Virginia State University Welcomes Dr. Arifah Goodwin as Community Resource Development Extension Specialist
Dr. Arifah Goodwin is a newer face in Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University (VSU-CE). She joined the team last fall as a Community Resource Development Extension Specialist and has stepped into her role with energy and a commitment to advancing community viability. She places special emphasis on entrepreneurship, workforce readiness and small business sustainability, and has multiple programs and initiatives already in the works to help solve pressing challenges facing communities today.
Dr. Goodwin's professional journey has centered work that embodies Cooperative Extension's mission: the intersection of education, research and real-world impact. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision and has developed and led programs to create access, opportunity and sustainable growth for individuals and communities across all her previous positions. Whether through academic institutions or community-based initiatives, her work has emphasized solutions-driven approaches that equip people with practical tools for advancement. Dr. Goodwin founded initiatives such as the Woman Align Women's Expo, a platform dedicated to leadership development, personal growth and empowerment. She developed and coordinated professional programs as Assistant Director of Employee Relations, including the Career Ambassadors Summer Pilot Program, and led large-scale quarterly career expos that served both university students and the broader community.
Beyond formal institutional roles, Dr. Goodwin spent over two decades engaged in community service, designing empowerment events focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, goal setting and personal development. Across each initiative, she translated knowledge into actionable information. This sustained community engagement ultimately drew her to Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), where applied research and education are at the core of every program.
In September of 2025, Dr. Goodwin joined Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University. "The experience has been both rewarding and energizing," she says. "The collaborative spirit, commitment to service and deep community roots of VSU-CE have made this a wonderful professional home." Her focus area is community viability, and she cites adapting to rapid technological change while remaining competitive and resilient as one of the biggest challenges that communities face today. To this end, she's developing an AI & Small Business Empowerment Program designed to help small business owners use artificial intelligence effectively and responsively to streamline operations, enhance marketing strategies, and scale their enterprises. Last fall, Dr. Goodwin centered her efforts on building relationships, strategic program planning and community engagement. This year, she's excited to launch her new program for small business owners while deepening local partnerships with entrepreneurs and community organizations to bolster regional economic resilience.
When she's not working, Dr. Goodwin enjoys traveling, writing, attending cultural events and spending time with her family and her church family. She's inspired by resilient entrepreneurs, as well as students and community members who embrace opportunities to learn. Her vision and priorities embody Cooperative Extension's role in addressing today's challenges facing communities and individuals. VSU's College of Agriculture is proud to welcome Dr. Goodwin to the VSU-CE team and to support her programs and commitment to advancing community viability and economic resilience in the communities VCE serves.
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