ASAE Research Foundation Announces 2025 Recipient of Sal Martino Grant for Conscious Inclusion Research
WASHINGTON— The ASAE Research Foundation is proud to announce that the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Sal Martino Grant for Conscious Inclusion Research.
APTA’s research project, titled “Leveraging Associations in Advancing the Future of Health Care Professionals: A Collaborative Approach to Transforming the Applicant Pool,” will be led by researcher Stephanie Reed. The study aims to explore how associations can play a pivotal role in expanding and diversifying the applicant pool for health care professions — work that has significant implications for equity and access in the physical therapy workforce and beyond.
The Sal Martino Grant, awarded annually, supports innovative research that advances understanding and implementation of conscious inclusion practices within association management and leadership. The winning proposal receives up to $15,000 to support its work. The grant is made possible through the generous support of Webster Chamberlain & Bean LLP and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“We congratulate APTA on receiving the 2025 Sal Martino Grant,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “This project aligns powerfully with the purpose of the grant by addressing structural barriers and promoting a more inclusive future for health care professionals. We look forward to the results of this important research and how it will inform inclusive talent development strategies across the association community.”
The grant honors Sal Martino, FASAE, CAE, retired CEO of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and past chair of ASAE and the ASAE Research Foundation. It reflects Martino’s longstanding dedication to championing conscious inclusion and advancing diversity, equity, and belonging within associations.
To learn more about the Sal Martino Grant for Conscious Inclusion Research and the ASAE Research Foundation, visit https://foundation.asaecenter.org/scholarships/sal-martino.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Vest, CAE, 202-626-2798, cvest@asaecenter.org
About ASAE
ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Since it was established 100 years ago, its members have and continue to lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. With the support of the ASAE Research Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. Visit ASAE at Welcome to ASAE — American Society of Association Executives (asaecenter.org)