It is so inspiring to be part of an organization whose members make a difference to individuals every day!

As I sat down to write my first message as President of PACDA, I couldn’t help but be impressed with how far we’ve come and, of course, a little intimidated following in the footsteps of our inaugural President, Kim Neubauer. Kim helped set PACDA on a course for success that I am delighted and privileged to continue to advance.

When COVID derailed our plans for a day-long symposium 18 months ago, we pivoted quickly to virtual offerings that supported our mission of professional development and networking for our members.

Looking forward to the coming fiscal year, we have robust plans to continue to bring significant value to PACDA members and guests while also sustaining and growing our impact on career services delivery in Pennsylvania and adjacent communities. For me, that’s the core of PACDA’s impact – helping individuals, one by one, optimize their career management through the expertise of our members.

Our ambitious goals for the future include:

Increase the size and diversity of membership across every dimension (geography, age, race, ethnicity, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation / affectional preference / gender identity, disability, etc.).

• Growth and inclusiveness enables us to expand the number of individuals whose careers are positively affected by PACDA members’ expertise.
• While many states have their own CDA division, we understand that job markets may cross state lines and welcome members/guests from communities in DE, OH, WVA, NY, NJ, MD, and elsewhere.

Provide professional development opportunities for members, through program excellence, partnerships, and volunteer leadership opportunities within PACDA.

• We’re a volunteer organization whose members bring value to other members.
• We elevate our profession and the services we deliver by helping members grow their expertise, skills, and reputation.

Being recognized as a go-to resource for best practices within an industry that is somewhat fragmented, with an array of practitioners and certifications.

• By continuing to provide robust learning and networking events, PACDA enables our members to be continuous learners and advances the caliber of career services delivery in our market.
• Virtually all of our events include CEU credit for certifications through NCDA, the premier national association for career professionals.

Continued refinement of PACDA governance as part of our “best-in-class” identity.

• With PACDA having been recognized as an “Outstanding State Division” in 2020, there is an expectation of excellence in programming and leadership.
• Continuous improvement is synonymous with excellence and we’re looking to focus on performance and strategy to maintain our reputation for being exemplary.

I hope that you will join us in optimizing the careers of all those that we serve. The work that we do doesn’t just help an individual – it positively affects each person’s families, communities, and workplace.

Safiya Edwards

President, PACDA

It is the policy of the Pennsylvania Career Development Association (PACDA) to maintain a safe, comfortable environment by prohibiting the solicitation of funds or business, the distribution or posting of materials, and/or the promotion of products or services not specifically approved by or belonging to PACDA, as outlined below:

• Individuals, organizations, and companies are prohibited from soliciting funds, distributing literature or gifts, pitching merchandise or services, or engaging in any other solicitation, distribution, marketing, or similar activity except when approved in writing by PACDA.
• Use of PACDA email addresses, meetings, or social media for marketing purposes, e.g. posting or distributing materials or announcements, is permitted only when authorized by the Executive Board of PACDA.

Questions may be submitted to info@thepacda.org.

Register Now!

Job Search Strategies

October 27, 2021 | 12:00PM - 2:00PM

For many career development professionals, coaching our clients/students on effective job search strategies is a significant element of what we do. How can we help them move beyond sitting at their computer screen (or tapping on their cell phone) applying for posted job openings, and waiting, passively, for employers to get back to them? In this webinar, three job search experts will share their perspectives on the job search process and offer recommendations for improving our job search coaching skills.

• Todd Cohen: Everyone’s in Sales, Including Job Seekers
• Curtis Jenkins: Applying the 4 Ps to Job Search Strategy
• Bill Leonard: The Hierarchy of Landing Your Next Great Career Opportunity

Register Now

SAVE THE DATE
Discussion of the Great Resignation and

Networking by PACDA Affiliation

November 17, 2021 | 5:00PM - 6:30PM

FOR SALE IN OUR STORE

Re-Entry & Justice: How Career Coaches

Can Empower Returning Citizens

Returning citizens (people returning to the community after being in prison) face enormous challenges when seeking employment. Research has shown that landing a job as soon as possible after being released from incarceration is one of the keys to avoiding recidivism. Learn from two experts on how best to support and encourage our returning citizen clients.

PACDA Store

If you have someone to recommend as a speaker/presenter/panel member for future events, please email programming@thepacda.org.

Event Calendar