February shines a spotlight on MiShon Landry, CDP, CDE, a dedicated member of Texas CASA’s Board of Directors. Recently featured on Texas CASA’s video series, The Fix, Landry addresses the critical issue of unconscious bias and its impact on communities within the child welfare system. To watch Landry’s insightful discussion on unconscious bias, click on the link below.
The Fix | Episode 9 – Unconscious Bias with MiShon Landry, CDP, CDE – The CASA Voice (texascasa.org)
In an effort to further delve into Landry’s multifaceted contribution, we sat down with her for an exclusive interview. Our questions revolve around the profound importance she places on being a member of the Texas CASA Board of Directors.
Why is giving so important?
“In 2021, I lost my oldest son, Ellis, and because of his loss, I chose to really scale back on several community activities and commitments. When deciding what was most meaningful and impactful for me, Texas CASA and another organization, Rocketship Public Schools Texas, were the two organizations that I chose to remain connected to. Both were related to the positive welfare and benefit of children and felt most connected to my personal interests and heart. Donating or giving to a charitable organization like Texas CASA is personally fulfilling because I know the impact of my donation, and how it supports advocacy for children in foster care, which is critical to a child’s short – and long-term wellbeing. It also serves as a major mood-booster and when you’ve experienced loss like I have, mood boosters are critical. Research and studies have shown a link between making a charitable donation to an organization like Texas CASA increases activity in the area of the brain that registers pleasure. This is very similar to the way that exercise can release tryptophan, which is the amino acid your brain uses to make serotonin. Serotonin provides feel-good endorphins that give you a feeling of pleasure, excitement, or happiness! It brings me joy when I am engaged with Texas CASA. The fact that I’m helping others is incredibly empowering and provides me with a feeling of contentment, fulfillment, and even gratitude.”
How long have you been a Board member and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
“I became a Texas CASA Board member in the Spring of 2019, however, I served on a committee prior to becoming a member of the board. I think this process worked out great for Texas CASA, and for me, as it was a little like being an intern. It gave me an opportunity to get a feel for members of the board and the work of the organization, as well as for the members of the Board to get a feel for me and my skill set. As I think back, I actually wanted to get involved with CASA probably 12-15 years prior to joining, but life and unanticipated circumstances got in the way and prevented me from doing so. Several years later, I participated in an almost year-long cohort that advocates for children and equity in public education, called Leadership ISD. As such, I was reintroduced to Texas CASA through a fellow LISD colleague and Texas CASA Former Board President/Chair, John Knight. Then shortly after joining the Texas CASA Board, unanticipated circumstances got in the way and almost prevented me once again, and almost prevented me from doing so, however, this time I persevered.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Board member of Texas CASA?
“As a Texas CASA Board member, I believe you must be willing to take on tough issues and have the courage to speak truth to power. For me, this means confronting issues like bias or inequities in the child welfare system, listening, learning and leaning into other perspectives, as well as being intentional about what I commit to and following through on my commitments. It’s truly a genuine privilege to be a part of such a phenomenal community of individuals like those on our Board. I have worked with a number of Boards throughout my career and I honestly can say that Texas CASA’s Board, Leadership, Executive Director and Staff are some of the most incredible and talented individuals that I’ve had the privilege and opportunity to work with and support. I have been known to have a Type A and C personality and my experience with Texas CASA’s Board has been extremely rewarding and valuable to me personally, professionally and as a community partner. I am truly impressed by the professionalism and thoughtful planning of the board. Little, but big things, like calendar invitations and meetings are scheduled far in advance support my experience. Policies and resources are in place to help provide information and concise analysis happens prior to making decisions. Serving on Texas CASA’s Board, like anything else in life worthwhile, you get out of it what you put into it.”
If you could offer some words of encouragement to community leaders who want to get involved in the CASA movement, what would they be?
“My best advice is simply don’t ever let fear stop you from getting involved and be a person who honors and values the commitment to the children and families. Challenge yourself to do hard things because believe me, the children deserve it. Learn to listen – I think sometimes we should pause and take a step back when we’re in a new space. I believe we’ll have an opportunity to really learn something if we go into things with cultural agility, being open to learning and listening, instead of coming in to try and fix something. I often see a lot of people wanting to go into something new, just to try and fix things, but some things aren’t broken. They may need additional resources, but that doesn’t mean they’re broken. Lastly, always remember that changing a child’s life for the better can leave an impact that send ripples through generations.”