commencement addresses. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and is a contributing editor to the recently published book Occupational Identity.

Most recently, Dr. Anvarizadeh is embracing her most meaningful role yet: motherhood. She is intentional about honoring this life shift, leaning into her community, and nurturing balance. Deeply passionate about building sustainable, healthy, and inclusive communities, she continues to champion equity, empowerment, and advocacy. Through her work and heart-centered leadership, she inspires others to discover, cultivate, and amplify their fullest potential.

  

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Students won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to connect directly with Arameh Anvarizdeh, President of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), in an engaging fireside chat. In an open and conversational setting, Arameh will share her journey, insights on the future of occupational therapy, and advice for the next generation of practitioners.

What to expect

• Personal stories and leadership lessons from Arameh’s path to becoming AOTA President.
• Candid discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession.
• Encouragement and guidance for students preparing to enter the field.
• Interactive Q&A—your chance to ask questions and hear advice tailored to emerging practitioners.

This is more than just a talk—it’s a chance to gain inspiration, mentorship, and motivation from a national leader in OT.