CDG Leadership Academy

Leadership • Life Skills • CAREER EXPLORATION

FOR KIDS IN GRADES 6 - 9

We’re On a mission To:

  • Inspire students to define, reach for, & achieve their dreams!

  • Help them identify a path via inspiration, exposure, & hands-on experiences.

  • Teach them life skills that will help them succeed no matter their path.

3e model of leadership


ENVISION

Inspire them to define & reach for their dreams!

  • Exposure to leaders / role models in the community

  • Experiential learning

  • Hands-on experiences


ENERGIZE

Get them fired up! Learning infused with CDG brand energy & enthusiasm!

  • High energy

  • Interactive

  • Fun & games


ENAble

Teach them life skills that will help them succeed no matter their path!

  • Goal Setting

  • Leadership

  • Communication

  • Teamwork

  • Determination

  • Growth Mindset

  • Acts of Service

Introducing CDG Academy

A leadership academy like no other!!!

6 week semesters (meet once/week), 120 minutes each session

On-location leadership training:

  • Hands-On, High Energy, Interactive Experiences (“field trips”, panel discussions, podcasts & more)

  • Real-world ‘on the job’ exposure to a wide variety of leaders & professionals in our community

  • Packed full of activity, fun & games!

Student-led service project:

  • Lead, Develop, & implement a community impact project

  • Put what they’ve learned into practice

LAUNCHING FALL 2024

GET ON THE WAITLIST

ABOUT Coach Dave Gray

Dubbed “The Mister Rogers of Youth Sports” by parents that know him, Coach Dave Gray brings fun & enthusiasm to his programs, camps, assemblies, and team-building events with his upbeat personality.

With his decades-long commitment to community service and outreach, Coach Dave has touched the lives of youth locally, regionally, and nationally. He believes strongly that instilling confidence and building self-esteem in others is a sure-fire way to become the best version of yourself and truly make a positive impact in this world. Coach Dave's story and impact is not just the story of an individual; it really is a testament to the power and the influence of our educators in shaping a child's future.  Coach Dave was in the foster system until he arrived at North Allegheny as a young child.  In his words:  “I can honestly say, without the teachers & coaches I had as a student, I would not be in the position I am today, gifted with the opportunity to guide & mentor the next generation.”

A life-long Pittsburgh resident and 1988 North Allegheny High School graduate, Coach Dave just celebrated the 26th anniversary of the founding of his signature youth sports & recreation company CDG Sports Events. It’s not only the young people who attend his programs who benefit from the CDG Sports experience, Coach Dave is a job-creator for local teens and young adults and teaches the lessons of commitment, hard work, and professionalism to his employees.

Coach Dave is proud to have received the 2023 North Allegheny Distinguished Alumni Spirit Award and the 2016 KDKA Radio Larry Richert’s Hometown Hero Award. He is also a community partner with Allegheny Health Network, raising awareness of the health & wellness needs of the Pittsburgh community.

ABOUT WENDY JOYCE

A passionate, goal oriented, and high energy leader, Wendy has spent the past 25 years building brands, leading organizations, and most importantly developing people and teams.

Throughout her career she has had the honor of working across a wide array of businesses ranging from Food & Beverage to Household Cleaning, Healthcare, Sports, Pet Food, Mine Safety, Paints, Information Technology and beyond. Her down-to-earth / collaborative leadership style enables Wendy to get the best out of any organization whether she’s leading a billion dollar business or working with a company that’s just getting started.

Outside of the office, Wendy is active in the community and enjoys training others and helping them to achieve their goals. She was the first to implement the Girls on the Run program for North Allegheny, is currently President of the North Allegheny Field Hockey Boosters organization, and being an avid runner and fitness fanatic, is often called upon by friends and family to guide and train them to achieve their personal fitness/wellness goals.

As a long time ‘raving fan’ of Coach Dave and his youth programs, Wendy is excited to partner with CDG Sports & Events to inspire & develop the next generation of leaders in our community!

PRESENTER SPOTLIGHTS

Dr. Marco A Alcala

AHN Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute

Grand Master Rob Zang

Zang Taekwon-Do

Jeff Verszyla

Meteorologist with WTAE-TV Pittsburgh

Trish Parkhill & Nikki Elias Cappelloni

MarketSpace Agency