December has been a busy month with awards and "firsts" for many of our members. We also welcomed a couple of new members along the way.

Student-Members Kyrah (NSU class Pi Theta Epsilon President) and Lydia both attended their first FOTA conference and volunteered with Dr. Nardia Aldridge for the Don Daley Annual Jamaica Medical Outreach trip. This was Dr. Aldridge's 7th outreach trip!

FOTA 2023 was a huge success! Many of our members either attended or actively contributed in a meaningful way. There were loads of presentations!

Additional December Excellence:

• Dr. Nardia Aldrigde received the FOTA Award of Recognition which, "pays tribute to remarkable efforts in advancing the recognition and advocacy of occupational therapy in Florida..." recognizing, "substantial contributions through active involvement with FOTA, dedication to OT education, and impactful advocacy."
• Lydia facilitated COTAD's networking event which focused on discussion of timely DEI topics. She was also nominated for the Stuey Award at NSU and accepted as an AOTA/AOTF Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy participant.
• Mikayla (NSU SOTA President) participated in her white coat ceremony, became part of the NSU Interprofessional Diabetes Education and Awareness Team and is the NSU PCHCS Interprofessional Representative.
• Akida received IRB approval for her capstone and became the Miami Ambassador for the social interest group, "Black in Rehab"
• Chauntel, co-founder of social interest group, "Black in Rehab" hosted her first medical outreach trip in Jamaica. The outreach was through another co-founded venture, "Mediluxe Escapes". Chauntel also got married!
• Kyrah participated in her white coat ceremony.
• Our Student Liaison Naz wrapped up the NBCOT and obtained her license.

We cannot wait to see what the new year has in store for our members and look forward to continued successes!