Many leaders are shaped by their experiences, each bringing unique perspectives informed by their personal and professional journeys. In today’s interconnected world, it’s more crucial than ever to amplify the voices of leaders from all backgrounds, enabling organizations to embrace compassion and support the needs of diverse communities.
With over half of all U.S. adults reporting a chronic illness and more than one quarter identifying as disabled, the call to elevate leaders who understand these challenges firsthand has never been more pressing. Although workers without chronic illnesses typically perceive their workplaces as inclusive, the majority of those living with these conditions report feeling excluded and unsupported — leading to struggles ranging from burnout to anxiety. As a result, many employees avoid communicating their conditions to employers, worrying it will affect their career growth and professional reputation.
Amidst the leaders bringing visibility to the disabled community is Goodwin University graduate Kiki Dixon, MSOL. Using her personal experiences with cerebral palsy, Dixon is opening doors and removing barriers — aspiring to empower and inspire those facing adversity.
Encouraged to advocate
Reminiscing about her coming-of-age in Hartford, CT, Kiki Dixon can’t remember a time when she didn’t dream of making a difference. “I’ve always felt like I have a calling,” she reflects. “When I was younger, that looked like becoming a doctor.”
Yet for Kiki, the road to aspiration was often impeded by public education. Born with cerebral palsy (CP), a condition affecting the ability to move and control your muscles, her school frequently attempted to isolate her in special education classrooms — socially and academically limiting her from the opportunities she craved.
But she wasn’t without a devout advocate. Unwilling to see her daughter restricted by misconceptions about CP, Kiki’s mother made her voice heard. “My mother always advocated for me and pushed schools to put me in non-special education classes,” she remembers. “She encouraged me to be a self-advocate, too, which set the scene for my college journey.”
Pursuing professional excellence
With her mother’s support, Kiki navigated her K-12 experiences before beginning the next stage of her journey: higher education.
In 2015, she began laying the foundation for a career helping others when she earned her associate degree in disability services at Manchester Community College. This first degree offered a smooth transition to her next academic goal. “I used my degree in disability services as a lead-in for earning my bachelor’s in Human Services at Goodwin University,” she explains.
Beginning her BS in 2016, Kiki quickly discovered that Goodwin’s Human Services program presented the opportunities she sought — equipping her to make a big-picture impact on her community. “In disability services, you learn more about how to help individuals,” she explains. “Human Services builds on that by teaching you about providing family, community, and organizational support.”
After completing her BS in 2021, she was dedicated to advancing her professional development. Wondering how best to position herself for a career in leadership and advocacy, her answer came from a Goodwin faculty member. “I wanted to earn my master’s degree, and Dr. Sherri Bernier recommended the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program,” Kiki remembers. “I’m a people person, and she thought a program focused on working with people in leadership would be a great fit for me.”
At Goodwin University, your voice matters. our Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program is designed to unleash the leader in you, preparing you to guide diverse teams and communities through inclusion, empathy, and action.
Graduating with grit
Engaging in an MSOL curriculum encompassing topics from self-leadership to strategic innovation, Kiki found both the rigor and flexibility necessary to tailor her studies to her goals and interests. “Earning my MSOL is one of the greatest things I’ve accomplished,” she offers.
However, the road wasn’t easy, and her plans came close to a halt. First planning to begin her MSOL in the summer of 2022, she initially delayed due to complications related to COVID-19. Even after overcoming this hurdle, health issues continued presenting obstacles — threatening to hinder her aspirations. “I was on the verge of leaving,” she recounts. “I was dealing with kidney dialysis and blood poisoning, so I was overwhelmed and ready to give up.”
Loyal to Kiki and her pursuit of academic excellence, the University community rallied behind her. “Dr. Sandi Coyne Gilbert (MSOL program director) and the Goodwin faculty and staff were so encouraging with my healing,” she explains. “With their support, I was still able to finish and graduate on time.”
With community support and persistence on her side, Kiki continued through the gateway to a life-changing education abounded with meaningful experiences. Giving her time to United Way’s volunteer recruitment program as part of her MSOL studies, she embodied her passion for service and leadership — inspiring others to get involved and give back to their communities.
In terms of commanding her unique voice and identity as a leader, she identifies her final project as the defining milestone. “The experience of writing my MSOL capstone was transformative, and it made a world of difference,” she says. “I focused my thesis on leadership and support for single parents, immigrants, and people with disabilities.”
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“A little kindness goes a long way”
In the days leading up to the 2024 Commencement Ceremony, during which Kiki’s MSOL degree would be conferred, the University celebrated her remarkable resilience at the Class Awards Ceremony. There, she was honored with the Irmgard Wetenko Memorial Award, recognizing her strength in overcoming personal obstacles while achieving her educational goals.
Looking to the next stage of her professional growth, Kiki has her sights set on earning a doctoral degree in social work. For the present, however, she’s prioritizing her health. “I’m currently focusing on my kidney dialysis and the process of getting a kidney transplant,” she shares. Despite these ongoing health challenges, she finds strength in her 15-year-old daughter, Joy. “She keeps me motivated and always keeps me going.”
Hopeful to inspire self-advocacy and compassion in future students — regardless of the adversity they may face — Kiki offers words of perseverance and positivity. “A little kindness goes a long way. Be the leader you always wanted. Keep going and don’t give up.”
At Goodwin University, our MSOL program raises the bar for leadership — equipping you to become the leader you always wished you had. Ready to get started? Discover how you can make a difference with an MSOL today!
Bri Gagné is a marketing content writer at Goodwin University, bringing backgrounds in literary studies, creative storytelling, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and social justice. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Film Studies from University of Connecticut and a master’s in education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
After teaching English abroad and locally, Bri transitioned to a full-time writing career, contributing to the University’s educational narratives and brand-building efforts. They plan to begin their Master of Fine Arts in creative writing in 2025.