How does CDI impact its participants? Don’t ask us, ask them.
Our team has reached out to participants spanning the three decades to document how CDI has helped shape them, the communities they serve, and the organizations they represent.
2017 CDI graduate Chris Wasson of Entergy Arkansas shared his journey through CDI:
Why would you recommend someone attend CDI? “CDI has given me a fresh perspective of the challenges that face our communities as well as the tools and resources to help overcome those challenges.“
What was your number one take away from CDI? “You can not achieve community and economic development success by yourself. Success requires a team moving in the same direction. I learned to use the abilities that others bring to the table and how to build solid networking relationships.”
James Hopper, PCED, Class of 2023
CDI builds people and communities. It was wonderful seeing the growth in our classmates and the things they were doing in their communities over the three years I was in the program. The community of people that CDI brought together continues to be important to me and is one reason why I was excited to return to CDI this year to lead a session.
Wonder Lowe is the founder and executive director of The Butterfly Effect in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Heather Hendrickson is a CDI graduate and a UCA alum.
Candace Williams, executive director of the Rural Community Alliance, is a member of CDI class of 2017, CDI Class Director, and CDI Advisory Board member.
Randy Holland, Mayor of Mayflower, is a graduate of CDI class of 2015.