I am incredibly honored and grateful to have been selected as the recipient of the CSAP (Council of State Association Presidents) Scholarship Award. As the current president of NYSSLHA (New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association), this scholarship was not only deeply meaningful, but it also allowed for a transformative professional experience that significantly enriched my leadership journey.

This spring, as the CSAP scholarship recipient, I had the opportunity to attend the CSAP convention in Orlando, Florida. The conference provided access to a powerful network of leaders from speech-language- hearing associations across the country. The connections made and insight shared are truly invaluable and have already begun to shape how we think, act, and lead in New York. Hearing firsthand how others have navigated maintaining a strong executive board, legislative advocacy, membership engagement, and financial sustainability has offered new perspectives and strategies that I'm excited to implement within NYSSLHA.  

Not only did the scholarship allow me to attend the CSAP convention, but I was also given the opportunity to present; presenting at such a prestigious gathering was both humbling and enlightening. Being able to share NYSSLHA's experiences, both "woes and wisdom," was not only a moment to reflect on what has been learned, the obstacles we have and continue to strive to overcome, but was also a rewarding experience. The questions and discussions that followed added valuable insight into New York's efforts and initiatives and it was an honor to be able to offer ideas, tools, and lessons learned that others may find helpful on their own leadership journey.

In addition to the knowledge gained through the development of new relationships, the convention sessions themselves were packed with rich content and expert guidance. I left the conference feeling inspired, equipped, and more confident in my leadership abilities. Most importantly, I now feel that I am a part of a supportive community of passionate, dedicated leaders, each committed to working together to advance the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. 

I want to extend my deepest thanks to CSAP for this incredible opportunity. The CSAP scholarship didn't just enable me to attend a conference; it opened the door to a deeper collaboration, elevated learning, and a renewed sense of purpose. This experience has not only enriched my professional growth, but also strengthened my commitment to serving NYSSLHA and the speech-language-hearing community.

NYSSLHA Presidents Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro and Dr. Lisa Mener with MSHA President Andrea Richards (center).