An Authentic Leader Never Dies: Lessons Learned from The Seminal Work Of Elizabeth Yerxa

This Opinion in the Profession is based on the enduring legacy of Elizabeth June Yerxa, a pioneering leader in occupational therapy and occupational science, following her passing in December 2024. Rather than a traditional "in memoriam," the author uses the present tense to emphasize Yerxa's ongoing influence. The paper highlights four key themes from Yerxa’s work: the commitment of occupational therapy to social change, the importance of an occupation-centered education, the term “engaging in occupation”, and the establishment of occupational science as a foundational discipline. Yerxa’s advocacy for critical thinking, holistic perspectives, and the integration of diverse fields in occupational therapy education is explored, alongside her challenges to conventional approaches in the profession. Central to her vision was the recognition of occupation as a vital force in human life, transcending the medical model and focusing on personal and societal well-being. The piece urges current occupational therapists to draw inspiration from Yerxa’s work, particularly in times of societal uncertainty, and to continue her advocacy for a more inclusive, compassionate world. Yerxa’s leadership, based on person-centered care and social justice, remains a beacon for the future of occupational therapy and science.