Rhonda Hardy's mission is to serve as a synergist; connecting people, places and knowledge to create economic and social power. Ms Hardy has over 30 years experience working and volunteering in communities, the business industry and educational institutions. In her position as a Community and Economic Development Educator for University of Illinois Extension, she provides training in community capacity building, program planning, leadership development and business development. Ms. Hardy is known for her creative talent, and she applies this gift in both her home environment and when addressing the diverse opportunities within Chicago communities.
Ms. Hardy believes in the power of forming local partnerships with organizations who are addressing emerging issues. She has partnered with, the Black Metropolis Business Heritage District, the Education-to-Careers Program through the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Housing Authority, the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Business & Economic Revitalization Association. She has served on the Special Allocations Committee for United Way, the Workforce Education Committee for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Chicago Special Task Force for Organic Living.
Ms. Hardy has developed several comprehensive curricula on leadership development, facilitation skills, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career development. She is skilled in program development and has won several awards for her projects such as the Chicago Housing Authority Senior Technology Initiative and the Chicago Fresh: Entrepreneurship for Urban Agriculture Project.
Prior to Extension, Ms Hardy operated a family-owned business, was an instructor at The Academy of Technology and Design, was a Merchandise Specialist for Sears and the Community Outreach Representative for Central Illinois Utilities. Ms. Hardy earned her M.S. and B.S. Degrees from Southern Illinois University from the School of Environmental Design, is Certified in Volunteer Management, NXLevel Business Management, and trained in Economic Development, Business Retention, and Real Estate Development and Reuse through the International Economic Development Council.
