During Women's History Month, UC ANR proudly celebrates the extraordinary contributions of women like Guadalupe Cabrera, a dedicated community nutrition and health educator with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Orange County. Guadalupe does more than share knowledge about nutrition; she profoundly transforms lives through empathy, dedication and deep community connection.
Her passion and commitment to this role began years ago when she participated in EFNEP as a mother with three small children. Guadalupe vividly recalls her first experience. “I had never attended any community programs before, especially since moving around with three young kids was challenging,” she said. “But when EFNEP came to my children's school, it became easy to attend classes. It was empowering learning how to better nourish my family within such an educational, friendly environment.”
Now, more than 20 years later, Cabrera continues to find daily inspiration in the lives she helps transform. “What motivates me every day is seeing the positive impact this program has on California's neediest families – not just for the participants but also their families, friends and entire communities,” she explained. “Our participants share what they've learned, multiplying the program's positive effects.”
One powerful example Cabrera shared is the story of a mother who was diagnosed with prediabetes. “This mother came to us feeling uncertain, not knowing what foods she should eat or how to change her diet,” Guadalupe recounted. “She also wasn't aware that exercise could significantly improve her health. By the end of our program, she felt joyful and empowered, having learned how to take control of her health. She now knows the importance of portion control; reducing fats, sugars and salt; and how to incorporate exercise into her daily routine.”
Guadalupe also highlighted the resilience shown by EFNEP educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had to quickly adapt, learning to teach nutrition classes online through Zoom,” she recalled. “This allowed us to continue supporting California families, providing crucial information on maintaining physical and mental well-being during such a challenging period.”
For Guadalupe, the greatest reward is the meaningful bond built with the community. “I've learned that families are incredibly grateful and have huge hearts. They need educators who genuinely understand their lives, speak their language and know their daily realities. It fills me with pride and gratitude to be that helping hand guiding them toward healthier lives,” she said.
This Women's History Month, we proudly celebrate Guadalupe Cabrera and all the women across UC ANR who continue to nurture and strengthen California families with each class taught, and each life changed.