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

Registration Open!

PACDA End of Year Celebration

FOR SALE IN OUR STORE

What does the Great Resignation Mean for You and Your Clients?

This event began with a brief presentation about the impact of “The Great Resignation” on your students/clients. Following breakout discussions by PACDA subgroups (Workforce Development, Higher Ed, Private Practice, K-12) the event ended with closing comments on strategies and resources.

PACDA Store

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

Event Calendar

Kudos to our first organizational member, JEVS. Welcome to new and renewing members Peggy Truitt, Souleymane Fall, Samara Fritzsche, Gary Lachow, and Jacqueline Savoy.

If your organization is interested in organizational membership, learn more here.