MDC’s 25 in 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re pausing to reflect on what this year has meant for MDC and for the communities, partners, and leaders we’re grateful to work alongside across the South.
This year was full of steady progress, big milestones, and meaningful moments. Together, we pushed for policies that expand economic security, strengthen rural and community-based systems, deepen racial equity learning, and invest in leaders and places shaping a more just future. We also grew as an organization—welcoming new staff, launching new platforms for learning and storytelling, and beginning a new chapter of leadership at MDC.
Our 25 in 2025 list highlights some of the work we’re most proud of from the past year. Each accomplishment reflects collaboration, trust, and the belief that lasting change happens when people come together with shared purpose.
We’re thankful for everyone who made this year possible and excited to keep building toward a South rooted in meaning, dignity, and community. We invite you to explore the highlights below and celebrate this moment with us.
- North Carolina became the first Southern state with a state income tax to adopt IRS Direct File—following strong advocacy from MDC and coalition partners.
- MDC equipped employers and community organizations with tools to support student loan borrowers through a featured presentation at the Pathways to Prosperity Conference.
- The NC Student Debt Relief Coalition, facilitated by MDC, hosted statewide webinars and policy roundtables serving North Carolina’s 1.4 million borrowers.
- LENS launched an Autism Acceptance Month series highlighting inclusive education practices.
- With MDC as its activating agency, Great Expectations culminated 10 years of impact in Forsyth County, ensuring more children enter kindergarten ready to learn.
- HBCC’s Haven program graduated its first cohort of provider leaders—with MDC remaining the only statewide supporter of both licensed and license-exempt home-based childcare providers.
- Released the 2025 State of the South Report: Realizing Meaning, Dignity, and Community in the South.
- Secured the State of the South trademark, establishing a stronger, long-term brand identity.
- Hosted a three-part State of the South webinar series with more than 120 participants.
- Published briefs analyzing the impact of H.R. 1 across the South, informing policymakers, journalists, and community leaders.
- Race Matters Institute released a Black History + Women’s History Month series uplifting overlooked stories and equity insights.
- Race Matters Institute Launched First Fridays + Deep Dives, learning sessions on racial equity practices and tools.
- Released the Principles for Rural Philanthropic Engagement, a new equity-centered guide for funders investing in rural communities.
- Celebrated 10 years of Rural Forward, marking a decade of strengthening rural leaders and systems.
- NCIDR hosted its first-ever press event at the NC General Assembly, elevating ongoing hurricane recovery needs.
- NCIDR Launched JustRecovery NC, a statewide campaign and platform calling for equitable disaster recovery.
- Facilitated the launch of two rural networks—the Sandhills Rural Action Network and the Rural Development Community of Practice.
- Partnered with the Hispanic Federation to launch Unidos por la Tierra y la Comunidad, a geospatial tool mapping camps, emergency services, and shelters to ensure no one is left behind during disasters.
- Welcomed three new Dan Broun Program Associates—Ryan Baxter, Carlton Brown, and Hadley Hosford.
- Welcomed 12 new staff members, strengthening MDC’s capacity across programs.
- Launched MDC’s new podcast series: Exploring Meaning, Dignity, and Community in the South.
- More than 45 organizations and 15 individual donors invested in MDC’s work in 2025.
- Hosted Making Space for Place, bringing foundations together to deepen learning on transformative place-based change.
- Published or appeared in more than a dozen op-eds, articles, and media features, expanding MDC’s public voice.
- Welcomed Lakeisha Hood Moïse as MDC’s first female President and CEO in the organization’s 58-year history.
