Pictured above: ASHA MSLP Class of 2025

This month, we are honored to hear from four members of the ASHA MSLP Class of 2025. They will share how they first discovered the MSLP program, the leadership experiences that motivated them to apply, and how the program has shaped their professional growth. The MSLP, ASHA’s student leadership program cultivates a new generation of purpose-driven, action-oriented leaders in the field of communication sciences and disorders. We hope the stories shared by the MSLP participants below will inspire and empower those who are considering applying to the program.

This month, we will be hearing from:

How did you first learn about the MSLP program, and what leadership experiences motivated you to apply?

Emma Xuedi Yang
Teachers College, Columbia University

I first learned about the MSLP program while volunteering at the 2023 ASHA Convention, where I met a current participant. Hearing about her experiences and the opportunities offered through MSLP deeply inspired me and planted a seed to pursue the program. Motivated by this encounter, I actively sought leadership roles to prepare myself for a future application.

Soon after, I came across National NSSLHA’s recruitment on social media and was fortunate to join the organization. I now serve as a Subcommittee Chair for the IDEA Work Group, where I organize, facilitate, and host Raw Conversations events. These events create a platform for experienced SLPs and audiologists to share meaningful insights with CSD students and early-career professionals on a national level. Through this role, I have strengthened my commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and service, which are core values that motivated me to join MSLP, connect with like-minded peers, and shape my future career in speech-language pathology.

Gloria Ren
University of Virginia

I have always been intentional about seeking opportunities for growth and exploration. ASHA offers students incredible resources, including scholarships and opportunities such as the Student to Empowered Professional (S.T.E.P.) mentoring program. When I discovered MSLP, I immediately saw it as an invaluable opportunity I was excited to pursue. I am involved in my state association, the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV), where I serve as a Student Representative on the Board of Directors. In this role, I co-lead a statewide student committee dedicated to promoting engagement, collaboration, professional development, and advocacy. Because ASHA and SHAV are professional organizations for speech-language pathologists and audiologists that operate through similar structures and missions, I knew that the specialized leadership training offered through ASHA would translate directly to my work within my state association and inform my future practice as a clinician.

Minsi “Rainy” Sun
The University of Texas at Dallas

My prior leadership experience as a generalist SLP serving rural communities in the Midwest, along with my current role mentoring research assistants as a PhD student, has shown me how leadership can be meaningfully applied across clinical, academic, and community settings. These experiences motivated me to apply to this program so I can both contribute my perspectives and learn from fellow students.

Annie Martinez
University of South Florida

I learned about the MSLP through another audiology student on Instagram who attended it last year. Because I had prior leadership experience as the treasurer of the Adopted Student Organization at the University of Central Florida, I wanted to expand upon the skillset I already had, and the MSLP was the perfect opportunity to fulfill that.

What has been the most memorable or impactful experience for you during MSLP?

Emma Xuedi Yang
Teachers College, Columbia University

It’s hard to choose a single most impactful experience from MSLP because each activity was meaningful in its own way. From observing the International Issues Board and engaging in discussions with current ASHA staff about organizational leadership, to listening to MSLP alumni share how their careers were shaped, every moment felt inspiring. Sitting at the reserved tables during the convention’s opening and awards ceremonies made me feel truly connected to the profession, while creating and presenting on a current issue in the CSD field empowered me to use my voice as an emerging leader.

Throughout the packed week, we were physically tired but mentally energized. I returned with renewed motivation and a clearer vision for my future career. Seeing so many accomplished professionals walking the path ahead of us gave me role models to look up to, true “north stars” guiding my journey in the field.

Gloria Ren
University of Virginia

Beyond engaging with ASHA leadership and the Centennial Convention behind the scenes, learning from inspiring guest speakers, participating in meaningful discussions and learning activities, networking with dedicated clinicians, and spending a week in the heart of Washington, D.C., the most lasting impact of MSLP came from my cohort and the program directors, Megan-Brette Hamilton and Melanie Johnson. The people I met through this program were exceptionally driven, inspiring, supportive, kind, authentic, hilarious, and humble, and they quickly became family. It was powerful to witness individuals from across the country, each bringing diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, unite around a shared commitment to making the world a better place. MSLP not only instilled confidence in my ability to make an impact in this field but also connected me with a network of individuals deeply committed to doing the same. I formed connections and memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

Minsi “Rainy” Sun
The University of Texas at Dallas

The most memorable experiences during MSLP were observing an SLP School Issues Advisory Board meeting and participating in a mock board meeting with ASHA staff from Certification and Membership. These experiences allowed me to see how ASHA functions as an organization and to gain firsthand insight into how decisions are made around critical issues.

Annie Martinez
University of South Florida

Hearing about everyone’s diverse backgrounds and experiences in getting to the career path they’re on now was extremely inspiring to me and motivated me to keep going despite the setbacks I have faced throughout my life, because I realized that resilience is a trait that can grant me great success.

As an undergraduate / master’s/ PhD student, what has been your biggest takeaway from participating in MSLP?

Emma Xuedi Yang
Teachers College, Columbia University

My biggest takeaway from participating in MSLP has been realizing the power of community and intentional leadership in shaping our professional growth. Through the program, I connected with passionate peers and inspiring mentors who showed me that leadership is not just about titles, but about service, advocacy, and uplifting others.

MSLP helped me step out of my comfort zone, speak up on important issues in the CSD field, and see how individual voices can create meaningful change when working collectively. Listening to alumni and professionals share their journeys taught me that career paths are rarely linear, and that resilience and authenticity matter just as much as achievements.

As a master’s student, this experience strengthened my confidence, clarified my professional goals, and reminded me why I chose this field, to make an impact, support diverse communities, and grow alongside others who share the same passion.

Gloria Ren
University of Virginia

As an undergraduate student, I came to realize that each of us, regardless of where we come from or where we are now, has the power to impact and transform our communities for the better. Although I may appear to be a leader on paper, I often struggled to believe that identity in myself, assuming others were more capable or better suited to lead. Through reflection following seminars and group discussions, MSLP helped me identify the mental barriers I did not realize were holding me back from stepping boldly into leadership and pursuing meaningful change. While I continue to recognize and work through my weaknesses, I now truly believe in my ability to accomplish what I set my mind to and to lead with purpose and confidence. MSLP and the people within it transformed how I view leadership and my belief in myself.

Minsi “Rainy” Sun
The University of Texas at Dallas

My biggest takeaway as a PhD student was realizing how important and possible for each of us to be involved in ASHA, whether it is through the Committees, Boards, and Councils (CBC) or other forms of community engagement. Rather than seeing ASHA as a distant governing body we simply follow, I came to understand that it is made up of every one of us and depends on our continued involvement to become what we want it to be.

Annie Martinez
University of South Florida

As an AuD student, I really enjoyed the opportunity to attend the ASHA convention through the MSLP. Audiologists tend to more often attend conventions for organizations such as the American Academy of Audiology, which is specific to their field. However, the fact that I was able to interact with speech-language pathologists throughout my time at ASHA taught me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between the fields of SLP and AuD.

What advice would you give to students who are considering applying to the MSLP program?

Emma Xuedi Yang
Teachers College, Columbia University

My advice to students considering applying to the MSLP program is to go for it with confidence and authenticity. You don’t need to have everything figured out or hold a formal leadership title. What matters most is your passion for the field, your willingness to grow, and your commitment to serving others.

Take time to reflect on your experiences and how they have shaped your values. Be genuine in your application and share your story honestly. Also, be open to stepping outside your comfort zone once you’re in the program. Engage fully, ask questions, build connections, and learn from everyone around you. The relationships and insights you gain will stay with you long after the program ends and will continue to shape your professional journey.

Gloria Ren
University of Virginia

Let go of fear, doubt, and hesitation, and take the leap to apply! I encourage you to embrace challenges not only in this opportunity, but in every area of your life, because growth has never come from comfort. When you quiet the voices that tell you that you are not capable and pursue opportunities even when they feel daunting, you will find yourself in places and experiences you once believed were beyond reach. You are far more capable than you may realize, so choose boldness. Step forward with courage not only for yourself, but for the sake of others, because your future clients and patients are counting on you to be brave on their behalf.

Minsi “Rainy” Sun
The University of Texas at Dallas

I believe the program has something to offer whether you are an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD student. Be prepared for a very busy and involved week before and during the ASHA Convention!

Annie Martinez
University of South Florida

I would advise applicants to highlight their cultural diversity and details such as overcoming struggles, because it is not easy to be where we are, and our different experiences can help our future patients and co-workers feel more connected with us.

In what ways did MSLP provide you with access to resources, opportunities, or potential mentors that you might not have had otherwise?

Emma Xuedi Yang
Teachers College, Columbia University

MSLP provided me with unique access to resources and mentorship opportunities that would have been difficult to gain on my own. Through the program, I was able to connect directly with ASHA leaders, staff members, and experienced clinicians who openly shared their career journeys and insights into the field. Hearing from MSLP alumni who are now influential professionals gave me a realistic and inspiring perspective on long-term career development.

The structured networking events and small-group discussions created meaningful spaces to build genuine connections with mentors and peers. These interactions went beyond surface-level networking and allowed for honest conversations about challenges, growth, and leadership.

MSLP also exposed me to current issues in the CSD field and encouraged me to engage critically with them, helping me develop a stronger professional identity. Overall, the program expanded my network, confidence, and access to guidance that will continue to shape my career.

Gloria Ren
University of Virginia

MSLP abundantly connected me with mentors who truly invested in my growth and well-being. For example, on the first day of the program, I had the privilege of meeting distinguished leaders within ASHA, including Vicki Deal-Williams, Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, Linda Rosa-Lugo, and Tena McNamara. Through open conversations and meaningful opportunities for dialogue, ASHA’s leadership made it clear that we had ongoing access to their guidance and support, both during the program and beyond. This experience is just one example of ASHA’s deep investment in the next generation of clinicians. Being part of MSLP means joining a long-standing legacy of change-makers and advocates, while gaining access to mentors who continue to shape and strengthen our profession.

Minsi “Rainy” Sun
The University of Texas at Dallas

Through the MSLP program, I had the opportunity to observe a board meeting and meet with many ASHA staff members. I was also invited to the Researcher Academic Town Meeting as a PhD student, where I connected with peers who share similar academic interests especially in bilingualism.

Annie Martinez
University of South Florida

The MSLP allowed me to speak to industry professionals within my field in order to gain an insight into what life beyond college will be like. I learned about the various locations, populations, and types of work I could be involved in for the future.

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The stories shared by Emma, Gloria, Rainy, and Annie show how the MSLP goes beyond traditional leadership training—connecting students with mentors, peers, and real-world experiences that shape their growth and impact in the field of communication sciences and disorders. From meaningful networking to hands-on learning and advocacy opportunities, the program empowers students to step confidently into their careers while making a difference for others.

More details about the MSLP, including application requirements and upcoming opportunities, are available on ASHA’s website.