Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Deep Community Roots and Experience

* Cathy Kedjidjian is the Chief Communications Officer for Deerfield Public Schools District 109. She is a Deerfield resident, has children who went through the district, and previously served in the same communications role from 2010–2018 before returning. Her personal and professional ties to the community shape her commitment to the district.

* Role as a Storyteller and Connector

* Cathy sees her primary job as telling the stories of the district’s students, staff, and schools, celebrating their achievements, and ensuring families and the broader community are informed and engaged. She emphasizes the importance of making everyone feel connected to the schools, whether or not they have children enrolled.

* Championing Authentic Community Partnerships

* She is passionate about creating authentic learning experiences by connecting students with local businesses and community members. Cathy encourages business leaders to get involved—through volunteering, mentoring, or hosting students—to enrich students’ education and foster real-world skills.

* Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

* Cathy prioritizes accessible communication, ensuring information is available to all families regardless of language or income. She notes the district’s growing diversity and the importance of reflecting that in communications, including ADA-compliant websites and multilingual resources.

* Vision for Stronger Community Collaboration

* Cathy is a driving force behind initiatives like “Stronger Together, Deerfield,” which aims to unite schools, businesses, and local organizations to support student well-being, resilience, and community health. She invites anyone with ideas or a desire to help to reach out, highlighting the district’s openness to new partnerships and community-driven projects.

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