Leadership is not about titles. It’s about showing up, making an impact, and lifting others along with you as you climb. I’ve seen this truth play out time and time again—whether in my role as Chief Operating Officer at Gateway or as a Girl Scout troop leader, guiding young girls to find their confidence and voice. Leadership isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s for anyone willing to step up, take action, and create change.
And yet, so often, leadership is portrayed as something exclusive—something reserved for those who look a certain way, have a certain background, or follow a specific path. But I believe the strongest leaders come from all walks of life. Diverse leadership isn’t just important; it’s essential.
Why Diverse Leadership Matters
When leadership reflects a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and identities, organizations thrive. Different perspectives challenge old ways of thinking, inspire innovation, and lead to better solutions. Research backs this up—companies and teams with diverse leadership perform better, make smarter decisions, and create more inclusive environments.
But beyond the numbers, representation matters. For an organization like Gateway, which serves the Deaf and hard of hearing community, as well as individuals with communication needs, leadership must reflect the people we support. When leaders have lived experiences that mirror those they serve, they build trust. They create spaces where everyone feels valued, seen, and heard.
I’ve experienced firsthand how leadership rooted in inclusion can shape lives. As a Girl Scout troop leader, I work with young girls who are just beginning to understand what it means to lead. They come from different backgrounds, have different strengths, and see the world in unique ways. But what I remind them—what I remind myself—is that leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about stepping forward, embracing who you are, and using your voice to create change.
What Makes a Good Leader?
Too often, we think of leadership as something people are born with. But the truth is, leadership is a skill—one that can be developed, strengthened, and embodied by anyone. It’s not about being the loudest in the room. It’s about making an impact.
The best leaders share common traits:
Empathy – They listen. They understand the struggles of others and actively work to create solutions.
Courage – They take risks, speak up, and make bold decisions—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Resilient – They embrace change and see challenges as opportunities to grow.
Integrity – They do what’s right, even when no one is watching.
Empowerment – They create space for others to rise, recognizing that leadership is about lifting others up, not standing alone at the top.
These are not qualities reserved for a select few. They are traits that anyone can develop.
Leadership in Action
At Gateway, I see leadership in action every day. Whether it’s our interpreters ensuring that Deaf individuals have access to communication, our educators shaping the minds of students, our clinical providers improving quality of life, or our team members advocating for accessible services, leadership is everywhere. And it doesn’t always come from the top—it comes from the people who show up, step up, and create change in their own ways.
For me, leadership has been about serving—whether in my role as COO or in my work with the Girl Scouts. It has been about breaking down barriers, pushing for equity, and making sure that every person, no matter their background, has the opportunity to lead.
Anyone Can Be a Leader—Yes, Even You
I’ve had so many conversations with people who think leadership isn’t for them. Maybe they don’t see themselves as the “leader type.” Maybe they feel like they don’t have the experience or the confidence. But here’s the truth: leadership is not about a title or a position. It’s about action.
Leadership is:
🔹 Mentoring a colleague who needs guidance.
🔹 Speaking up in a meeting when you see an issue.
🔹 Taking the initiative to start something new.
🔹 Standing up for those who aren’t being heard.
You don’t need permission to be a leader. You just need to take that first step.
Be the Leader You Needed
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that leadership is about showing up—not just for yourself, but for others. It’s about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for the next generation.
Every time I work with the Girl Scouts, I see the future of leadership. I see young girls learning to find their voices, take risks, and stand up for what they believe in. They remind me that leadership isn’t about being the best—it’s about being brave.
And that’s something we can all strive for.
So, if you’ve ever doubted yourself, if you’ve ever wondered whether you could be a leader, let me be the first to tell you: Yes, you can. The world needs more leaders who lead with empathy, courage, and integrity. The world needs more leaders like you.
By Emilie Aguilar
Learn More About Gateway
Gateway gives hope, changes lives, and builds connections for Marylanders. Gateway connects people to their worlds and aids individuals in their ability to understand and to be understood. Gateway has grown into an organization that serves more than 4,000 children and adults every year, helping them communicate more effectively. With programming both on our Baltimore campus and through community-based programming, we provide education, access, and medical support to anyone who needs it.
We envision a society where everyone can understand and be understood and where everyone is treated with integrity, compassion, and equity.
