Program administered by Community Development Works

Ten individuals graduated from the 2023 class of Cenla Boardbuilders, a program that develops emerging leaders for service on boards of local nonprofit organizations. The program aims to strengthen the capacity of nonprofit boards by equipping their members with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to be effective leaders.

It is administered by The Rapides Foundation’s Community Development Works program.

Cenla Boardbuilders is open to professionals identified by their employers as up-and-coming leaders with a desire to become involved in their community, to nonprofit board members wanting an orientation to their new role on a board, and to individuals who are looking for higher-level volunteer opportunities.

Participants choose between two learning tracks. Track I is for newly seated board members with limited service experience who are only seeking training. Track II is for individuals with no previous board service who are seeking training in preparation for nonprofit board service and help to connect with local nonprofits.

The 2023 program ran from August through October and consisted of sessions about the roles and responsibilities of being an effective board member, including: Nature of Nonprofit Board & Responsibilities, Fund Development; Fiduciary Responsibilities; and Leadership.

The program included a networking lunch and recruitment session that gave Track II participants and nonprofit leaders a chance to connect. These networking opportunities allowed participants to learn about different organizations that meet their interests, and it gave nonprofits the chance to recruit new, energetic board members.

“The community leaders who graduate from this program will immediately bring valuable skills to the table for the nonprofits they serve,” said Joe Rosier, President and CEO of The Rapides Foundation.

The following individuals completed the 2023 Cenla Boardbuilders Program:

Track I: Currently serving on a board

• Jessie Clark, Administrative Assistant, Natchitoches Arc
• Jermaine Davis, Purchasing and Storeroom Team Leader, Martco, LLC; Nonprofit Partner: United Way of Central Louisiana.
• Jessica Difulco, Payroll, Martco, LLC; Nonprofit Partner: Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana.
• Andrea Miles, Executive Director, Jordan’s Boys and Girls Club.

Track II: Seeking board service

• Annie Johnson Salazar, Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Children’s Advocacy Network.
• Jay McCalmont, Director of Business Development and Customer Solutions, Cleco.
• Krissy McCrea, Campus Director, Unitech Training Academy.
• Michelle Reynolds, Coordinator, Move Bunkie Forward.
• Elizabeth Texada, Executive Assistant, Holloway Investments.
• Ross Williams, Executive Director, Emma Robinson Williams Education Foundation & Williams House Community Family Learning Center.

The 2023 graduates join a group of 254 Cenla Boardbuilders alumni.

Felicia Walker, Training Specialist for CDW, welcomed the group at a graduation ceremony in November. “You selflessly have dedicated yourselves to bring about positive change that will resonate for generations to come. Your presence is deeply appreciated.”

Guest speaker Jim Clinton, President and CEO of Louisiana Central, commended the graduates for their dedication to community and civic leadership. “The decision you made to join this program is a commitment to rebuilding the ‘we’ in Central Louisiana and America,” he said.

To participate in the 2024 Cenla Boardbuilders program either as a participant, nonprofit partner, or employer partner, visit, https://www.communitydevelopmentworks.org/boardbuilders. You can submit an application online or call 318.443.7880/1.800.803.8075 for more information.