Michelle Bradham-Cousar

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:
¡Adelante! My great grandfather played a vital role in the construction of the Panama Canal in the Republic of Panama, which greatly eased the passage of ships from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. His involvement had a positive impact on both military and commercial trade. As I step into my new role, I am dedicated to emulating his example by striving to unify the Professional Counseling Identity of Counselors. The legacy left by my grandfather is one of collaboration and inspiration to build a better future for our communities, families, and future generations. With more than 30 years of professional experience, I have focused on enhancing government and community awareness of working with individuals with Disabilities (Different Abilities). It is crucial to bridge the gaps in our Professional Counseling Identity to address issues such as curriculum support tools, cultural diversity, disability inclusion, Practitioner engagement, and professional identity clarification. We must align and connect the divides within our accrediting bodies, associations, communities, and academia. Having served as the former ACA Southern Region Chair, I have been actively involved in grassroots state initiatives. Our regions play a pivotal role in effecting change, as each region boasts strong State Branches that influence legislation and bring about positive transformations. Just as the Panama Canal revolutionized maritime travel, our ACA grows stronger through our shared identity, leading to impactful outcomes. Our collective voices hold significant power in shaping laws and policies that impact our communities. This role will allow me to help cultivate the next generation of leaders and share my knowledge to support others in their growth. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to serve the counseling community as the upcoming ACA President. ¡Adelante!

What inspired you to pursue leadership within the ACA, and why do you believe you are the right person for this role at this time?

In 2010, my faculty mentor recommended that I submit a proposal to the Florida Counseling Association (FCA) as a component of my doctoral portfolio. This submission provided me the opportunity to present my work on enhancing collaboration and research within communities that include individuals with disabilities to the FCA Leadership. Subsequently, I was approached by a leader involved in the revitalization of FCA, who invited me to take on a leadership role within one of the association's divisions. This initial invitation marked the beginning of my leadership journey, driven by a commitment to strengthen and rejuvenate the counseling association. What started as a simple request evolved into a significant advocacy effort for the counseling profession.

In my capacity as the Collaboration Chair for the ARCA division, I facilitated the establishment of training and service-learning initiatives in partnership with faculty in Puerto Rico, aimed at highlighting research, promoting diversity, and empowering the community. This collaboration successfully garnered donations to support local youth affected by natural disasters. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between counseling and STEM fields, we have significantly enhanced the career success of community members. As President of ARCA, I oversaw the creation, collection, and distribution of care packages to individuals impacted by the hurricane, which had devastated essential daily care items. Additionally, in my role as a volunteer with the FCA association, I organized a Trauma conference to investigate, research, and engage in discussions regarding the integration of trauma-informed practices into counseling and client experiences. In my role as a community partner, I played a crucial part in connecting with the community to assist at-risk youth in avoiding the dangers of potential human trafficking. This was achieved through collaborative efforts aimed at promoting foster care and adoption initiatives.

Fourteen years later, I have not only gained valuable experience but have also inspired others to engage in advocacy for the counseling profession by encouraging them to participate in a cause greater than themselves. I have held various positions within Regional and Division leadership, which have equipped me to fulfill the responsibilities of ACA President.

The new ACA governance structure is designed to allow Division and Region representatives to engage in the “Big Issues” of the counseling profession, and to lean on their expertise to help advance ACA. How would you hope to support the Divisions and Regions to serve our members?

I aspire to assist the Divisions and Regions in their efforts to serve our members and promote the advancement of ACA through collaboration and networking. At the division and region levels, I have provided support to 13 counseling associations by facilitating membership. It is essential to address the gaps in our Professional Counseling Identity to tackle challenges such as threats to the profession, transitions, the effects of cultural diversity, disability inclusion, practitioner engagement, and the clarification of professional identity. We must work to unify and connect the divisions within our associations, communities, and academic institutions. Having previously served as the ACA Southern Region Chair, ACA Bylaws Chair, President of the Florida Counseling Association, and President of the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association, I have been actively engaged in grassroots initiatives at both national and local levels. Our regions are instrumental in driving change, as each region is supported by robust State Branches that influence legislation and foster positive developments. Our united voices possess considerable strength in shaping the laws and policies that affect our communities. This position will enable me to nurture the next generation of leaders and share my expertise to assist others in their professional growth. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the counseling community as the next ACA President. ¡Adelante!