Coalition for Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)
Background
COTAD, formed in 2014, is the world's preeminent occupational therapy organization promoting justice, equity, diversity, inclusion (JEDI), anti-racism, and anti-oppression within the field. The delivery of equitable, inclusive, and accessible healthcare among diverse populations is a leading vision driving the work of COTAD members. COTAD Chapters are student-led chapters of OT/OTA programs throughout the country promoting the mission of COTAD across hundreds of campuses.
The COTAD chapter at SUNY Downstate, formed in 2019, was the first chapter chartered in New York State. The values of culture and diversity within the occupational therapy profession are upheld through the service learning, cultural, and holiday events hosted on campus and in the community. The COTAD chapter at SUNY Downstate is also focused on bridging advocacy and professionalism by fostering the collaboration of fellow student organizations on campus.
Current Faculty Advisor: Vikram Pagpatan, EdD, OTR/L, BCP, CLA, ATP, FAOTA
For more information and resources from COTAD, please visit: https://www.cotad.org/
Recent events:
- First-year Welcome Event
- Juneteenth Celebration
- Accessible and Adaptive Sporting with Play it Forward
- Community Health Lifestyle Fair
- Backpack Awareness Day
- Hispanic Heritage Celebrate and Learn Event
- Autism Fair at SUNY Downstate
- Multi-Cultural Celebration
- Lunar New Year Celebration
- Chair Yoga with the Magnolia Women’s Shelter
Follow us on Instagram to keep up with news and events from COTAD Chapter at SUNY Downstate: @cotad.ch_sunydownstate
SUNY Downstate COTAD Executive Board
Noah Pulakos
President
- Facilitates and oversees all actions of E-Board officers
- Establishes student organization goals with collaborations of E-Board
- Leads monthly E-Board meetings
- Encourages communication, conflict resolution and collaboration between team members
Stefanie Moreira
Vice President
- Assists and collaborates with President for all actions of student organization
- Assumes duties and responsibilities of President when the President is absent or unable to fulfill duties
Karen Vazquez
Secretary
- Records minutes at the E-Board monthly meetings and coordinates location and timing of all events
- Takes attendance for all meetings
- Responsible for Event reports of all student organization events
Christina Ye
Treasurer
- Manages and budgets student organization finances
- Purchases all supplies for student organization events
Chloe Dela Santa
Creative Director
- Manages all student organization social media
- Creates all digital marketing material for promotion of events