The C3E–REDI Certified Practitioner (Foundations Level) credential recognizes successful completion of Year 1 of the EQ-LEAD Initiative for the the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, delivered in partnership with the Center for Equity, Effectiveness, and Efficiency in Local Government (C3E), and the Chaddwick Institute at DePaul University. During the 2025 program year, participants engaged in a structured, cohort-based learning experience grounded in C3E’s Reimagining Equity through Dynamic Inquiry (REDI) framework. Year 1 focuses on building foundational capacity across four REDI domains—Policy Analysis, Process Change, Project Management, and Emotional Intelligence—through applied learning and real-world pilot projects. As part of the EQ-LEAD Initiative, practitioners participated in monthly learning sessions, conducted internal stakeholder interviews, synthesized qualitative data, and collaboratively designed equity-centered pilot projects aligned to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Strategic Plan. This credential affirms demonstrated readiness to apply equity-driven inquiry, continuous improvement practices, and emotionally intelligent leadership within municipal systems. This certification represents completion of the Foundations year and readiness to move into Year 2 implementation and scaling within the REDI learning cycle.