July 2, 2025

Dr. Douglene Jackson Receives AOTA Excellence for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award

Dr. Douglene Jackson, Doctoral Capstone Coordinator for Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), Occupational Therapy Arizona program, received the 2025 Dr. Lela A. Llorens Award of Excellence for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the annual American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) conference on April 5.

“This award is such an honor, especially with it being named after Dr. Lela Llorens, an occupational therapy pioneer whom I read about in my textbooks while in school and had the pleasure of meeting in 2017 at the AOTA centennial celebration,” said Jackson.

The Dr. Lela Llorens Award of Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, established in 2023, honors a member of AOTA who has utilized Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIJAB) principles to address the needs of marginalized, under-resourced, and/or underrepresented persons, groups, and populations. For over two decades, Dr. Jackson has been committed to this work through advocacy, training, and consultations at the community and organizational level.

At SCU, Dr. Jackson serves as the Executive Advisor to the university’s inaugural DEI Advisory Council. In the past, she co-chaired similar committees and workgroups, which allows her to continue her work in this space. “It is also reassuring that SCU’s core values align with such efforts in this current climate,” Jackson said.

Dr. Jackson advises that students and future professionals pursuing occupational therapy careers: “Know your why and always keep that in your purview. There are many opportunities to use your skills as an occupational therapist, so be innovative and intentional with your gifts.”

Next year, Dr. Jackson will have the opportunity to present at AOTA INSPIRE 2026 to discuss her work in the DEIJAB space. Additionally, Dr. Jackson’s presentation will be published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) at a future date.

In June, she will present her research at the Occupational Therapy African Regional Congress and the Association of Caribbean Occupational Therapists in October.

Learn more about SCU’s Occupational Therapy programs and discover how you can launch your future today at scuhs.edu.

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