Women’s History Month Leadership Series
This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to spotlight the voices of women leaders in our community who are shaping workplaces, building teams, and making a lasting impact.
We invited a group of female leaders to partner with us and share their personal leadership journeys: how they got started, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the advice they would offer to the next generation of women in leadership.
Each story offers a unique perspective, but together they highlight a common theme: leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s built through experience, resilience, and a commitment to lifting others up along the way.
To kick off our Women’s History Month Leadership Series, we’re honored to feature Charlotte Leavitt's story. Charlotte, who is the President and CEO of the Center for Independent Living of Central Florida, brings perspective is rooted in purpose, service, and the belief that leadership is about creating environments where people feel supported and empowered to make a difference.
When I started my career, I did not have a perfectly mapped out path to leadership. What I did know early on was that I wanted to spend my career doing work that helped people. That idea was shaped long before I entered the workforce.
Volunteering was an important part of my upbringing, which instilled in me from a young age the idea that we all have a responsibility to contribute to our communities. I grew up in a home with my loving parents, who were small business owners, and my grandmother, a Holocaust survivor whose life experiences helped to shape the way I see the world. I spent my summers at camp where there was a strong focus on the concept of repairing the world and leaving things better than you found them.
In college, I continued looking for opportunities that connected me to service. I interned in Washington, DC with an organization focused on intergenerational relationships, and I participated in an alternative spring break trip to New Orleans to help post Hurricane Katrina. Those early experiences stayed with me as I moved into adulthood and by having those opportunities, I realized something important about myself, that I needed my career to be connected to a mission that mattered.
Today I work in the nonprofit sector, a field that is filled with passionate and dedicated individuals, and is an industry that is largely female dominant.
My career path evolved from focusing on the mission itself to a focus on leadership and supporting the teams who make that work possible.
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that there are many different ways to make a difference. Direct service to people in need is incredibly meaningful, but supporting the staff and teams who do that work is just as important. When employees feel respected, supported, and valued, they are able to show up more fully for the communities they serve.
Leadership is not just about the outcomes we hope to achieve. It is also about creating an environment where people feel encouraged and fully prepared to do their best.
Small things matter. Something as simple as saying hello to everyone you see each day, or giving a compliment when it crosses your mind can have a bigger impact than you know. People want to feel seen and supported and creating a culture that supports this often starts small.
If I could go back and offer advice to my younger self, I would remind her not to underestimate her impact. It is easy to believe you need to have everything figured out. In reality, leadership is a muscle and develops over time. It grows through relationships, challenging seasons, and through a commitment to supporting the people around you.
For women who hope to lead, my advice is simple. Find work that connects to your values and sense of purpose. Support the people around you and build strong teams of bright and capable people with a shared vision for the future. Remember that leadership does not always have to look a certain way. Some of the most effective leaders I know listen carefully, encourage others, and create space for growth.
When people feel supported, respected, and connected to a shared mission, they are capable of incredible things. Playing a role in the creation of that kind of environment is one of the most meaningful parts of leadership.
Charlotte’s story is just one example of the incredible women leaders shaping our communities today. Her journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
As we continue our Women’s History Month Leadership Series, stay tuned for more stories from female leaders who are building teams, lifting others up, and redefining what leadership can look like.
About the Author:
Charlotte brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience in Central Florida, including volunteer management and operational leadership for a national membership organization. During her time at CIL, she previously served as Operations Director, overseeing building operations, budgets, and finance, and leading the Foundations to Freedom program, which provides accessible home modifications for individuals with disabilities.
As President and CEO, Charlotte provides strategic and organizational leadership, guiding CIL’s mission to advance independence, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities across Central Florida. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, strong operational expertise, and deep commitment to strengthening services and community partnerships.
Learn more about Charlotte Leavitt »
Learn more about the Center for Independent Living of Central Florida »