Dr. Lillie Cox on Empowering Women in Education Through WE LEAD

Dr. Sharon H. Porter
May 8
3 min read

By Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM ET

In the latest episode of Vision & Purpose Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with one of the most dynamic leaders in education—Dr. Lillie Cox. As the founder of WE LEAD, an initiative dedicated to supporting and developing women in educational leadership, Dr. Cox has made it her mission to open doors, challenge systems, and create community for women navigating their professional journeys.

For her unwavering commitment to equity and mentorship, Dr. Cox was honored with the AASA 2021 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award—a distinction recognizing those who actively champion the advancement of women and minorities in leadership roles.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NCASCD) and the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium (PTEC), Dr. Cox brings a wealth of experience as a former district superintendent, central office administrator, and principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Creating Space Where Women Lead

In the episode, Dr. Cox shares the origin story of WE LEAD, which was born from a recognition that women in leadership—especially in education—often lack structured, sustainable support networks. The goal of WE LEAD, she explains, is to offer more than professional development; it’s about creating community.

“I believe in listening to people and trying to meet their needs. I believe leaders have to make create courageous and difficult decisions, and that we need people that are problem solvers, that are change agents, and who do it in the right way...”

Dr. Cox also opens up about the challenges women continue to face in education, from underrepresentation in senior roles to the subtle biases that undermine their authority or potential. Her message is clear: when women are given opportunities, resources, and mentorship, they thrive—and so do the communities they serve.

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Change

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Cox emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and sponsorship in developing strong, sustainable leadership. She shares practical ways that current leaders—both men and women—can intentionally uplift emerging talent and help shift organizational cultures to be more inclusive and empowering.

She also reflects on her own mentors and how their guidance, encouragement, and belief in her helped her step into roles she once didn’t think were possible.

“The research says most women need to be tapped, they need to be encouraged to move into a leadership role. I remember the day my principal said to me I was a high school teacher, and she said, you could be a principal one day. It wasn't that I didn't think I could. It had just never crossed my mind.”

The Three-Pillars of WE Lead

Dr. Cox explained the three pillars of the organization: Professional Development, Career Advancement, and Health & Wellness and discussed what WE Lead is and is NOT....

“WE Lead isn't about selecting women over men. It's about having balance. I believe that our children deserve to have the strongest leadership in school districts and state leadership. And if we continue to put barriers in place or don't recognize that there aren't as many women and encourage them to be leaders, children will suffer because women bring a lot of things to the table.”

Why This Conversation Matters

This episode is more than an inspiring story—it's a call to action for educational leaders, policymakers, and advocates. Dr. Cox’s work through WE LEAD serves as a model for how we can foster inclusive leadership pipelines and ensure that every leader has the tools, support, and courage to lead authentically.

If you're a current or aspiring leader in education—or someone who cares about equity in leadership—this episode is a must-listen.