At University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Extension, I served in various leadership roles, including 4-H Educator, District Administrator, State Program Leader, Associate Dean, and Associate Director. As State Program Leader, I led a dynamic team of 4-H professionals to address high-priority youth development issues, ultimately engaging one in three eligible young people across Nebraska. My leadership extended nationally when I was invited to co-lead a team that established STEM as a priority initiative for 4-H – an effort that successfully recruited one million youth scientists. Today, STEM is a core component of 4-H programs nationwide.
At National 4-H Council, I spearheaded the development of Common Measures, the standard evaluation tool used across the 4-H system, as well as the 4-H Index Study, which assesses program impact at a point in time each year. These tools have become essential resources for stakeholders, including donors, to understand and support 4-H’s outcomes. In addition, I enjoyed a rewarding role in the creation of Pathways, a framework that LGUs use to strengthen administrative engagement with 4-H. This work directly influenced the Beyond Ready initiative – a bold, multi-year plan designed to equip 10 million young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in life and career.
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“Inspire the next generation by helping today’s 4-H’ers become tomorrow’s leaders. Spark their passion, support their growth, and make the best better!”
My 4-H Story
‘Pay it forward’ comes to mind as I reflect on my involvement as both a youth member and a 4-H professional. Others believed in and supported me, and now I want to do the same for young people.
I am who I am because of 4-H. I was nine when I joined 4-H as a member of two community clubs in rural Nebraska. Guided by my parents, I was taught to follow through on projects, accept responsibility for project deliverables – whether easy or hard, and consider the judges’ feedback. There was an unspoken rule that if you took on a 4-H project or activity, it was your responsibility to follow it through until the end. My parents were generous with their time and resources to ensure that my sister and I could be active members of 4-H, as did our Club leaders and extended family. These mentors were my guideposts – always believing that I deserved the opportunity to learn and grow. From their example, I learned a deep sense of responsibility, which I am committed to paying forward. Being chosen to lead other 4-H’ers in my club and community made me feel valued, and it was that sense of personal responsibility that kept me engaged and committed.
When I see a spark in a young person’s eye today, I know they can do it too. I consider it an honor to give them the opportunity to experience inquiry, mentor them, create a sense of belonging, and let them practice their leadership skills. Like me, they can grow from meaningful experiences, develop into capable adults, and carry forward the spirit of giving back.
