The 2025 AUCD Leadership Academy, held from June 1 to 6 in Atlanta, Georgia, was a powerful gathering of 19 emerging and established leaders from 15 U.S. states and territories. This year’s academy continued a proud tradition of cultivating inclusive leadership in the disability community.
Since its inception in 2017, the AUCD Leadership Academy has trained over 200 diverse leaders—with and without disabilities—through a transformative model that blends personal reflection, systems thinking, and social justice. The 2025 cohort exemplified this legacy, engaging in a week-long immersive experience that marked the beginning of a year of continued growth and collaboration.
Participants explored themes of courage and renewal, power analysis, and the history of disability and civil rights, all while building strong peer networks and developing actionable leadership plans. The Academy’s inclusive design ensured full participation through the implementation of a universal design and a welcoming environment.
Ellie Potts, a Doctoral Candidate in Counselor Education and Practice at the University of Georgia and a GaLEND alumna, shared her experience:
“I’m not sure what I was expecting from the Leadership Academy, but it definitely wasn’t what I expected—in the best way possible. It changed the way I was looking at myself and my place in leadership and how I understand my role as a leader.”
Sandra Root-Elledge, Interim Executive Director of AUCD, also reflected on the impact of the Academy:
"Supporting leadership development for the sustainability of the AUCD network is crucial. The Leadership Academy allows participants to apply historical context, engagement with peers and faculty, and new challenges to help frame how they will guide our network. Attending the 2025 Academy allowed me to experience firsthand the energy, passion, and vision of this next generation of network leaders. I left feeling hopeful and optimistic about our network and those we serve.”
As the 2025 cohort embarks on their post-academy journey, they join a growing movement of leaders committed to advancing more responsive systems. The AUCD Leadership Academy remains a cornerstone for developing visionary changemakers who are shaping the future of disability leadership.
Written by Mark Crenshaw, Assistant Director, Center for Leadership in Disability
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