ABOUT US
Rural Development Centers (RDC)
Mission: To empower and strengthen rural communities, small businesses, and youth/adults through education, training, and capacity building focused on economic development, digital skills, prevention services and holistic community advancement. RDC is dedicated to fostering resilient, self-sustaining rural regions by promoting access to resources, engaging local leadership, supporting infrastructure development, entrepreneurship and driving innovation tailored to the unique needs of rural populations.
Rural Development Centers
RDC partners with rural communities, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to advance economic development, strengthen local leadership, and build healthier, safer futures for families across the region
OUR TEAM
The Minds Behind RDC
Eduardo González
Founder / Executive Director
Shelby Gonzales
Associate Director / CFO
Sheila Williamson
Business Specialist
Daniel Gomez
Program Coordinator
Fatima Rodriguez
Business Specialist
Elisa Johnson
Business Specialist
RDC Staff
Bilingual Technical Assistance & Rural Expertise
Rural Development Centers (RDC) staff are bilingual and culturally responsive, enabling us to effectively serve diverse rural communities in both English and Spanish. Our team brings years of hands-on experience providing technical assistance to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations, including early-stage and startup nonprofits. We support clients with business planning, nonprofit formation, compliance guidance, grant readiness, financial literacy, and operational development, while tailoring assistance to the unique challenges faced in rural areas. With deep roots in the communities we serve, RDC staff understand local economies, limited-resource environments, and the importance of trusted, relationship-based support. Our goal is to empower rural leaders and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to build sustainable, community-driven initiatives.
Leadership Development & Community Prevention
For more than a decade, RDC has supported the development of both youth and adult leaders by creating meaningful leadership opportunities rooted in community engagement and prevention. Our work includes designing and delivering prevention services that address local needs while strengthening protective factors across rural communities. Through leadership training, youth councils, community coalitions, and hands-on service opportunities, we help individuals build skills, confidence, and pathways to civic and economic participation. In addition to prevention efforts, RDC supports rural economic development, navigation services, and community development initiatives that connect residents to resources, strengthen local capacity, and promote long-term community well-being. Our experience working across diverse rural regions allows us to implement sustainable, community-driven solutions that reflect local voices and priorities.