🎓 Just Graduated! Why I Chose to Keep Learning as a Business Owner + What It Means for Community Sustainability
- Lakeshi Satterwhite
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Last month, I proudly graduated from the Community Partner Development Certification (CPDC) program at North Carolina Central University, in partnership with the City of Durham’s Neighborhood Improvement Services. 🎉
This moment wasn’t just about adding a new credential—it was a powerful recommitment to my purpose.
As the founder of Planning Ahead, a nonprofit deeply rooted in environmental education, workforce development, and community empowerment, I believe in meeting the moment—and that moment often calls for continued learning.
🌱 Why Continuing Education Matters—Even (Especially) as a Business Owner
When you run an organization, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. But the world doesn’t stop evolving—and neither can we.
The CPDC program gave me:
✅ A deeper understanding of how local governments work with grassroots organizations✅ Tools to strengthen community partnerships✅ Strategies for embedding equity and sustainability in all phases of engagement
But most importantly, it reminded me that leadership is a lifelong learning journey.
🤝 Community Partnerships Are at the Heart of Sustainability
At Planning Ahead, we’re not here to work for communities—we work with them. Our environmental education programs and workforce development initiatives are co-designed with residents, ensuring that solutions are rooted in lived experience, not just good intentions.
This certification only deepens our commitment to:
🌿 Community-led environmental solutions🌿 Career readiness that honors local knowledge🌿 Inclusive engagement practices that build trust and long-term resilience
🚀 What’s Next?
With the knowledge and connections gained through this certification, Planning Ahead is doubling down on our mission to help Central East Durham and Raleigh neighborhoods thrive—socially, economically, and environmentally.
To my fellow business owners and community leaders: keep learning, stay curious, and never stop building bridges.
Our future depends on it.
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