May 2026 President's Letter

Greetings,

As we step into the vibrant energy of May, a month often associated with growth, flourishing, and connection, I find myself reflecting on the many ways our community continues to nurture both individual journeys and our collective purpose. Much like the plants we so deeply respect in our practice, we are constantly evolving… rooted in knowledge, yet always reaching toward new light.

At the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, this spirit of growth is not only something we witness, but something we actively cultivate together. Each of you brings a unique voice, perpective, and passion to our field, and it is through this diversity that our community remains both dynamic and deeply grounded.

This month, I would like to highlight an important pathway into our organization, our Student Membership. If you are (or you know anyone who is) currently enrolled in a 100-hour (or more) aromatherapy program, you are warmly invited to join AIA as a Student Member for a special rate of US$50, with proof of enrollment in an aromatherapy certification program. For those studying within an AIA-Recognized School, you may apply for a second year of Student Membership. As an AIA Student Member, you will have the opportunity to experience the richness of our community attending monthly webinars and gaining access to our quarterly AIA Journal to support your learning and professional growth. This offering reflects our commitment to supporting you from the very beginning of your aromatherapy journey, creating space for learning, connection, and a true sense of belonging. Whether you are just starting or deepening your studies, there is a place for you here. 

I would also like to encourage you to consider contributing to our AIA Journal, Aromatics in Action. For our upcoming Autumn issue, we invite submissions centered on the theme Aromatics and Integrative Healthcare: Professional Practice and Business of Aromatherapy. This is a meaningful opportunity to share your knowledge, experiences, and insights while contributing to the advancement of our field and the collective wisdom of our community. If you feel inspired to write, please refer to our writing guidelines and submit your article to journal.editor@alliance-aromatherapists.org. The deadline for submissions is on June 1, 2026. We look forward to learning from your work and celebrating your voice within our growing body of professional literature, as we eagerly anticipate the upcoming release of our Aromatics in Action Summer issue real soon!

Building Community

We recognize that community is not only something we join, it is something we build together. If you feel called to contribute more actively in the field of aromatherapy, I warmly encourage you to consider volunteering with AIA. Just fill out our Volunteer Application form, and we would be delighted to welcome members who wish to be more deeply engaged with and support our shared mission. If you are already an approved AIA volunteer and feel inspired to serve in a different or additional capacity, you are welcome to email info@alliance-aromatherapists.org, sharing your interest and what draws you to the new role. Your request will be thoughtfully reviewed, and if approved, you will be contacted either by a member of the Executive Board or the Chair of the committee you wish to join. Whether your strengths lie in organizing, connecting, creating, or simply showing up with heart, your presence makes a meaningful difference.

For May, here is our exciting line-up of events:

• May 20 – AIA Monthly Webinar Fragrance as a Somatic Tool: Aromatherapy for Nervous System Regulation in Trauma Survivors and Neurodivergent Clients with Darlene Killen [Register here]
• May 26 – AIA Rep Forum Meeting – a quarterly collaborative session exclusively available for our AIA Representatives

Aromatics in Action® Conference

As we look ahead to our upcoming 20th Anniversary Conference, I warmly invite you to share your work at the 2026 AIA Aromatics in Action® Conference by submitting a proposal for a virtual poster or case study presentation. This is a meaningful opportunity to showcase your research, clinical experiences, or innovative ideas, while engaging with and receiving thoughtful feedback from peers and colleagues across our global community.

Whether you choose to showcase your work through a research poster or a real-world case study, your contribution helps strengthen evidence-informed practice, spark professional dialogue, and advance the field of aromatherapy. The Conference Committee welcomes submissions from students, practitioners, researchers, and distillers alike—your voice and experience truly matter.

Proposals must be submitted by June 1, 2026 though this form, in order for your abstract and contact information to be included in the Conference Proceedings.

     

Growing Together, With Intention

As we continue to grow, my intention remains clear: to foster a community where every aromatherapist feels seen, supported, and proud to belong. AIA is more than an organization, it is a home for those who believe in the integrity, professionalism, and impact of aromatherapy. It is a space where we uplift one another, share knowledge generously, and move forward together with purpose.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your dedication, your curiosity, and your passion are what bring AIA to life. I look forward to all that we will continue to cultivate together in the months ahead.

 Excited to grow in aromatherapy with you,

 Jirbie