Exploring the Supports and Barriers to Fostering Latinx Leadership in Occupational Therapy
Ananjellis Ramirez
Co-Presenters: Sydney Basis, Tamara Rivera, Micky Patel, Erin Ruane
College: The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: Occupational Therapy (M.S.) or (OTD)
Faculty Research Mentor: Victor Camacho
Abstract:
Purpose: This mixed-methods study will be conducted to explore the experiences, supports, and challenges of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners identifying as Hispanic or Latinx with two years or more of leadership.Methods: Using a concurrent embedded mixed-methods Qualtrics survey, the study collects quantitative demographic and descriptive data through Likert-scale and close-ended questions, alongside qualitative insights about participant experiences in leadership. Potential recruitment aims at collecting data from 40 or more survey participants.Conclusion: We anticipate that the findings of this study will demonstrate the importance of mentorship programs both in higher education and in professional roles as facilitators to Hispanic or Latinx Occupational Therapy (OT) leaders. We also anticipate that findings will demonstrate the perceived lack of diversity of leaders within OT.Significance/Novelty: The findings of this study can help guide future leadership research and mentorship programs in OT to foster a more culturally diverse pipeline to leadership positions, which can ultimately improve patient concordance by developing OT leaders who are equipped to understand and relate to the unique needs of their clients and populations.Key words: Leadership, Diversity, Occupational Therapy, Mentorship, Supports, Barriers