Friends of CEC Spotlight: Board Members Radha Bala and Benjamin Tillotson
The Friends of CEC are a community of monthly donors who sustain CEC’s work year-round.
In special education, commitment is shaped over time through steady presence, reflection, and connection to others in the field.
Radha Bala, Member-at-Large on CEC’s Board of Directors, draws that perspective from her years in the classroom. “As educators, we are often asked to ‘remember our why.’ I recently reflected on a former student who was in my class for two and a half years. To say this student was challenging is an understatement. They rarely missed a day of school, and then it struck me; I didn’t either. I showed up every single day.”
That realization stayed with her. “I show up every day because I believe in the power of consistency, in the quiet impact of being present, and in the possibility of growth for every child, no matter how complex the journey.”
CEC Board President Benjamin Tillotson describes a similar sense of connection to the field and to CEC. “I have worked in the field of special education for 16 years. I began my journey with CEC while working on my undergraduate degree in Special Education at the University of Utah, so for me, the two are synonymous.”
Over time, that connection has continued to reinforce itself. “It is difficult to think of one particular experience. However, I will say that every time I attended a CEC Convention, I felt rejuvenated in my commitment to my profession. Experiencing that again and again is evidence of how important CEC is to the health and wellness of this profession.”
That sense of connection is what led both Radha and Ben to support CEC through Friends of CEC.
“I became a Friend of CEC because I believe in CEC’s impact on our community. It is a strong, respected voice, and being part of CEC sharpens my advocacy skills,” Radha shared.
“CEC has been a sustaining force for me in my career,” Ben noted. “Whether it’s resources or supportive networks, CEC has been my home base as a special educator. I want to help sustain this organization because I have benefited from its success.”
When asked what they would share with others, both returned to the idea of community.
Radha said, “Join a community that strengthens your voice and deepens your impact. As a Friend of CEC, you become part of a respected network of educators and advocates committed to meaningful change, while continuing to grow your own advocacy and leadership skills.”
Ben added, “If you have been a beneficiary of CEC in any way, please consider joining the movement, building momentum, and helping to sustain our great work. None of us can do this work alone, but together we can be a tidal wave of positive change to continue supporting children and youth with disabilities.”