Welcome to the Missouri Career Development Association — a dynamic community of leaders, educators, practitioners, workforce innovators, counselors, coaches, and changemakers who are collectively advancing the future of career development across Missouri and beyond.
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the incoming President of MoCDA during such a transformative and exciting moment in our profession. I step into this role with deep gratitude, unwavering enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to strengthening the impact, visibility, and innovation of career development throughout our communities.
At MoCDA, we recognize that career development is far more than a profession — it is a powerful catalyst for opportunity, empowerment, workforce transformation, economic mobility, and lifelong success. As industries evolve, technology advances, and workforce needs continue to shift, our role as career development professionals has never been more vital.
Together, we are building a bold and forward-focused future grounded in collaboration, inclusion, innovation, leadership, and meaningful connection.
As President, my vision is to further position MoCDA as a flagship professional association that amplifies excellence, elevates emerging voices, strengthens strategic partnerships, and creates transformative opportunities for learning, engagement, advocacy, and professional growth. I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where every member feels welcomed, valued, inspired, and empowered to lead within their respective spaces and spheres of influence.
This new chapter for MoCDA represents more than organizational growth — it represents momentum, innovation, and collective impact. We are embracing new ideas, expanding opportunities for collaboration, and cultivating a stronger, more connected professional community that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of students, job seekers, professionals, institutions, and employers across our state.
I firmly believe that the strength of MoCDA lies within the extraordinary passion, expertise, and dedication of our members. Your work changes lives every single day. Whether you are supporting students exploring career pathways, empowering individuals through workforce transitions, advancing equitable access to opportunity, or shaping the future of talent development, your contributions matter profoundly.
As we move forward together, I invite you to engage, connect, lead, and grow with us. This is a season of elevated possibilities, innovative thinking, and transformational leadership for MoCDA — and I am truly excited for all that we will accomplish collectively.
Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to advancing the field of career development. I look forward to serving alongside each of you as we continue to elevate our mission, expand our impact, and inspire the future of career development across Missouri and beyond.
With gratitude and excitement,
Dr. Kimberly Carothers
President, Missouri Career Development Association
OUR MISSION
MoCDA provides opportunities for professional development, connections, and collaboration among Missouri area career development professionals. We advocate for issues related to career development and promote integrity and professionalism within the field. MoCDA is inclusive of students and professionals engaged in the career development field; constituencies include higher education, K-12 schools, agencies, private practice, corporate, and government.
