Faces of NLU: Tiffany Sommerio

For Tiffany Sommerio, pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, Teaching and Learning at National Louis University isn't just about earning a degree—it's about fulfilling a mission. As an educator, mother, and advocate, Tiffany is committed to removing barriers and creating educational environments where every learner with disabilities is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

When Tiffany began exploring doctoral programs, she knew she needed more than just academic rigor. She was searching for a community that shared her values and understood the transformative power of inclusive leadership.

One experience stands out as particularly transformative in Tiffany's time at NLU: her Qualifying Paper process. "I examined disability, transition planning, and housing insecurity" she recalls. "The depth of scholarly inquiry, coupled with the reflective guidance of my faculty, pushed me to interrogate systemic barriers more critically and solidified my commitment to leading transformative change in special education."

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This experience did more than sharpen her research focus—it strengthened her belief in the power of narrative, advocacy, and leadership focused on serving all students within educational settings.

At the heart of Tiffany's NLU experience is the meaningful relationship she's built with her dissertation chair. "She consistently challenges me to deepen my analysis while honoring my lived experience as part of my scholarly voice," Tiffany shares. "Her guidance reflected NLU's commitment to equity-centered, relational, and reflective practice, creating a learning environment where rigorous scholarship and personal narrative are not only welcomed but seen as essential to transformative leadership."

This interaction exemplifies what Tiffany values most about NLU—faculty who invest in students' growth and treat them as emerging scholars whose work has real impact.

The path to a doctorate is never easy, and for Tiffany, the journey has required navigating the complex realities of being an educator, mother, and advocate while pursuing advanced scholarship. "The greatest obstacle in my educational journey has been managing the personal and professional demands that come with these roles," she admits.

But her determination, rooted in commitment to her family, her students, and the communities she serves, has carried her through. "My perseverance, disciplined time management, and deep belief in the purpose of my work enabled me to push through moments of doubt and fatigue, ultimately moving forward with clarity, resilience, and an unwavering drive to complete what I started."

Tiffany's career aspiration is clear: to serve as a transformative leader in special education, shaping policies and practices that advance access and meaningful post-secondary outcomes for all students with disabilities. This goal is rooted in her extensive experience as an educator and advocate, as well as her personal commitment to removing barriers and creating educational environments where every learner can succeed.

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When asked to describe NLU in one word, Tiffany chose "empowering." "My work with faculty who pushed me to refine my research, articulate my lived experiences, and lead with an equity-focused lens has strengthened my confidence and affirmed my purpose as an advocate for students with disabilities."

For those considering NLU, Tiffany offers this encouragement: "Approach the journey with openness, persistence, and confidence in your purpose. NLU provides a supportive, equity-focused community that will challenge you intellectually while respecting your lived experiences. Trust the process, embrace the rigorous reflection the program requires, and know that you will develop into a stronger scholar and leader than when you started. Your voice, your story, and your dedication to justice truly matter here."