Southville College Alumna Josellie Opao has been selected as one of the twelve distinguished members of the 2025 Diversity Leadership Academy. Sponsored by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), this prestigious program supports special education professionals in their commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of special education.

Opao, currently a graduate student at the University of Victoria in Canada, is excited to join a cohort of talented and diverse individuals who represent various educational roles, from teaching and coordinating special education programs to providing expertise in assistive technology, speech-language pathology, and school psychology. 

Transitioning from Senior High School to college was both exciting and challenging for Opao. However, the supportive environment at Southville College made this journey easier. “The faculty and staff were there to guide me every step of the way, and the modern facilities provided the resources I needed,” she shares. The college’s emphasis on both academic and personal development stood out, making Southville a beacon of excellence in education.

As an alumna of Southville, Opao is immensely proud to share her 5Cs journey. “This institution not only provided me with an exceptional education but also instilled in me a deep passion for inclusive teaching. Today, I am honored to support and empower students with diverse and exceptional abilities, thanks to the strong foundation I acquired from this remarkable school,” she says.

Now, as a member of the Diversity Leadership Academy, Opao is looking forward to meeting other members, hearing their advocacies, and benefiting from the mentorship of experts and leaders in special education. This opportunity will undoubtedly foster her professional growth and further her passion for serving children with diverse needs.

Opao’s journey from Southville Elementary Education to the Diversity Leadership Academy is a testament to her dedication and the supportive foundation provided by Southville College. With her commitment to promoting DEI, she is set to make significant contributions to the field of special education and inspire future educators. She is also an alumna of Southville’s MBA Program.