Rhonda Hardy's mission is to serve as a synergist; connecting people and places to create economic and social power. Rhonda is a seasoned professional with over 30 years experience working and volunteering in communities, the business industry and educational institutions. As a Community and Economic Development Educator Rhonda provides training and technical assistance in capacity building, economic empowerment, strategic planning, leaderhsip, and small business development.

Rhonda has a proven ability to lead the implementation of major initiatives that address the diverse opportunities and challenges in urban communities.

Rhonda is a consummate believer in the power of partnerships as demonstrated by her ongoing work with public, private and non-profit organizations. Rhonda has partnered with Education-to-Careers Program through the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Housing Authority, the 87^th & Cottage Grove TIF Advisory Council, Small Business Development Centers, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), and the Business & Economic Revitalization Association. Rhonda currently serves on the Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Advisory Commission, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Workforce Education Committee, 17^th Senatorial District Economic Development Consortium and the Christian Woman's Outreach Ministries Board. Rhonda has served on the Special Allocations Committee for United Way, and the City of Chicago Special Task Force for Organic Living.

Rhonda has developed several innovative curricula on leadership, facilitation skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, strategic planning and career development. She is highly skilled in program development and has won several awards for projects such as the Chicago Housing Authority Senior Technology Initiative; Chicago Fresh: Entrepreneurship for Urban Agriculture; and All My Money: Financial Literacy for Limited Resource Audiences.

Rhonda earned her M.S. and B.S. Degrees from Southern Illinois University (School of Environmental Design); is certified in Volunteer Management and NXLevel Business Management; and is currently pursuing certification as an Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council.

Current Projects

Rhonda leads the implementation of major initiatives that address the diverse opportunities and challenges in urban communities:

• Stewart Bussiness Center Incubator Program
• Southeast Community Leaders Forums
• Cottage Grove TIF Business Assessment Survey
• Southeast Regional Economic Strategic Plan Initiative
• Black Metropolis Neighborhood Legacy Project

Program Offerings

Rhonda Hardy can provide the following services that are customized to fit the needs of organizations and communities:

• Vision to Action: Strategic Planning and Project Development
• Business to Bussiness: Small Business Training
• Courage to Lead: A Plan for Personal and Community Empowerment
• Community and Business Assessments