Anna Villa-Bager, CNE, CDE

I attribute my success to a deep commitment to my community, a genuine passion for helping others, and a strong sense of purpose in the work I do. I believe that meaningful success comes from making a positive impact, building strong relationships, and consistently showing up with integrity and dedication. Staying focused on serving others and contributing to something larger than myself has been a driving force behind both my personal and professional growth.

The best professional advice I’ve received is to remain open to recommendations, listen more than I speak, and stay resilient. As an entrepreneur, you quickly learn that no path is perfectly smooth. There are many bumps along the way, and resilience becomes one of your most valuable skills. Being open to advice allows you to grow and benefit from others' experiences. Listening more than speaking helps you truly understand different perspectives and opportunities that you might otherwise miss. And resilience is what keeps you moving forward when challenges inevitably arise.

Together, these principles have helped guide my leadership and decision-making throughout my journey.

My advice to young women entering this field is to believe in your voice, stay curious, and never stop learning. Be open to guidance from mentors and colleagues, and listen carefully to those with experience. Some of the most valuable lessons come from observing and absorbing the wisdom of others. At the same time, don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your ideas. Entrepreneurship and leadership often come with challenges and unexpected turns, so resilience is essential. There will be obstacles, but those moments are also where growth happens. Most importantly, surround yourself with people who support your vision, work hard, and remain passionate about what you do. When you combine persistence, collaboration, and purpose, you can create meaningful change in your field and in your community.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is continuing to educate the public about autism and other developmental disabilities, as there is still a significant need for greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance within our communities. At the same time, this also presents a meaningful opportunity to advocate for individuals and families by sharing accurate information, promoting inclusion, and connecting people with the resources they need. Fundraising is another ongoing challenge, but it is also a vital opportunity to build partnerships and secure the support necessary to expand programs, provide services, and create lasting impact for those we serve.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service to others, family, honesty, and integrity. I believe in making a meaningful difference by supporting and uplifting those around me, while always staying grounded in strong ethical principles. Family remains at the heart of everything I do, guiding my decisions and motivating me to lead with compassion, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to doing what is right.