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

Latino community adopts healthy habits with Wilshire’s guidance in San Bernardino

August 28, 2024

On a sunny morning in San Bernardino, Clara Wilshire, with palpable energy and a warm smile, greets the participants of her nutrition class, part of the EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) at the University of California Cooperative Extension office. Good morning.

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Cleo Woelfle Hazard and his child visit a beaver dam analog

Fire advisor Woelfle Hazard transcends bounds in studies, career

June 18, 2024

By Michael Hsu

Costumed as river creatures with papier mch heads and dressed as the Army Corps of Engineers, Cleo Woelfle Hazard and a performance art group called The Water Underground dazzled the biennial Bay Delta Science Conference a few years ago. Woelfle Hazard then a Ph.D.

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Sua, center, observes as four Hmong ladies mix food in a light blue bowl.

Vang cultivates healthy habits in the Hmong community of Fresno County.

May 14, 2024

For more than 30 years, Sua Vang has dedicated her time to improving the health of the Hmong community in Fresno County.

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Lilian poses with a long bean varietal project.

Lilian Thaoxaochay cultivates crops, knowledge and community

May 9, 2024

From her Hmong family's roots to the vast expanses of Fresno's fields, Lilian Thaoxaochay weaves a story of unwavering commitment to the land and community.

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Keith Nathaniel is ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and still serving his community

February 28, 2024

Through music, movies and other media, many people know about Compton, a city located in southern Los Angeles County. Keith Nathaniel knows it from firsthand experience.

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