From Uncertainty to Leadership: Ashaki Budden’s Diversity Leadership Academy Journey
Ashaki Budden’s leadership within CEC began at a moment of uncertainty.
“I had been working as a special education teacher in Florida, where I felt discouraged and unsupported in my work environment. At the same time, I was in the process of relocating to New York in hopes of finding better opportunities. However, after moving, I was unable to secure a teaching position as planned and instead began working as a behavior support team member with Eastern Suffolk BOCES.
This period of transition left me questioning my future in teaching and considering whether I should pursue a different path, even though I still felt strongly connected to the field of special education.”
Ashaki applied to the Diversity Leadership Academy (DLA), hoping to reconnect with that sense of purpose, find a way forward, and to better understand her path within the field. CEC’s Diversity Leadership Academy is a mentorship and leadership development program designed to support emerging professionals from underrepresented backgrounds in special education. Through opportunities to engage with CEC leadership and the broader special education community, the program helps participants strengthen their leadership skills and deepen their connection to the field.
“Through the program, especially the guidance of my mentor and the insights shared during quarterly meetings, I found exactly what I needed. Hearing others’ experiences helped me feel less isolated, and the support I received renewed my motivation and commitment to continue growing in the field,” she said.
That experience became a turning point, helping her move from uncertainty into a clear leadership path. Today, Ashaki serves as Vice Co-Chair of CEC’s Leadership Development Committee, where she is helping strengthen how future leaders are identified and supported across the organization. “We are working to ensure that members are aware of the various leadership opportunities available to them and the resources that can support their growth,” she explained.
Her work focuses on making leadership pathways more visible and accessible, helping more members see themselves in these roles. In many ways, she is helping to create the same access and clarity that influenced her own journey, now shaping pathways for others to follow.
For Ashaki, one of the most meaningful aspects of the Diversity Leadership Academy is the access it provides. “DLA provides opportunities that many participants might not otherwise have access to, such as attending CEC’s Convention, where they can build networks, gain resources, and grow as professionals,” she said.
Equally important is the sense of belonging the program fosters. “It is a space where participants can be their authentic selves and openly discuss challenges they may not feel comfortable addressing in their everyday work environments,” she shared. “[The Academy facilitates a] meaningful and supportive community where individuals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, can come together and feel seen, heard, and valued … DLA empowers participants to continue in the field, grow into leadership roles, and advocate for themselves and their students,” she said.
