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 yielded the most diverse cohorts in the Division’s history, while preserving rigorous, 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 be elected 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 state and national leadership positions. Besides her leadership roles, Dr. Anvarizadeh is an accomplished author and dynamic speaker who has presented at several state, national, and international conferences, delivering keynotes, lectures, and commencement addresses.
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.