Continuing the team’s professional growth trajectory, Tripepi Smith Business Analysts Cailyn Thompson and Devin Antonio recently completed the Professional Certificate in Public Engagement for Local Government through the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at Pepperdine University.
Through the program, Cailyn and Devin gained tools and strategies to support meaningful, transparent and effective public participation across a range of client projects.
The certificate equips professionals with best practices for designing and facilitating inclusive community engagement processes by building trust, navigating complex public conversations and ensuring that community input informs decision-making.
As public agencies face increasing expectations for transparency and responsiveness, effective civic engagement has become more critical than ever, according to Peter Pirnejad, executive director of the Davenport Institute.
“Public engagement, when done well, strengthens the relationship between agencies and the communities they serve,” he said. “Programs like ours are designed to equip professionals with practical tools to lead more inclusive conversations that ultimately result in better decisions and stronger public trust.”
Cailyn and Devin join Senior Business Analysts Sienna Boyd and Peter Johnson and Business Analysts Valerie Nevarez, Abby Romano and Morgan Teruel as program alumni and certificate holders. Whether supporting large-scale infrastructure projects or day-to-day communications, Tripepi Smith’s strengthened capabilities ensure community voices are not only heard, but also meaningfully incorporated into decision-making.
“Effective community engagement is no longer optional; it is a core requirement for public agencies to maintain transparency and public trust,” said Tripepi Smith President Ryder Todd Smith. “Our team’s commitment to the Davenport Institute experience reflects our ‘always be learning’ philosophy. By deepening our understanding of how to facilitate difficult conversations and reach underrepresented voices, we are better equipped to help our clients navigate complex policy challenges.”