Eleven Central Louisiana leaders graduated November 5 from Cenla Boardbuilders, a leadership development program for interested community members who want to become active on local nonprofit boards.

Through Cenla Boardbuilders, a program of Community Development Works and The Rapides Foundation, participants are trained through a series of sessions on the roles and responsibilities of an effective board member. Participants choose from among two learning tracks. Track I is for newly seated board members with limited service experience who are seeking training only. Track II is for individuals with no previous board service who are seeking training and help to connect with local nonprofits.

"The Rapides Foundation believes it is absolutely necessary that nonprofits have board members who are trained in their roles and responsibilities, and who have the skills needed to contribute to the board," said Joe Rosier, President and CEO of The Rapides Foundation. “Graduates of this program are equipped with the expertise and knowledge to serve immediately, which strengthens nonprofits as they work to achieve their missions in Central Louisiana.”

The 2021 program included virtual sessions covering the nature of nonprofit boards, fiduciary responsibilities, fund development and leadership. It also included virtual networking sessions that allowed Track II participants to meet with staff of various nonprofits. The November graduation ceremony was the first time the graduates had gathered in person.

The following individuals completed the 2021 Cenla Boardbuilders Program:

Track I: Currently serving on a board:

• Brittney Armwood, Loan Partner, Guild Mortgage Company, former nonprofit board member.

• Brenda Brechtel, Regional Representative, Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center, Nonprofit Partner: Avoyelles Youth Coalition Organization.

• Patricia Brown, Senior Administrative Assistant, Veterans Place Organization, Nonprofit Partner: Veterans Place Organization.

• Jacqueline Murray, Director/President, Veterans Place Organization, Nonprofit Partner: Veterans Place Organization

• Quentin Murray, Vice President/Board Member, Veterans Place Organization, Nonprofit Partner: Veterans Place Organization.

Track II: Seeking board service

• Sarah Ceballos, Administrative Director, Louisiana Central.

• Mandi Guillory, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Alexandria Emergency Hospital.

• Teresa Louis, Finance Director, The ARC Rapides Inc.

• LaTessa Mathews, Support Services Manager, Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition.

• Grace Semones, Instructor of Mathematics, Louisiana State University at Eunice.

• Sarah Swain, Facility Administrator, Alexandria Emergency Hospital.

The 2021 graduates join a group of 228 Cenla Boardbuilders alumni. Employer partners participate in the program by allowing their employee time off during work hours to attend training sessions and board meetings. Nonprofit partners connect with Cenla Boardbuilders graduates to offer board service opportunities.

For more information about Cenla Boardbuilders or to learn how to participate in the 2022 program, call CDW at 318-443-7880 or toll free at 1-800-803-8075. Cenla Boardbuilders sessions run from August through October. Community Development Works is a program of The Rapides Foundation.

Photo above: 
The 2021 graduates are, left to right, Brenda Brechtel, Mandi Guillory, Jacqueline Murray, Teresa Louis, Sarah Swain, Quentin Murray, Grace Semones, LaTessa Mathews, Sarah Ceballos and Brittney Armwood.