"Years after our classes, a participant told me she still prepared the recipes I taught her. That day, I fully understood how valuable my work is and how profound our impact can be." This is how Sua Y. Vang expresses the transformative power a community educator dedicated and committed to her profession and the community principles of UC ANR can have.
For nearly four decades, Sua Y. Vang has touched the lives of many families as a Community Nutrition Educator for the Expanded Program on Food and Nutrition Education (EFNEP). Sua not only shares nutritional knowledge but also passionately creates personal and meaningful connections that last over time.
Since her early days at EFNEP, Sua has cultivated authentic friendships and supported her participants in achieving healthier lives. "It's incredibly rewarding to see how people get significantly better by learning how to make healthier food choices. That's what inspires me every day," Sua says happily.
Over the past few years, Sua has faced and overcome significant challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Although it was difficult to maintain direct contact, we found innovative ways to stay connected with families using virtual platforms. This is how we continue to offer our support in difficult times," he recalls.
Sua stresses that one of the biggest lessons learned in all these years is the importance of building strong relationships with community leaders. "When we work collaboratively with local leaders, we can ensure that our program is more effective and reaches more people," she explains.
For those starting as community educators now, Sua offers some sage advice based on her extensive experience: "Stay humble, be flexible with your schedule, and always work closely with community leaders. This commitment is key to making a lasting impact."
This Women's History Month, we celebrate the extraordinary journey of Sua Y. Vang and all of the professional women at UC ANR whose dedication, wisdom, and empathy have made a profound and lasting difference in the communities she serves.