RALEIGH, NC— Keith Graham of Bladen County and LaVonia D. Lewis of Pender County recently graduated from the Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), the NC Rural Center’s flagship leadership development program. The three-month intensive training program helps existing and emerging leaders further develop their skills and increase their knowledge of economic and community development strategies, equipping them with the tools they need to tackle issues facing their rural communities. LaVonia is the staff Grant Writer & Special Projects Coordinator, and Keith is the Workforce Development Manager for Men and Women United for Youth & Families, CDC, located in Delco, North Carolina, Columbus County.
Rural Center Board Chair Andy Anderson presented certificates to the program’s 18 graduates and encouraged them to keep the important connections they’ve made over this experience. “During my own REDI training I learned to listen, to leverage what we had in our hands, and lead with permission from and compassion for my neighbors,” said Anderson. Anderson serves as a disaster recovery advocate for Disability Rights North Carolina and is a William Friday Fellow. Class participants included economic development professionals, educators, and civic and nonprofit leaders.
“This year’s REDI class has tremendous passion for and commitment to their rural communities,” said senior director of leadership and engagement, Bronwyn Lucas. “The NC Rural Center recognizes the critical link between rural leaders that are inclusive, connected, and informed, and the potential for creative, resilient, and more vibrant rural communities across the state. We are so proud to have this class join our growing network of leadership alumni.”
Now in its 31st year of operation, REDI has trained more than 1,300 leaders across the state. As a graduate of REDI, LaVonia Lewis and Keith Graham now join an extensive alumni network that spans all of North Carolina’s 100 counties and includes graduates from the Rural Center’s other leadership training program, Homegrown Leaders. Many of the Center’s leadership alumni are active in state and local government, and in philanthropic, nonprofit, and small-business sectors, as well as in faith and community-based organizations.
“Leadership development is at the core of the Rural Center’s work, and now more than ever it is important that our leaders are equipped with the skills and tools to foster growth and innovation,” said NC Rural Center President Patrick Woodie. “We’re excited to see the impact our REDI graduates will have in their communities and regions.”
This year’s REDI training was made possible through the philanthropic support of Wells Fargo and Jordan Lumber, as well as First National Bank and United Community Bank. “We are thankful for our sponsors and for their belief and optimism in our mission and in the future of our state’s rural people and places,” said Woodie.
To learn more about how the NC Rural Center is developing and supporting rural leaders across the state, visit ncruralcenter.org.
About Author
