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.
International Year of the Woman Farmer
Logo courtesy of CA GROWN
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.
Be sure to visit the commemorative page at CA GROWN, and check back here throughout 2026 to read profiles of some of the women at UC ANR who support agriculture in California.
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.
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.
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.
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.
