Donica Cuspard, PhD
Dr. Donica Cuspard is a visionary educational leader with over 20 years of experience driving school improvement and fostering student-centered, data-driven learning environments. Currently serving as Education Program Manager at the Georgia Department of Education, she spearheads personalized learning initiatives across the state, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development to thousands of educators. As the founder and CEO of Empowered Endeavors, she extends her impact by offering leadership coaching, consulting, and empowerment experiences that equip schools and districts to implement innovative, student-centered practices that elevate teaching and learning. She also partners with businesses and organizations to design and deliver customized leadership development, culture-building, and change-management solutions that strengthen teams and drive mission-aligned results.influentialwomen
Throughout her career, Dr. Cuspard has held leadership roles across diverse educational settings, including serving as Principal at Berean Christian Academy, Deputy Head of Early Years at Dubai International Academy, and Head of Faculty at the Abu Dhabi Education Council. She has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, optimizing curricula, implementing school-wide improvement plans, and achieving accreditation renewals. Her expertise spans instructional leadership, curriculum design, professional development, and strategic planning, all aimed at cultivating positive school cultures and promoting student success.
Passionate about empowering educators and learners, Dr. Cuspard is committed to mentoring and coaching teachers to reach their full potential. Through both her role at the Georgia Department of Education and her work as founder and CEO of Empowered Endeavors, she is dedicated to leveraging research, data, and innovative strategies to enhance teaching and learning outcomes while fostering thriving school communities and high-performing organizations. With a strong focus on personalized learning, professional development, and instructional excellence, Dr. Cuspard continues to make a lasting impact on educational systems, businesses, and communities at every level.
• PhD, Educational Leadership
• Mercer University – PhD, Educational Leadership
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying passionate about education and cultivating meaningful relationships with colleagues, students, and communities. My curiosity and love for learning, along with the support of friends and professional networks, have guided me throughout my career.
What has made the difference
Staying rooted in a clear sense of purpose in education has helped sustain my motivation through both challenges and change. Investing in authentic connections has opened doors for collaboration, mentorship, and shared impact that I could not have achieved alone.
How these factors show up daily
Curiosity pushes me to keep growing, seek feedback, and try new approaches that better serve students and educators. The encouragement and wisdom of my personal and professional communities remind me that success is a collective effort, not a solo journey
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to find your passion, stay focused, and remain determined in pursuing your goals. This guidance has helped me navigate challenges and remain committed to making a positive impact in education. This guidance has helped me navigate challenges and remain committed to making a positive impact in education.
Why this advice matters
- When your work aligns with your passion, it is easier to stay motivated during difficult seasons.
- Focus and determination help you say no to distractions and yes to opportunities that move you closer to your goals.
How it shaped my journey
- It pushed me to center my career around serving educators and students, not just chasing titles.
- It reminded me to keep going when obstacles appeared, such as policy changes, limited resources, or moments of self-doubt.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Encourage young women to value their opinions and confidently share them to inspire positive change in education.
To achieve this, consider the following approaches:
- Own your voice: Women's insights are crucial for school decisions; speak up in meetings, regardless of your experience level.
- Seek support: Find mentors and allies to guide you and build a community of women leaders for encouragement.
- Lead with your strengths: Use empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence to foster relationships and create inclusive environments.
- Expect barriers, grow anyway: Acknowledge prejudices in educational leadership but embrace opportunities as preparation for greater impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in education today is expanding access to personalized learning and professional development. I recently launched EmpowerED Endeavors to provide training, offer innovative solutions, and support educators in achieving excellence.
Why this matters now
Personalized learning and professional growth help educators meet diverse student needs, adapt to rapid change, and avoid burnout by focusing on what matters most for their practice. When schools invest in targeted, flexible support, both teacher effectiveness and student outcomes can improve over time.
How EmpowerED Endeavors supports this
Through EmpowerED Endeavors, the goal is to design learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and immediately usable in classrooms and leadership spaces. By partnering with schools and educators, this work aims to turn current challenges into opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and lasting impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value leading by example, actively listening, and showing kindness to others. These principles guide both my professional and personal interactions and help me foster positive, collaborative environments.
In practice, leading by example means modeling the commitment, integrity, and work ethic I hope to see in others, whether I am working with students, educators, or community partners. Active listening and kindness help build trust, strengthen relationships, and create spaces where people feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and grow together.