In the Reflections series, the School of Education asks alumni to look back on their distinguished and fascinating lives and careers.
As a young person, Donna Walton had dreams of international stardom. But as she writes on her website, “[A]ll it took was one diagnosis at the age of 18 to turn her life upside down. Through the power of reinvention, Walton got her new lease on life …”
Today, Walton holds an M.S. in Adult Education, is Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Founder and CEO of LEGGTalk Inc.; inspires others to overcome adversity as a motivational speaker; is the author of the memoir Shattered Dreams, Broken Pieces; and now the founder and President of the Divas With Disabilities Project.
Walton’s advocacy and public service include working for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the US Department of Labor Office of Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education.
Her thousands of hours working with other amputees has led to national recognition from the National Disability Institute and from C-SPAN, which featured her community-building projects addressing “the beauty of being a black woman with a disability.”
What is your fondest memory from your time at Syracuse University and the School of Education?
My experience in the School of Education was enriched by my cohort assignments. These small, tight-knit groups of students became my academic family. They challenged me intellectually, fostering lively discussions and debates.
I appreciated the diversity within my cohorts. Students hailed from various parts of the country, bringing unique perspectives and life experiences. Whether analyzing educational theories or discussing practical teaching strategies, these interactions broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of adult education.
“My professors were not just educators; they were mentors and advocates.”
The faculty left a lasting impression on me too. My professors were not just educators; they were mentors and advocates. Their passion for adult learning was contagious, and their commitment to progressive thinking inspired my teaching philosophy.
Who can forget Syracuse’s snow? They are forever etched in my memories. The city’s winters were intense, with lake-effect snow blanketing the campus. Yet, I admired how the locals handled it. Instead of complaining, they embraced the snow as a defining feature of their community.
Snow days were met with excitement—students bundled up, trudged through snowdrifts, and partook in winter adventures. Navigating with my newly acquired artificial leg, the snow became a badge of honor, a testament to my can-do spirit and resilience.
What is something from your career that you are most proud about?
I’ve achieved several significant milestones throughout my career, and I take immense pride in each one. Earning my master’s degree in Adult Education was a pivotal moment—it not only solidified my passion for education but also served as the bedrock upon which my entire career was built. The rigorous coursework, engaging discussions, and exposure to diverse perspectives shaped my approach to lifelong learning.
However, what truly stands out is authoring my first book. In Shattered Dreams, Broken Pieces, I share my personal experiences of resilience, growth, and thriving in the face of adversity. It is more than just a collection of words; it is a bridge connecting me to others who have faced their own challenges. Through my book, I aim to inspire resilience, foster hope, and remind readers that setbacks can be stepping stones toward transformation.
Another achievement—one that seamlessly blends my personal and professional passions—is my latest endeavor: The Divas With Disabilities Project. As the founder and President of this nonprofit organization, I recognized a critical gap in representation and decided to do something about it. Black and Brown women with visible disabilities were often overlooked in mainstream media. Thus, DWD emerged as a powerful platform, celebrating and amplifying their voices. It is a place for candid discussions on issues, self-love, and unapologetic visibility. Our mission? To reshape perceptions and empower women who defy stereotypes.
These achievements in education, writing, and advocacy—and others, including LEGGTalk Inc.—fuel my sense of purpose. They remind me that every challenge conquered contributes to a more compassionate, informed, and inclusive world.
What is the biggest change you have seen in education during your lifetime?
The most significant is technology integration. The digital revolution has transformed education, replacing overhead projectors with interactive whiteboards and making technology an integral part of teaching and learning. Online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and educational apps now enhance student engagement and accessibility.
“Education is alchemy, turning ignorance into enlightenment, prejudice into empathy, and despair into hope.”
I remember those clunky overhead projectors—their humming bulbs and transparent slides. Fast forward to today, and we have interactive whiteboards that practically dance with information. Teachers can scribble, drag, and even summon multimedia content with a flick of their digital pen. It’s like the chalkboard upgraded to Hogwarts-level wizardry!
Education now lives in the cloud. Online learning platforms—our academic sky bridges—connect learners worldwide. Whether you’re mastering calculus or learning to knit (yes, there’s an app for that), these platforms offer courses, certifications, and a chance to geek out with fellow enthusiasts. Learning isn’t confined to brick-and-mortar classrooms anymore; it’s a global adventure. Ah, the virtual classroom—a place where students don’t need permission slips or hall passes!
Remember when we used to lug around backpacks filled with textbooks? Now, students carry entire libraries in their pockets. Educational apps—tiny wizards in code—teach languages, dissect frogs (virtually, of course), and even help with mindfulness. Gamification turns learning into an epic quest.
Finally, technology isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about sparking curiosity. Interactive quizzes, 3D models, and immersive simulations make learning a joyride. And accessibility? Well, it’s no longer an afterthought. Closed captions, screen readers, and adaptive interfaces ensure that everyone—regardless of ability—can join the learning party.
What gives you hope?
My unwavering faith in humanity acts as a lighthouse cutting through stormy seas. I see beyond the surface—beyond the chaos, division, and despair. My hope rests on the idea that even the darkest minds harbor a spark of possibility. I believe that compassion, empathy, and understanding can bridge gaps, heal wounds, and ignite change. Within each person lies the capacity for growth, kindness, and transformation.
“Celebrate diversity and ensure that all students feel seen, heard, and valued. Your commitment to inclusion will positively impact your teaching practice.”
For me, education transcends textbooks and classrooms; it’s a cosmic force—a catalyst for metamorphosis. I envision minds as malleable clay, hearts as canvases yearning for colors. Learning, like sunlight filtering through leaves, touches lives. It empowers the marginalized, challenges the privileged, and dismantles ignorance. Education is alchemy, turning ignorance into enlightenment, prejudice into empathy, and despair into hope.
My hope is anchored in the idea that light—whether a flicker or a blazing sun—can pierce even the murkiest minds. I see educators as torchbearers, guiding lost souls toward understanding. In classrooms, libraries, and virtual spaces, I witness seeds of enlightenment being planted. These seeds sprout into critical thinkers, dreamers, and change-makers. The darkness of ignorance, prejudice, and fear retreats when minds awaken to knowledge, curiosity, and compassion.
What advice do you have for an SOE student just starting on their career path?
Here are my insights that may serve as a compass for students starting on their career path:
- Engage with fellow students. They are your peers and potential collaborators. Seek out teachers and mentors who inspire you. Their insights and encouragement will be invaluable throughout your journey. Attend seminars, workshops, and networking events to foster these connections. Remember, teaching is not a solitary endeavor; it thrives on collaboration and shared wisdom.
- Education is a dynamic field that constantly evolves. Be open to continuous growth and development. Consider attending workshops, pursuing certifications, or exploring advanced degrees. Stay curious and keep expanding your knowledge base. Lifelong learning ensures you remain relevant and adaptable, equipping you to meet the ever-changing needs of your students.
- Every student brings a unique set of experiences, learning styles, and cultural backgrounds to the classroom. Educate yourself about diversity and inclusion. Learn about different learning preferences, cultural norms, and ways to create an inclusive environment. Celebrate diversity and ensure that all students feel seen, heard, and valued. Your commitment to inclusion will positively impact your teaching practice.