Meet La’Toya Cesar, our Assistant Director of College Programs! In her role, La’Toya provides oversight of the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program.
Prior to joining the SLC team, La’Toya spent the last 15 years working with the federal TRIO programs, 8 of which have been with the NCSU TRIO Talent Search programs, which provide college access to 1,314 first-generation students (grades 6-12) annually in Johnston, Wake, and Wayne Counties.
As a first-generation college graduate, La’Toya is passionate about educational equity and is currently in the dissertation phase of her Doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Fayetteville State University. Her research is centered on the examination of college access programs and interventions that impact college enrollment decisions for first-generation students.
We asked La’Toya some questions about her role, working with CLDP students and more. Get to know La’Toya below!
What is your favorite part of working for the Shelton Leadership Center?
The staff! It’s great to work alongside a group of professionals who are passionate about the work they do and who model the values-based leadership model that is the core of what the center stands for. Each of us offers a diverse background and skill set, that, together, fosters a community of collaboration and inclusiveness.
In your role as Assistant Director of College Programs, what do you enjoy the most?
As the Assistant Director of College Programs, I most enjoy the opportunity to impact the lives of my CLDP students as well as students across the university and local community. This role allows me to serve as a mentor to future leaders, who will go out into the world and enact real change. I enjoy being part of that self-exploration and growth.
What are you most looking forward to in your role?
Learning and Growing. As one of the newest members of the Shelton Leadership Center Team, I am looking forward to continuing to lean into my values and grow as a leader.
What is your favorite component of the CLDP program?
My favorite component of the CDLP program is the ideology of leading self. Our students learn about leadership by first exploring the Leading Self Model. This allows our students to take ownership of the program as we allow them opportunities to lead workshops and serve in leadership positions. This model encourages self-exploration, and self-reflection while also allowing them to hone in on their skills and really begin to see the leader within them.
What do you envision the future of the college programs looking like?
My vision of the College Programs is threefold: 1) Expand our program offerings to include additional opportunities for real world application of the leadership skills learned in our curriculum. 2) Increase campus and community-wide outreach and program visibility. 3) Secure additional funding to increase scholarship and development opportunities for CLDP students.
How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Whether it’s hosting holiday gatherings, date nights with my husband, or Friday night pizza and movies with the kids at home, I enjoy the togetherness of family and close friends. I also love a good spa day!
What is one fun fact that you would like to share about yourself?
As a child, I was obsessed with fossils and wanted to be a paleontologist.