Applied behavior analysis has experienced rapid growth over the past two decades, expanding from a relatively small academic discipline into a major healthcare profession serving hundreds of thousands of individuals. This growth has brought increased diversity to the field's workforce, yet leadership positions remain disproportionately held by individuals who do not reflect the demographics of either the workforce or the populations served.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Women in Behavior Analysis
Take This Course →Including ethics, supervision, and topics like this one. New live CEU every Wednesday.
Join Free →This presentation will explore the unique challenges that Black women face in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, particularly in relation to the systemic barriers and racial inequities that disproportionately affect their career trajectories. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the hidden costs associated with climbing the professional ladder in a field where advancement often seems more accessible to our counterparts. The session will also discuss the broader political and social context, including the recent shifts under the new administration that have led to the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within both the BACB and the wider economy. These changes have profound implications for Black women in ABA, exacerbating the struggle to attain the recognition, opportunities, and resources that are rightfully earned. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how racial inequities impact the field, as well as actionable strategies for advocating for change, creating more inclusive environments, and ensuring that DEI efforts remain a priority in the fight for professional equity across all women.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| COA | 1 | — |
Ms. Quatiba Davis is a distinguished Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with a remarkable career trajectory characterized by leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families through Applied Behavior Analysis. With an extensive background in general and special education, she has played pivotal roles in shaping the growth and success of ABA Centers of Florida. Ms. Davis embarked on her journey with ABA Centers as the organization's inaugural hire, swiftly becoming an integral part of its expansion. In her initial role as Clinical Director, she laid the groundwork for ABA services in Florida by meticulously recruiting and training registered behavior technicians to uphold exceptional clinical standards and cultivate strong connections with families. Demonstrating her passion for excellence, she not only met but consistently exceeded the company's high clinical benchmarks. As Clinical Director, Ms. Davis's responsibilities extended to orchestrating the setup of services and offering primary support and guidance to clinicians and Executive Directors throughout Florida. She seamlessly incorporated diverse clinical programs from the catalyst library to cater to clients' individual needs. Her strategic acumen was evident in establishing streamlined systems and protocols for the clinical team, ensuring adherence to best practices, and fostering a culture of professionalism. A trailblazer in her field, Ms. Davis's impact extended to supervising a team of BCBA professionals and overseeing ABA assessments across Florida. Recognizing her exceptional abilities, she was promoted to the role of Corporate Director of Assessments, where she revolutionized assessment procedures across multiple regions. By meticulously training a dedicated team, she eliminated extensive waitlists, enabling the organization to serve more families and make a profound impact on their lives. In December 2022, Ms. Davis's leadership prowess led to her appointment as the Regional Director of the Diagnostic Team in South Florida. This role saw her spearheading the training and coordination of a multidisciplinary team in evaluating children for autism spectrum disorder. Her innovative approach streamlined the evaluation-to-treatment process, ensuring a comprehensive and effective continuum of care. Her outstanding contributions were instrumental in her promotion to the esteemed position of Vice President of Assessments. Presently serving as the Interim Chief Clinical Officer, Ms. Davis exemplifies her commitment to ABA Centers' growth and transformative mission. Her vision encompasses a comprehensive strategy that encompasses professional development, client support, and community engagement. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of togetherness is evident through the Academy of Excellence, which she has revitalized to empower staff and leaders across the company. Ms. Davis's professional objectives revolve around addressing families' concerns and needs by leveraging data-driven insights from trained professionals and providing unwavering support through parent training. Her aspirations extend beyond just a title, she actively engages with her colleagues and raises awareness about the organization's numerous offerings through speaking engagements and media exposure. Furthermore, Ms. Davis is resolute in her commitment to promoting diversity within the ABA community, particularly among underrepresented populations. Driven by her passion for the science of ABA, she has witnessed the transformational impact it has on individuals' lives and firmly believes in its potential. Her experience spans clients who have transitioned from elementary school challenges to college successes, reinforcing her dedication to the field. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Davis wears multiple hats as a devoted mother, teacher, and mentor. Her multifaceted interests include the beach, fitness, quality time with her daughters, and leveraging her influence as a leader in ABA through podcasts, keynote speaking, and motivational endeavors. Since her inception into ABA Centers on October 4, 2021, Ms. Davis's unwavering commitment has been the bedrock of the company's success. She takes immense pride in nurturing both the organization's growth and the well-being of the families and staff it serves. With a clear vision, remarkable leadership, and a heart dedicated to making a difference, Ms. Quatiba Davis is an invaluable asset to the world of Applied Behavior Analysis.
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.