Chevy Chase, Maryland (March 29, 2022) - 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." 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.
