Pathways to Leadership: When Others See the Leader in You, with LaKisha Stanley
My journey with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) began while I was a doctoral student at Georgia State University. In one of my seminars, a professor talked about how to be a successful doctoral student. She encouraged us to join professional organizations, and what she said about CEC intrigued me. Since I was required to serve my institution or profession with evidence of participation, joining CEC seemed like the perfect way to “check the box.”
Checking the Box
I became a member of CEC and joined the Division for Communication, Language, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DCD), since my background is in Deaf Education. My first volunteer opportunity was helping to edit and update one of the division’s position papers. Not long after, I received an invitation to consider running for the Board of Directors. I reached out to the president and president-elect, who explained the position and encouraged me to try. Inspired by their belief in me, I agreed. To my surprise, I was elected!
Finding My Place
On the board, I served as a constituency chair, representing one of four focus areas of DCD members. After a year, I felt like I wasn’t doing the position justice and asked to step down. Instead of letting me leave, the board offered me a different role—Membership Chair. Around the same time, the president and president elect nominated me to join the very first cohort of Leadership CEC, a program designed to develop knowledge and leadership skills in new or emerging unit/division leaders.
My initial reaction? “Wait! Why me?” Their answer was simple: “We see how hard you are working and think you will be a great leader for our division someday.” I was touched by their confidence in me—and, again, I said yes.
Leadership CEC and Beyond
Being part of the first Leadership CEC cohort was an incredible experience. I met amazing people from across the organization, and I realized that we all had something in common: someone saw our potential and tapped us for leadership. At the end of the program year, I was invited to become a member of the Leadership Development Program Subcommittee (LDPS), which is responsible for the Leadership CEC program. Once again, the DCD president and president elect encouraged me to say yes. I am now serving as co-chair of LDPS for 2025–26!
Building Local Connections
Networking through CEC also opened doors closer to home. I learned that my county was starting a local chapter of the Georgia CEC unit. I reached out to the school administrator leading the effort, introduced myself, and offered to help. After attending several meetings, I was nominated for an officer position. I declined treasurer but agreed to serve as Secretary.
Where I Am Now
Most recently, I was encouraged to run for President Elect of DCD. After thoughtful conversations with past and current leaders, I agreed to put my name forward. I’m honored to now serve in that role. My term as President will begin in January 2026. My goals include strengthening DCD’s impact through collaboration, advancing our advocacy work to address the needs of individuals with communication challenges or who are deaf or hard of hearing, and encouraging and uplifting others the way past leaders encouraged me.
Reflection
What started out as simply “checking the box” has turned into so much more. CEC has given me opportunities to serve, grow, and connect with people who saw more in me than I initially saw in myself. My pathway to leadership is proof of what can happen when you say yes to new opportunities and trust the encouragement of others.
If I could share one message with anyone wondering whether leadership is for them, it would be this: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Sometimes others recognize your potential before you do. Step forward, say yes, and allow yourself to grow into the leader you are meant to be.