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CHEVY CHASE, MD (October 20, 2022) - National 4-H Council is pleased to announce the election of Tiffany Atwell, Senior Vice President, Global Government Relations, Ecolab and Trent McKnight, Founder, AgriCorps and Operating Partner, VestedWorld to its Board of Trustees. Ms. Atwell and Mr. McKnight were unanimously elected to the Board of Trustees during National 4-H Council's most recent meeting on September 15.
Atwell and McKnight will support National 4-H Council's ambitious three-year strategic plan, advancing 4-H's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and deepening the board's collaborative work with Cooperative Extension and USDA to grow opportunities and programs for America's youth.
"We are honored to welcome Ms. Atwell and Mr. McKnight to our Board of Trustees," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4 H Council. "Their leadership will be invaluable as we further our mission to increase investment and participation in Cooperative Extension's 4-H programs that create opportunity for all youth."
"Growing up in Texas, 4-H helped me build the skills that made me the leader I am today," said McKnight. "I am honored to join National 4-H Council's Board of Trustees and provide the opportunities I was given to the next generation of leaders."
"It is truly exciting to work to advance the diversity agenda for 4-H. Growing up in North Carolina, my grandmother helped me appreciate the role agriculture played in building the strong foundation of our country. I love 4-H because it embodies the values that she taught me on valuing every human being and the duty we have to help the youth meet their full leadership potential. For this reason, among many others, I am honored to join National 4-H Council's Board of Trustees to do this work alongside their amazing leaders."
Tiffany Atwell - Senior Vice President, Global Government Relations, Ecolab
Ms. Tiffany Atwell leads the global government relations organization at Ecolab, the world's leading water, hygiene and infection prevention company. She previously served as Vice President of Global Government and Industry Affairs for Corteva Agriscience, a spinoff of DowDuPont, where she managed a global team focused on shaping government policies and regulations. In her role at Corteva, Tiffany directed DuPont's market access policy efforts by promoting the company abroad. Her endeavors included establishing partnerships with farmers in emerging markets, launching Corteva's partnership to increase dairy production in Kenya, and helping develop a partnership with the Indian government to assist more than 100,000 farmers.
Tiffany has spent over a decade in the U.S. Government in a variety of international policy roles, including working closely with Senator Chuck Grassley as an international trade policy adviser on the Senate Finance Committee, where she wrote speeches and briefings.
Her honors include receiving the Abbott President Award in 2010, 2011, and 2012. She is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and lives with her family in Washington, D.C. Tiffany has often encouraged other women and members of underrepresented groups to join the agricultural sector, and enjoys volunteering and mentoring young professionals in her spare time.
Trent McKnight - Founder, AgriCorps and Operating Partner, VestedWorld
Mr. Trent McKnight is the founder of AgriCorps, an operating partner in VestedWorld, and a lifelong rancher and businessman in Throckmorton, Texas. His past accomplishments include national president of the Future Farmers of America, member of the Texas 4-H Council, and a former appointee of Governor Rick Perry to the Brazos River Authority.
Trent has served as an agriculture advisor to the U.S. military in Iraq, agricultural economist to the United Nations in West Africa, agriculture researcher for the Borlaug Institute of International Agriculture, and chairman of the USDA's Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Committee. In 2013, he founded AgriCorps, a non-profit organization that builds capacity and creates an enabling environment for school-based agricultural education and 4-H programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Through AgriCorps, Trent wrote the International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program under the Trade Title of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill and launched The Movement for School-Based Agricultural Education in 2020.
Trent is an operating partner in VestedWorld, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage companies in emerging markets. He has a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University and a master's degree in comparative politics from the London School of Economics.
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
Learn more about 4-H and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In February, National 4-H Council announced a landmark $50 million unrestricted gift from writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott that will help close the opportunity gap for America's youth. It is the largest single gift in 4-H's 120-year history.
Today, we are pleased to share an update about the first phase of our investment of this historic gift. Over the next five years, National 4-H Council will allocate $10 million to strengthen the 4-H workforce and optimize 4-H youth programming. This investment will accelerate 4-H's ability to meet the needs of young people today and tomorrow, while providing the professional development and training required to deliver quality, relevant and impactful programming. The Board will preserve the remainder of the gift for the long term to ensure that National 4-H Council can sustain programs and activities that have the greatest benefits for 4-H youth development in the future and to ensure the gift's enduring impact.
The National 4-H Council Board made its investment decisions based on an inclusive process undertaken over six months with extensive input from Cooperative Extension and land-grant university leaders. These investments will ensure that Cooperative Extension can expand its capabilities of providing 4-H programming to our youth in partnership with Council as we continue to build public-private partnerships, tell the 4-H story, and convene 4-H youth and adults in meaningful ways now and moving forward.
The pandemic has shown that America's youth need more support than ever to be successful. Many are struggling in areas ranging from academics to mental well-being to developing social connections with others. In fact, 25 million young people do not have access to positive youth development opportunities, which can provide the tools needed to realize their full potential. We are grateful to MacKenzie Scott for the opportunity to invest in 4-H initiatives that will help bridge this opportunity gap and support our young people as they shape the future of America and our world.
CHEVY CHASE, MD (October 4, 2022) - During 4-H STEM Month this October, youth from across the country will apply their knowledge, creativity, and innovation to learn about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics during the 15th annual 4-H STEM Challenge. This year's theme, Explorers of the Deep, focuses on ocean exploration, marine science, and the impact of climate change on our oceans.
A recent survey commissioned by National 4-H Council showed that 84 percent of teens would like to be involved with shaping the future of our environment. Ocean exploration and research help scientists, policy makers, communities, and individuals prepare for and adapt to changing ocean conditions, many of which are resulting from climate change - making this a perfect theme to teach youth how they can get involved, no matter where they live.
Created in 2008, the annual STEM Challenge uses 4-H's hallmark "Teens as Teachers" model, where youth learn the skills to teach younger children, expanding the program's reach to approximately 350,000 young people each year. STEM Challenge introduces STEM concepts related to real-world issues in a fun and accessible way, empowering young people to tackle the same types of scientific and engineering problems that today's top STEM professionals are working to solve. 4-H STEM Challenge kits are used throughout the year in 4‑H clubs, classrooms, camps, and after-school settings nationwide to inspire kids everywhere to take an interest in STEM topics through hands-on learning.
Developed in partnership with New Jersey Cooperative Extension and the Department of Marine & Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University, Explorers of the Deep is a collection of three unique, hands-on activities that help youth develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communications skills across a broad range of topics including ocean science, data interpretation, physics, and aquaculture.
"For 15 years, 4-H has engaged young people in science and engineering education through our 4-H STEM Challenge initiative, because we know that creating interest in STEM at an early age is critical in setting youth up for future success, both academically and professionally," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "As we celebrate STEM Month in October, this year's challenge will help young people learn about the Earth's oceans and how they connect with our climate. We are proud to provide youth with essential STEM skills and excited to open them up to a new world of possibilities with this year's theme of ocean exploration."
The Explorers of the Deep kit activities include:
The kit is designed to help youth develop observational and critical thinking skills while exploring the interconnections between the ocean and humans, regardless of where they live. The activities are based on the long-standing Ocean Literacy Principles and Fundamental Concepts, developed by ocean scientists and K-12 educators in 2005.
"We're thrilled to focus this year's STEM Challenge on research associated with the Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (COOL) at Rutgers University including the innovative ocean robot technology developed by Teledyne to remotely study the global ocean," said Janice McDonnell STEM Agent, in the Department of 4-H Youth Development at Rutgers University. "The data the ocean robots collect is invaluable in helping us understand ocean circulation, the effects of a changing climate, and how to mitigate the impacts. We hope that young people across the country will have fun, learn, and ultimately communicate, share, and take action to shape a positive future for our planet."
The 2022 4‑H STEM Challenge is supported by national partners- Bayer, Corteva, and Nickelodeon.
For information about how to get involved, visit HERE.
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Learn more and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Media Contact:
Julia Majors, National 4-H Council
jmajors@fourhcouncil.edu
CHEVY CHASE, MD (October 06, 2022) - National 4-H Council today announced the winners of the 2023 Youth In Action Awards, a national program that recognizes four young leaders with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who have positively impacted their communities in a 4-H core pillar area: Civic Engagement, Healthy Living, Agriculture, sponsored by Bayer, and STEM, sponsored by HughesNet.
The winners will receive a $5,000 higher education scholarship and spend 2023 inspiring other youth by telling their 4-H story and celebrating their leadership. In addition, they will have opportunities to showcase their nationally, network with prominent 4‑H alumni, and serve as the official 4‑H youth spokesperson for their pillar.
The announcement was made during National 4-H Week, held October 2-8 to celebrate and showcase the opportunities and impact that 4‑H offers young people across the country.
The winners of the 2023 4-H Youth in Action Awards include:
"We are proud to honor our 2023 Youth in Action winners, a group of exceptional young people who have overcome obstacles and made an incredible impact on their communities through Cooperative Extension's 4-H programs," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president & CEO, National 4-H Council. "By empowering these stand-out youth and fostering their skills to make change, they in turn can inspire thousands of other young people to make a difference. When given the tools they need to lead, 4-H'ers like Matias, Sruthi, Norah, and Nicole are becoming the next generation of changemakers in their communities and for our country. "
The 4-H Youth in Action Awards, sponsored in part by Bayer and HughesNet, began in 2010 to recognize 4-H'ers who have overcome challenges and used the knowledge they gained in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their community.
To learn more about Youth in Action, please visit HERE.
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.  Learn more about 4‑H and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of healthcare and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth, and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2015, the Group employed around 117,000 people and had sales of EUR 46.3 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.3 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.com/.
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in broadband satellite technology and services for home and office. Its flagship high-speed satellite Internet service is HughesNet®, the world's largest satellite network with over 1.3 million residential and business customers across the Americas. For large enterprises and governments, the company's HughesON™ managed network services provide complete connectivity solutions employing an optimized mix of satellite and terrestrial technologies. The JUPITER™ System is the world's most widely deployed High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) platform, operating on more than 20 satellites by leading service providers, delivering a wide range of broadband enterprise, mobility and cellular backhaul applications. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 7 million terminals of all types to customers in over 100 countries, representing approximately 50 percent market share, and its technology is powering broadband services to aircraft around the world.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com and follow @HughesConnects on Twitter.
CHEVY CHASE, MD (September 30, 2022) - For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, teen leaders from across the country gathered in the nation's capital through a series of 4-H youth events. Between April and July 2022, over 1,200 youth and 185 4-H educators participated in National 4-H Council's Youth Summits for Agri-science and Healthy Living, True Leaders in Equity Institute, and Citizenship Washington Focus summer program in Washington, D.C. After a two year hiatus, the return of these events gave 4-H youth the opportunity to collaborate on important issues facing their generation, speak with current leaders in the field, and network with other young leaders across state lines.
Comments received by youth participants were overwhelmingly positive. "The workshops were absolutely amazing, and I got a lot out of them!" said a young attendee of the Agri-science summit. "I really enjoyed meeting lots of people from around the U.S. I loved getting to learn about each other's state likenesses and differences. All around it was one of the best experiences I have participated in!"
Youth events are integral to the mission of Cooperative Extension's 4-H program. They provide opportunities for young people to develop the critical skills needed to succeed in their future careers and lives. National 4-H Council's youth events are made possible through support from ADM, Bayer, CHS Foundation, Corteva, Nationwide, Nutrien, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Saputo, Walmart Foundation, and WK Kellogg Foundation.
After the success of this year's events, National 4-H Council is looking forward to hosting a combination Youth Summit for Agri-science, Healthy Living, and STEM for 4-H'ers in Washington, D.C. next spring.
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
Learn more and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
"American Idol" Returns for its Sixth Season on ABC in 2023
CHEVY CHASE, MD (September 19, 2022) - Calling all 4-H singers! On Thursday, October 6, the award-winning singing competition "American Idol" on ABC will once again host a virtual audition day with 4-H, the largest youth development organization in the country. Now in its second year, the 4-H Audition Day will offer 4-H singers nationwide the opportunity to showcase their talents for a chance to become the next American Idol.
4‑H's mission is to empower all young people-regardless of background-to find their spark and pursue their passions. Through mentorship and diverse programming in performing arts, agriculture, STEM, civic engagement, and more, Cooperative Extension's 4-H program strives to eliminate the opportunity gap facing America's kids.
4-H performing arts programs offer an inclusive, supportive environment for young people to hone their craft and grow their confidence. Country music stars Jennifer Nettles and Callista Clark and 'American Idol' Season 19 Runner-up Willie Spence all found success because of 4-H performing arts programs. Other notable 4-H alums in the entertainment industry include 'American Idol' judge Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, and Julia Roberts.
"We are thrilled to be collaborating again with 'American Idol' to open doors for 4-H'ers in pursuit of music careers," said Ivan Heredia, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, National 4-H Council. "This dedicated audition day aligns with our commitment to creating opportunity for young people and preparing them for future careers. We can't wait for our gifted 4-H'ers to share their talents with producers."
To register for the 4-H Audition Day, visit  https://bit.ly/4HDAY. Registration opened on Monday, September 19th at 9:00AM EST and closes on Thursday, October 6th at 3:00PM EST. Full details on eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions are available at www.americanidol.com/auditions.
"American Idol" is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner, and Fremantle's Jennifer Mullin with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
"American Idol," the iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre, will return to airwaves for another season on ABC. Helping determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest will return to the beloved competition series as host.
Last season, ABC's "American Idol" ranked as the No. 1 series in its two-hour time period for the third year in a row among Adults 18-49. In addition, "American Idol" finished among the Top 3 unscripted series last season with Adults 18-49 (No. 3-tie).
For more information on "American Idol," visit abc.com.
Follow "American Idol" (#americanidol) on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
National 4-H Council
Julia Majors
jmajors@fourhcouncil.edu
For more information about "American Idol" please reach out to the below:
ABC Media Relations
Michaela Zukowski
michaela.zukowski@abc.com
Fremantle Publicity
Emma Harvey
Emma.harvey@fremantle.com
Ron Del Rio
Ron.delrio@fremantle.com
19 Entertainment Publicity
Hans-Dieter Kopal
hans@pcommgroup.com
CHEVY CHASE, MD - Today, National 4-H Council announced a $5 million grant from Google.org, Google's philanthropic arm, to expand computer science skills and education to underserved youth across the country. This grant will continue to build upon Google.org's support of computer science in 4-H that has reached 1.4 million students since 2017. With this funding, 4-H will increase the reach of the Computer Science (CS) Career Pathways program for students from rural and under-resourced communities who have had minimal CS education. The new grant will help teach young people through Cooperative Extension's in-person 4-H programs and online resources. These resources will provide access to computer science education to youth nationwide, including six million 4-H'ers and more than 3,500 educators across the 4-H system anytime and anywhere.
This effort combines the reach and educational expertise of 4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, and the power of Google's computer science knowledge and innovation. Since its start, 1.4 million youth have participated in the program, with 65% living rurally, 56% of teen CS leaders being girls, and 47% coming from racially diverse backgrounds.
"Despite the demand for high-skilled computer science professionals, opportunities to access this education have been out of reach for youth from rural and other underserved communities," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "We are proud to continue this initiative with help from Google.org to make a real difference in the lives of young people who otherwise wouldn't be given a chance to discover their interest in computer science. This program goes beyond preparing youth for future careers. Teaching computer science at a young age develops problem-solving skills and confidence, and most important, empowers young people to find their spark and passion that translates to success in life."
The Code.org Advocacy Coalition's 2021 State of Computer Science Education report found that while 51% of public high schools in the United States offer computer science, rural schools, urban schools, and schools with high percentages of economically disadvantaged students are less likely to offer CS education. What's more, Black, Hispanic, and Native American students are less likely to attend schools offering CS courses than white students. Delivering free computer science education to underserved communities is part of 4-H's mission to provide equitable access to skills that help young people create opportunity and maximize their potential. The program also offers training and capacity-building for educators, volunteers, professionals, and even teen leaders to create their own curricula and reach more youth.
"We believe Google and other companies have a responsibility to help people get the skills they need to get a good job, start a new business, and provide a solid foundation for their families - no matter what their age or where they live," said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google & Alphabet. "Computer science education is an important piece of this, and we look forward to working with our partners like 4-H to unleash the talent and drive of millions of people in communities across the US."
This is the third grant Google.org has made in 4-H's mission to reach and provide young people with opportunities in computer science education, totaling nearly $14 million since 2017. Google's support will expand existing and bring new CS education programs to communities across Iowa, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Nebraska, and West Virginia. Read more about the initial grant that established the 4-H CS Pathway across 23 states.
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Google.org, Google's philanthropy, brings the best of Google to help solve some of humanity's biggest challenges combining funding, innovation, and technical expertise to support underserved communities and provide opportunity for everyone. We engage nonprofits and social enterprises who make a significant impact on the communities they represent, and whose work has the potential to produce meaningful change. We want a better world, faster - and we believe in leveraging technology and applying scalable data-driven innovation to move the needle.
CHEVY CHASE, MD. (August 30, 2022) - National 4-H Council has awarded New York Governor Kathy Hochul with the 4-H Distinguished Alumni Medallion, an honor given to an accomplished alumnus who embodies the life-changing impact of 4-H. Hochul, a New York 4-H alumna, is the first sitting governor to receive the award. National 4-H Council President & CEO Jennifer Sirangelo and 4-H'ers from Cornell Cooperative Extension presented the award to Hochul at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, New York on August 24, 2022.
4‑H's mission is to empower all young people-regardless of background-to find their spark, develop leadership skills, and drive positive change. Through diverse programming, life skills building, and mentorship, 4-H strives to eliminate the opportunity gap facing America's kids. Delivered by the nation's Cooperative Extension system, 4-H programs build the confidence, resilience, independence, and compassion needed for youth to succeed in life today and careers tomorrow.
"I am honored to receive this award from 4-H, a rock of an organization for girls and boys that helps to provide the tools they'll need as they grow. My time spent with the 4-H community has had a lasting impact on my life and career," said Governor Hochul. "At 10 years old, I gave my first public speech as a 4-H'er at the Erie County Fair and from there, I built the confidence, courage, and valuable life skills that I draw from to this day as governor of New York."
A native of Buffalo, New York, Hochul participated in Cornell Cooperative Extension's 4-H program throughout her childhood. Her experiences varied from cooking and sewing competitions at the fair to public speeches on how to make healthy recipes. She continues to be an avid fairgoer and never misses the opportunity to visit the 4-H exhibits and have meaningful interactions with 4-H'ers.
"Governor Hochul's compassion, integrity, and commitment to public service exemplify the 4-H pledge and serve as inspiration to 4-H'ers everywhere," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "Her trailblazing career is an example to young people that through determination, hard work, and persistence their dreams are within reach."
Previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Medallion include Aubrey Plaza, actor and producer; Craig Melvin, anchor, TODAY Show; Jennifer Nettles, Grammy-Award winning singer and songwriter; and Temple Grandin, Ph.D., best-selling author, autism activist, and consultant to the livestock industry.
National 4-H Council President & CEO Jennifer Sirangelo and 4-H'ers from Cornell Cooperative Extension present the 4-H Distinguished Alumni Medallion to New York Governor Kathy Hochul
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Follow 4-H on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Julia Majors, National 4-H Council
jmajors@fourhcouncil.edu
CHEVY CHASE, MD. (August 8, 2022) - Today, National 4-H Council announced the appointment of Shawnda H. Howard as Vice President, People and Culture, leading the organization's human resources department.
Howard brings more than 20 years of cross-sector experience in human resources leadership and strategic business partner roles across a variety of HR functions for private, public, and nonprofit organizations.
"I am thrilled and honored to join National 4-H Council at such an exciting time," said Howard. "As a volunteer for nonprofits focused on youth, education, equity, and social justice work and as a former participant in youth development programs, I understand the importance of investing in young people and their communities. I look forward to bringing my passion and experience to Council to further the 4-H mission of providing opportunity for all."
Prior to joining National 4-H Council, Howard held human resources management positions with small and mid-sized private-equity backed firms as well as large Fortune 500 global companies, including Raytheon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Honeywell.
Howard also served as the chief human resources officer for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and was responsible for developing and leading the overall human capital strategy. She led transformation initiatives to modernize city government HR functions, systems, processes, and programs to improve operational excellence and enhance the employee experience. During her tenure, Howard and her team helped to build organizational capabilities through leadership development programs and launching the City's first-ever employee engagement strategy and survey to further drive organizational culture change. She also spearheaded the redesign of benefits administration and programs that received industry awards for its integrated and people-centered wellbeing programs.
In her new role, Howard will work with the executive team and management team to align the HR strategy with National 4-H Council's business strategy to further the organization's mission in the areas of leadership and talent management, operations and organizational effectiveness, and workplace culture management through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"We believe our Council Associates are our greatest asset in advancing 4-H's mission to create opportunity for all youth," said Jill Bramble, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at National 4-H Council. "Shawnda's extensive experience, core belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and passion for youth development will contribute to the growth and impact of our mission."
Howard holds a bachelor's degree in human resources and labor relations from University of Maryland and a master's degree in organizational development and strategic human resources from The Johns Hopkins University. She is an alumna of the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia, has a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation, and is a member of several professional organizations, including the SHRM Executive Network, and Chief.
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Julia Majors, National 4-H Council
jmajors@fourhcouncil.edu
Chevy Chase, Maryland (March 29, 2022)Â - National 4-H Council is pleased to announce the election of Leslie Coleman, Vice President, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Nutrien, to its Board of Trustees. Coleman was unanimously elected during National 4-H Council's Board meeting in Tucson, Arizona on March 23.
"As a 4-H alum, I am amazed at the size and scope of the organization that supported my early beginnings in Arkansas. It is an honor to join National 4-H Council's Board of Trustees," said Coleman. "I'm proud of Nutrien's support of 4-H and commitment to growing the next generation of diverse leaders in the agriculture market."
4-H is America's largest youth development organization-empowering six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. National 4 -H Council, the non-profit partner to Cooperative Extension's 4-H program, is committed to providing leadership and resources so that 4-H programs are available to youth across the U.S.
Currently, Nutrien and National 4 Co-Huncil have a 3-year partnership dedicated to preparing the next generation of agriculture industry leaders. Through this collaboration, 4-H and Nutrien have engaged hundreds of youth and adult leaders through in-person and virtual activities and provided resources to 4-H'ers to address community needs through local impact grants.
"As an enthusiastic 4-H alum and champion for equity, diversity and inclusion, we are thrilled to welcome Leslie to our Board of Trustees," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "Leslie's leadership will be invaluable as we further our goals of increasing investment and participation in high-quality 4-H programs for all youth," added Sirangelo.
Leslie Coleman joined Nutrien in March 2021. She brings extensive experience in driving a diverse and inclusive workforce for global organizations in a variety of sectors.
Prior to Nutrien, Leslie was the Global Director of Diversity & Inclusion at International Paper (IP) in Memphis, Tennessee. Prior to joining IP, she served as the Global HR Leader at Cargill. Leslie is currently a National Board Member for the National Black MBA Association and former President for the Memphis Chapter. She is also a Board Member for the Memphis Orpheum, TAG and YWCA amongst other prestigious organizations.
Leslie earned a bachelor's degree in Human Resources with a minor in Psychology at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Graduating with honors from the University of Memphis, she secured a master's in Psychology and Research and has a published article titled "Self Theories."Â She also holds executive certifications from both Harvard and Emory. Leslie has two sons, Lane and Luke, of which Luke is privileged to play football for the US Naval Academy. Leslie and Lane reside in Memphis, TN.
Leslie is a proud Arkansas 4-H alum who was introduced to the youth development organization by a Pine Bluff, AR Extension agent.
"Forward to the possibilities," has served her well and continues to be the ground swell for her success!
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than three thousand local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4 -H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
Learn more about 4-H at 4-H.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
