Georgia CTI provides a safe place for students with disabilities without the fear of being seen as different or less then. The success and self advocacy skills that Georgia CTI helps students develop leaves a permanent positive impact on the students current and future lives. As a student with disabilities myself and a mother of a student with disabilities, providing access and equity to all is a passion of mine. I saw serving on the Georgia CTI board as an opportunity to ensure access and equity to the students of Georgia with disabilities.
I serve as a member of the board to advocate for and implement strategies that help prepare students with disabilities as they transition into post-secondary options.”
“CTI provides a platform for students with disabilities to participate in a CTSO and raises awareness about the importance of inclusivity in career tech pathway courses. Georgia CTI conferencing opportunities impact students' lives by connecting academic concepts to real-world applications, enhancing personal growth and development. People should become involved with Georgia CTI to help break down systemic barriers that students with disabilities face, ensuring they have the necessary tools to thrive in career tech pathways and in the world of work.”
I am drawn to serving on the board because it offers an opportunity to lead and ensure that our students receive the best opportunities for growth and the support they need to succeed.”
“Georgia CTI is special because we give students with disabilities a chance to grow and step out of their comfort zones. The experiences we offer allow students to realize they are bigger than a disability and they possess a true potential to make an impact during and after high school. Georgia CTI encourages students to work hard and know they can achieve anything they set their minds on accomplishing.”
Georgia CTI is a very unique program that helps students with disabilities gain an understanding of what they can do while being fully supported in all endeavors. The work that Georgia CTI does is so important because many times the students, and even the systems put in place for them, don't recognize the abilities of those with various levels of need. Georgia CTI exposes students with disabilities to people and platforms that will help them to be successful, confident members of their communities.
The CTI Board of Directors does incredible work to ensure CTAE students with disabilities have opportunities for success. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this group.
“Many students with disabilities experience difficulties in academics and/or in social situations. Georgia CTI offers those students opportunities to learn and grow through competitions and activities that teach employability skills and foster confidence in themselves.”
After hearing about other board members’ experiences, I decided it was something I wanted to be involved with. Georgia CTI impacts lives in so many ways. I’ve seen students emerge from their shells and find their voices and passions. CTI gives students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career options, learn to work as a team, and realize that each of them brings unique strengths to the table. Those differences combine to build more creative, confident, and communicative young adults.
At the local level, I witnessed firsthand what a difference CTI made for my students. I wanted to encourage my students to become more involved. What better way to do that than to become more involved myself—thus began my journey of serving on the Georgia CTI Board of Directors. I love helping Georgia CTI grow and support our students statewide.”
“Georgia CTI encourages students to push themselves and grow. I’ve seen so many students thrive in ways they never imagined because they are so comfortable among their peers.”
I wanted to become more involved in Georgia CTI and learn as much as I can so I can be a stronger advocate for our students with disabilities. I want every student to experience and benefit from all that Georgia CTI has to offer.”
GeorgiaCTI creates a safe space for all students and provides them with experiences and opportunities which create a strong foundation for them to feel excited and optimistic about their futures, whether that be through furthering their education, learning a trade/skill or beginning their careers. This is what I do; I see opportunities to get involved and make a difference and I jump at the chance! I believe that GeorgiaCTI greatly benefits young people, and I want to be a part of continuing that tradition!
Georgia CTI gives students confidence and purpose by connecting their strengths to real-world opportunities. Watching a student light up after succeeding in a leadership event or landing their first job reminds me why this work matters. Serving in both coaching and educational roles has shown me how important it is to build strong relationships and meet students where they are. Georgia CTI aligns perfectly with that mindset—it's not just about academics, it's about helping students grow into confident, capable young adults who are ready for life after high school. I joined the board because I truly believe in the mission of supporting students with special needs and helping them find success beyond the classroom. Being part of something bigger than my own school lets me give back and help create more opportunities for students across the state.
Valisia Lippitt has served as the CTI Coordinator at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta Public Schools since 2022, following her work as a special education teacher. She holds a B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from Morris Brown College and an M.Ed. in Cross-Categorical Special Education from Grand Canyon University.
As the Region 4 representative on the Georgia CTI Advisory Board, Valisia brings a classroom perspective to board decisions and advocates for the coordinators and students she serves. She believes Georgia CTI gives students with disabilities meaningful opportunities to develop career and leadership skills, demonstrate their abilities, strengthen their voices, and take pride in their accomplishments.
“When students recognize their strengths, find their voice, and see a path forward, they gain the confidence to envision their future and the courage to create it.”
I have seen Georgia CTI provide students with the experiences to help them focus on their strengths, which has been life-changing for them. CTI gives students the confidence they need to exceed their goals. Why is Georgia CTI so special? Because of the amazing experiences provided to the students and the positive staff working on the board.
I was drawn to serve on the board for CTI because I want to contribute at a broader level with a program that champions inclusion, leadership, and growth—which resonates with both my personal values and professional goals.
“I have seen firsthand in my own students how CTI creates opportunities for students with diverse learning needs to thrive, build confidence, and gain real-world skills.”
The work of Georgia CTI is vital because it helps students find their voice, build confidence, and solidify their paths. I enjoy guiding students through the often-overlooked side of the high school experience. Through Georgia CTI, I have witnessed remarkable growth—students who once avoided speaking now seek out conversations and advocate for themselves in ways they never thought possible.
I wanted to be supportive. The work with Georgia CTI is important because it gives you the opportunity to see how a program can truly impact the future of students with disabilities. My goal is to learn how to be an effective leader on this board and, most importantly, to be an encouraging mentor to our students.
Georgia CTI is special for so many reasons. The most important value of this organization is its student-centered approach always seeking ways to advocate and innovate for authentic change leading to student success in and outside of the classroom.
