Community Development Institute (CDI) Central

We’re excited to share that Tabatha Duvall, PCED, Assistant Director of CCED, has been selected for Lead AR Class 21! Lead AR is a highly respected leadership program that helps participants build the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to create positive change in Arkansas communities. Over the next 18 months, Tabatha will engage with top leaders, attend seminars around the state, and take part in an international study tour—all while working on a community leadership project. To see the full class and read more about Lead AR visit: https://lnkd.in/d3neVnH8

Our Assistant Director, Tabatha Duvall, PCED, will be facilitating an activity exploring Asset-based Community Development at the ACDS Annual Conference here at UCA on April 1! You can register to attend at ARCDS.org. We’ll see you there!

We are proud to be a part of the CDI national network! Our colleagues across the nation offer CDI core curriculum training combined with critical topics that are relevant to their regions. Find the site that's right for you at www.cdcouncil.com/CDI.HTM

Our staff in partnership with the Women's Leadership Network and NorthWest Arkansas Community College will host "Living the Life You Deserve" on April 3 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Shewmaker Center at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville! This event is designed to uplift Arkansas women leaders through connection, empowerment and inspiration; combining professional/personal development and networking opportunities. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Kristen Guillory, an engaging and world-renowned speaker and author who will leave participants energized and ready to live the life they deserve. Registration is free, but required. Please register and learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gJVfJs5q

Join us in celebrating FOUR new certified Professional Community and Economic Developers (PCED)! Congratulations to Tracie Spivey with our team at #CDIcentral, Pamela Reed, Elijah Jackson, and Matthew Smith with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for passing the March PCED exam.

? Reminder! ? It’s not too late to join the CDI Alumni Network and take advantage of all the incredible benefits! For just $50/year, you'll gain access to exclusive training events, earn points for PCED holders, and connect with fellow alumni committed to growth. Today is the UCA Day of Giving—a perfect opportunity to make a difference. If you haven't signed up yet, now's the time! And don't forget, even if you're not an Alum yet, you can also make a donation to the CDI Fund to support the next generation of professionals. ?? Sign up and give today! Let’s make an impact together! ?? https://lnkd.in/gRvBuSUf

Thanks again for inviting us to lead the Futures Game simulation at the ESO Summit!

Why is community and economic development important and what role do they play in our communities? CCED Assistant Director Tabatha Duvall, PCED shared the answers to these questions when she spoke with Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce Board Members today.

Engaging young leaders in conversations about poverty and the ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) population is crucial if we want to continue uplifting those in need in our communities. We must continue to innovate and elevate the services and support we offer to create places that meet every family’s needs. Thank you to the Cabot Area Chamber of Commerce and Cabot High School Youth Leadership Council for inviting our staff to facilitate a Poverty Simulation today!

When you become a part of the #CDIcentral network by attending the Community Development Institute (CDI), your network will expand throughout every corner of Arkansas and even nationally! You'll be hard pressed to attend a conference or training event in Arkansas without connecting to someone else in the CDI family. Interested in connecting with our network and learning community and economic development tools and best practices? Learn more about CDI 2025 at uca.edu/cdi.