Kristen Padilla Selected for Prestigious Association of University Centers on Disability Leadership Academy

Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities Director, Kristen Padilla, was selected to participate in the 2025 Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) Leadership Academy. Padilla is one of only 19 leaders from across the country to be accepted into the highly competitive program, which is designed to cultivate emerging and established leaders in the disability field. 

Hosted by AUCD in collaboration with the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University, the Leadership Academy brings together professionals from university centers, state agencies, and disability organizations for a week-long intensive program in Atlanta, Georgia. This year’s in-person training was held June 1–6, 2025. 

Padilla’s selection reflects her growing influence as a leader in developmental disability services, research, and advocacy. Since stepping into her role as director at the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, she has played an integral part in advancing the Center’s mission to promote the flourishing of individuals with disabilities, their families, and communities through evidence-based practice, outreach, and collaboration. 

“Being selected for the AUCD Leadership Academy is an incredible honor,” Padilla said. “I’m excited to learn from peers across the country and bring fresh insights back to our work at the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities. This is a powerful opportunity to grow in ways that will bolster our impact both locally and nationally.” 

As part of her Academy experience, Padilla participated in a series of pre-training webinars throughout May, covering topics such as strengths-based leadership, courage and renewal, and community building among her cohort. Participants also received mentoring and joined a national network of leaders working across disciplines to improve outcomes for people with disabilities. 

The AUCD Leadership Academy is widely regarded as a premier professional development opportunity in the disability field. Hundreds of individuals apply each year for the chance to sharpen their leadership skills and join a growing community of change makers. 

“We are thrilled to see Kristen recognized at the national level for her leadership,” said Dr. Erik Carter, who serves as the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disability at Baylor University and executive director of the Center. “She brings a deep commitment to inclusive excellence and an unwavering vision for building a more accessible and equitable future.” 

Further qualifying her selection into the Academy, Padilla serves as the Leadership Training Director for The Autism Consortium of Texas Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ACT LEND) within the Texas Center for Disability Studies (TCDS) at the University of Texas at Austin.  

“Dr. Padilla has been an active partner with TCDS. We have several collaborations with her and the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities. With her leadership we hope to continue to grow our work together,” said TCDS Executive Director, Sandy Magaña, Ph.D. 

Padilla’s extensive expertise spans research, service, policy advocacy, and public engagement. Participation in the AUCD Leadership Academy marks a significant milestone in Padilla’s 10 years of service to the Center—and reflects Baylor’s growing national footprint as an exemplar in disability leadership.