Employee Spotlights

The Employee Spotlights blog shares the stories and work of just some of the outstanding UC ANR academics and staff who strive to make a positive impact in communities across California.

Two women in winter jackets smile at a soil assessment workshop

International Year of the Woman Farmer
In 2026, we are proud to celebrate, alongside the California Department of Food and Agriculture, CA GROWN and partners across the globe, the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Declared by the United Nations, this designation recognizes women’s vital role in agriculture and their tremendous contributions to every aspect of our food systems.
Check back throughout 2026 to read profiles of some of the women at UC ANR who support agriculture in California.
Tracy Schohr: A 4-H alumna keeping California farming strong
Chandra Richards: Cooperative Extension area director to emphasize water, land, labor issues in SoCal

Four questions about 4-H: Hales reminisces about his youth club days

October 2, 2023

By Michael Hsu

Between 4th and 8th grade, Brent Hales had acquired from those years in 4-H a lifetime's worth of skills, a group of lifelong friends, an expanded perspective on the world and the track suit of his dreams.

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A young man wearing a cap and gown and glasses, poses with his mother and father while holding up his college degree.

From one small town to another, REC director inspires youngsters to consider careers in agriculture

September 25, 2023

In the small town of Buga, located in Valle del Cauca in southwestern Colombia, Jairo Diaz-Ramirez prioritized salsa dancing over his studies. His parents, noticing that he was having too much fun on weekends, reminded Diaz that schoolwork comes first.

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Seven young adults pose for a photo while standing behind fresh produce of broccoli.

Not-so-local produce inspires career shift for Imperial County educator Wong

June 26, 2023

The first time Chris Wong ever laid eyes on Romanesco broccoli was while he was selling it at a farmers market in Davis.

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Young girl wearing a two piece outfit poses for the camera.

Communicator Sope celebrates Samoan culture, building community

May 16, 2023

Saoimanu "Saoi" Sope, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources digital communications specialist, was born on Aunu'u, an island in American Samoa, but raised in Southern California. She attended UC Santa Cruz for her undergraduate degree in film and digital media.

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A group of older adults and their instructor pose for a photo celebrating their completion of a six-week workshop series called Eat Healthy, Be Active.

Bay Area educator Fairbee can’t see himself doing any other job

May 11, 2023

Max Fairbee spent his high school years moving around Southern California to cities like Covina, La Verne, Pomona and Apple Valley, hoping that his mother would find stability in the next place they'd call home.

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