Welcome to a special live edition of CP State(d) — recorded at the 2025 CP State Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs! This year’s theme, Powering Progress, is all about innovation, leadership, and the people driving the future of services for New Yorkers with disabilities.

In this episode, we’re spotlighting the Emerging Leaders Committee — a dynamic group of professionals from CP State Affiliates across the state who are shaping the next generation of leadership in our field.

Joining us for this conversation are:

• Nichole Belonge, Director of OPWDD Services at the Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country

• Brianne Flewelling, Senior Team Director at Racker

• Laura Beth Malkowski, Vice President of Day Services at Aspire of WNY

• Donovan R. McKenzie, Sr., MSA, Senior Coordinator of Operations at ADAPT Community Network

Together, they’ll share what inspired them to step into leadership, how they’re fostering growth and innovation across their agencies, and how emerging leaders can influence systems change statewide.

We’ll also explore the committee’s two major initiatives — a supervisor training series designed to strengthen the workforce and this very podcast, CP State(d) — which gives a platform to fresh voices in the disability field.

So, get ready to hear from four leaders who are not just imagining the future — they’re Powering Progress right now.