Ruby Owiny’s Pathway to Leadership within CEC

Leadership is often a journey shaped by mentorship, opportunity, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone. My pathway to serving on the Board of Directors for the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) began with my involvement in the Teacher Education Division (TED) during my doctoral studies. What started as an opportunity to network and learn from seasoned professionals soon became a transformative experience that not only shaped my career but also deepened my commitment to serving the field of special education.

In this article, I reflect on the pivotal moments and relationships that influenced my journey, share insights into my leadership development, and offer advice for those looking to take an active role in shaping the future of special education.

Engagement During Doctoral Program

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How did your involvement in the Teacher Education Division (TED) during your doctoral studies influence your professional growth and career trajectory?

My involvement in TED during my doctoral program set the path for my career trajectory and introduced me to opportunities and resources to assist in my professional growth. I met colleagues who willingly mentored me and were transparent in sharing their methods for juggling teaching, research, and service. I developed confidence to step out of my comfort zone and get to know TED members outside of my university. This broadened my perspective of the types of universities where I could pursue a tenure-track position and allowed me to meet colleagues who quickly became like family; colleagues with whom we could share ideas for courses we teach and collaborate on publications. My involvement in the organization provided the opportunity to learn from highly dedicated peers who modeled integrity and commitment to ensuring high-quality teacher preparation in special education. Observing my colleagues in leadership roles motivated me to seek opportunities to serve well, also.

Did you seek out mentorship within TED or CEC during or after your doctoral program, and if so, how did those relationships shape your path?

I did not intentionally seek out mentorship, but I am grateful that several members of the TED Small Special Education Programs Caucus (SSEPC) recognized the importance of mentoring doctoral students who sought me out to mentor. One example is Dr. Amy Stevens at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater who encouraged me to co-chair the SSEPC Symposium with her. Because we live within a couple of hours of one another, we met in person and Amy mentored me through the process she used in the past as a symposium co-chair. Learning from her and others was invaluable to developing me as a leader. It was another SSEPC member, leader, and mentor, Dee Berlinghoff, who encouraged me to run for the TED Presidential Line and shared her experience and insights to help me make the decision to run. She continued mentoring me as we served on the presidential line together for two years.

How did you balance your academic responsibilities with your engagement in TED and CEC?

Compartmentalization – the best advice I ever received was from the department chair from Asbury University where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. When asked how she managed to get her doctorate while being a wife, mother, university faculty member, and active in the community, Dr. Verna Lowe gave this advice, “Learn to compartmentalize. When working on graduate work, focus only on that. When at school, teaching, be focused on that job, etc.” Learning to compartmentalize has been an extremely valuable lesson throughout my doctoral program and into a faculty role with service to my professional organizations. I learned to schedule time for tasks related to TED, and now CEC, and write it into my calendar to ensure they get completed.

Pathway to Leadership

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What motivated you to pursue leadership roles within TED and eventually the presidential line?

Along with what I shared earlier, for my professional role as a professor in a teacher preparation program, I knew TED was where I could both grow professionally and find ways to serve and give back to the organization whose members had so warmly welcomed me in as a doctoral student. I am also grateful to my doctoral co-chairs, Drs. Belva Collins and Jennifer Grisham who encouraged their doc students to get involved in TED. Their encouragement pushed me to go to my first conference which led to my involvement and meeting colleagues who quickly became “my people”. It was not only the mentorship of those I previously mentioned, but the friends I developed who encouraged me to continue the leadership path and run for TED Board roles.

How did your service in the TED presidential line prepare you for broader responsibilities on the CEC Board?

Being on the TED Board, and eventually the presidential line, helped me develop and hone leadership skills while learning more about the structure of CEC and what CEC offers its members. It certainly did not hurt that the TED executive director is a CEC employee! My service on the TED Presidential Line helped ‘big’ CEC not to feel so intimidating. I interacted more with CEC staff members which helped me build confidence and better understand CEC as TED’s ‘parent’ organization.

Strategic Insights and Advice

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What advice would you give to current doctoral students who are interested in pursuing leadership roles within professional organizations like CEC?

Get involved! Jump in and do it! Reach out to any board member or others you know and ask questions. Take advantage of having access to so many who are willing to help you get connected and involved.

How can graduate students and early-career professionals best position themselves for future opportunities within CEC or similar organizations?

Get to know people, get involved, volunteer.

Reflections and Vision

Looking back, what would you say was the most pivotal moment in your journey from being a doctoral student to becoming a CEC Board member?

The moment in my doctoral program at either a TED or CEC conference when Dr. Brooke Blanks took me to the in-session SSEPC Board meeting and ensured they knew I wanted to become a member. Not only did I become a member that day, but Dr. Evelyn Barese, chair of the SSEPC board at the time, immediately made me the SSEPC student rep! That moment pushed me from timid spectator, dipping my toes in the water, to full on jumping into the deep end. I haven’t regretted a minute of it!

What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for serving on the CEC Board, and how did you cultivate those during your time in TED?

Humility through a willingness to do what needs to be done to move the organization forward and serve members, even when it is not glamorous. Commitment - Remembering that leadership roles exist because members exist and rely on a well-run organization and those members serve individuals with disabilities is a value that I keep at the forefront of my mind. Our students with disabilities deserve professionals who are committed to their holistic well-being and education and who are qualified, stay abreast of current research, best practices, and legislation that affects them is important to ensuring they are cared for and their needs are met. Remembering why I do what I do – students with disabilities – keeps me grounded and reminds me of where my civic and professional dedication lies, which is necessary as a leader in this organization. We cannot be in it for ourselves, but for them.

Finally, as simple as it sounds, another key quality of a leader in TED and CEC is simply ‘being there’. Having an attitude of an ambassador, seeking to serve where needed, being a friendly face for members to be welcomed and be comfortable asking questions is an important part of a leadership role.

Closing Thoughts

Serving on the CEC Board has been an incredibly welcoming and seamless transition, thanks to the board’s strong sense of community and shared commitment to students with disabilities. Through mentorship, collaboration, and strategic engagement in professional organizations, I found a network that supported my growth and encouraged me to take on leadership roles—experiences that continue to shape my contributions today. As we move forward, it is critical that we remain vigilant, dedicated, and willing to do the hard work to ensure students with disabilities receive the educational opportunities they deserve. Without their gifts and voices, our world is void of much beauty, and it is our responsibility to uplift and honor their potential.