South Florida Black Occupational Therapy Caucus (SFBOTC)

Nardia Aldridge

Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, DTM

The Nardia Aldridge Service Award was established in February 2025. The award honors individuals whose extraordinary service and dedication mirror the outstanding contributions of Dr. Nardia Aldridge throughout her career. Awardees demonstrate their dedication to service, leadership, civic engagement, and professional involvement facilitating the creation of meaningful and lasting impacts on the community. Through a commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy, the recipient also exhibits strong dedication to advancing the occupational therapy profession while enhancing the health, participation, and well-being of those they serve. Their continued service contributes to the growth of the field and improving the lives the community.

About Dr. Nardia Aldridge

Dr. Nardia Aldridge is a trailblazer in occupational therapy, known for her unwavering commitment to advancing the profession and fostering community engagement while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a career spanning over 24 years, Dr. Aldridge has:

Mentored countless students and practitioners, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Led initiatives that enhance cultural humility and equity in occupational therapy education and practice.
Served as a passionate advocate for underserved communities, ensuring access to quality care.
Contributed groundbreaking research and educational resources that continue to shape the field of occupational therapy.

Her legacy of leadership, service, and advocacy has inspired the creation of this award to honor those following in her footsteps.

Nominee Criteria

- Exceptional Commitment: Demonstrates dedication to advancing occupational therapy.

- Community Service: Proven record of meaningful contributions to community well-being.

- Leadership: Actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

- Impact: Recognized for outstanding contributions to the lives of others.

Eligibility

- Black occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in Florida state

- At least two (2) years of experience as a practitioner

- Member of the National Black OT Caucus and/or South Florida Black OT Caucus

Do you know an OT or OTA embodying the spirit of Dr. Nardia Aldridge? Nominate them for the Nardia Aldridge Service Award! We seek individuals whose exceptional service in occupational therapy and the community has made a profound impact.

Applications are open for the 2027 cycle and due by January 16, 2027. Honorees will be celebrated at the annual SFBOTC Black History Month Brunch.

Click here for Application Link

Award Recipients

2026 Recipient: Lakeisha Sanders-Woods

Lakeisha Sanders-Woods

TESTIMONIAL

(Lakeisha Sanders-Woods, 04/28/2026)

2025 Recipient: Nazarah Williams

Nazarah Williams, OTR/L, CLWT is a current SFBOTC board member (Vice-President) and OTP with a lymphedema and wound care certification (ILWTI) licensed in Florida, Illinois and New York. Ms. Williams also holds a pelvic floor rehabilitation level 1 certificate (Herman and Wallace). She is the inaugural recipient of our Nardia Aldridge Service Award. During her work as VP of SFBOTC, she frequently scouts events, student resources, and locating additional opportunities for our fellow rehab counterparts to network.

TESTIMONIAL

"I am truly honored to be selected as the inaugural recipient of the 2025 Nardia Aldridge Service Award. The recognition came as a surprise, but I am humbled to be considered for my efforts working within our community and profession. My goal is to continue building networks, sharing resources, and shedding light on the benefits of an interdisciplinary rehab connection (PT/OT/SLP)."

(Nazarah Williams, 2/20/25)

Nardia Aldridge Occupational Therapy Service Award

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