The idea of establishing a dedicated annual celebration of the science of behavior analysis began in 2019 with Elizabeth Drago, a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst based in New York State. Recognizing the need to highlight the global impact of behavior science, Elizabeth launched extensive grassroots efforts—investing countless hours connecting with behavior-analytic organizations and professionals across the United States and around the world.
Through her outreach, Elizabeth found overwhelming enthusiasm from colleagues who shared a vision: to create a meaningful, annual opportunity to honor the contributions of behavior analysis and its role in improving lives across diverse communities. Guided by her leadership, this emerging network of passionate professionals, advocates, and community leaders united around a common purpose—to promote and advance evidence-based behavior-analytic practices worldwide.
By 2020, this collaborative group of dedicated experts fully shaped and formalized the annual celebration. These early efforts laid the foundation for what is now the World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance (WBADA)—a thriving international not for profit organization committed to promoting, celebrating, and elevating the science of behavior analysis across the globe