Letisha Dixon

I attribute my success to years of dedicated work behind the scenes—in policy, analytics, compliance, education, and community advocacy. For a long time, I never imagined my story would be one anyone wanted to highlight. But as I reflect on my journey, I see how much of it has quietly shaped my career and my sense of purpose.

My professional growth is rooted in experiences that taught me resilience, empathy, and advocacy: ten years navigating complex systems, supporting families, pushing for equity, and ensuring communities understand the policies that affect their lives. One formative part of my career was serving as a public safety officer. While many view the role as primarily about enforcement, I saw it as a doorway to support families in understanding their rights within the education system—guiding parents through IEPs, 504 plans, bullying claims, and even cases that reached state and federal levels.

Education, to me, is not a privilege—it is a right, and that belief informs everything I do. My growth has come from a combination of professional and volunteer roles, including teaching, nonprofit work, consulting, and policy analysis. Together, they shaped me into a trauma-informed, empathetic, and organized leader who leads with intention. My perspective is deeply influenced by my family experiences—being the oldest of seven and supporting a sister with a rare condition taught me to advocate, listen, and understand people’s true needs. These lessons inspired me to be “client-informed” long before the phrase entered common workplace language and fuel my aspiration to serve as a chief of staff, where I aim to make systems work for people, not the other way around.

Whenever I’m asked for career advice for young women entering my industry, I always say: be yourself and respect the differences of those around you. Pursue the path that truly calls to you, not the one others expect you to take. And above all, never stop learning from the people and experiences around you—they are some of your greatest teachers.

Stepping into roles in policy, compliance, and public safety has brought unique challenges and opportunities. Learning to navigate rigid systems while advocating for the people those systems are meant to serve required patience and resilience. Balancing community advocacy with professional responsibilities was not always easy, and at times the emotional weight of others’ struggles felt heavy. Yet each challenge strengthened my empathy, sharpened my leadership, and reinforced my belief that meaningful change begins with truly understanding people—their needs, perspectives, and experiences.

Empathy is at the core of both my personal and professional life. Growing up with a sister who has a rare condition taught me early how to advocate in challenging, emotional situations and how to remain grounded when others rely on me. Advocacy has always been central to who I am—whether through my work with Autism Speaks, the Maria Streiber Foundation, or building connections through community initiatives and leadership programs. While I’ve been honored with academic awards and recognized among the “Who’s Who Among Professional Women Under 30,” the recognition feels most meaningful because it reflects staying true to myself and my values.