This article presents interviews with eminent scholars and community leaders in the education of culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional learners. These "elders" of the education community share their perspectives and prognostications on pertinent issues. The "elders" interviewed for this article are two Latina women who are leaders in the field of special education. The interviewees are: (1) Alba Ortiz, Associate Dean and Hinojosa Professor in the School of Education at the University of Texas at Austin, and past president of CEC; and (2) Elba Maldonado-Colon, Professor of Education, San Jose State University and current president of DDEL.