PACDC recognizes young professionals who work at member organizations—both CDCs and Associate Members. The goal is to encourage young professionals to pursue careers in community development and to provide training and peer-support to enhance their success.

Persons under 40 (as of December 31, 2023) may be nominated by an individual who knows her/his work or s/he may self-nominate. The young professional must be in the profession for a minimum of three years. They must write a brief statement describing her/his work, results, and vision about their respective community, and a resume must be included. Nominees must be an employee of a PACDC member organization in good standing (i.e. CDC or Associate member current on dues). Candidates under 30 as of December 31, 2023 will receive increased emphasis.

PLEASE NOTE: The nominee’s supervisor (or Board Chair if nominee is Executive Director) must sign off on the nomination, and agrees to make allowances for their nominee to schedule time out of the office to participate in free PACDC training/s. More than one person from the same organization may be nominated.

The winner will be announced prior to PACDC’s Gala & Awards Ceremony in May 2023 (Date and Location TBA). The winner will be recognized at the Gala and showcased in the PACDC Program and through other means throughout the year. The winner(s) will also receive a year-long scholarship for free access to training and professional development via PACDC’s Community Development Leadership Institute.

Executive Director Approval and Recommendation: Because the 2023 Rising Star(s) will receive access to training scholarships, your supervisor (or Board Chair if nominee is Executive Director) must be aware - and approve of - your absence for that time by signing off on this nomination. In addition, your supervisor (or Board Chair if nominee is Executive Director) is requested to submit a brief letter of recommendation.