Clara Wilshire

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. My name is Clara Wilshire, and I'm from the EFNEP program of the University of California Cooperative Extension,” she says enthusiastically, kicking off the day with a light exercise session that sets the tone for learning about nutrition and healthy habits.

With over 30 years of experience with Cooperative Extension and 24 years dedicated to the adult EFNEP program, Wilshire has devoted her life to teaching the Latino community in San Bernardino about the importance of good nutrition and regular exercise. However, in the early days of her career, connecting with her students was not always easy.

“I knew I had to teach them this nutrition curriculum, but I struggled to connect with the parents,” Clara recalls. “But as my family grew and I became a more experienced mother, it became much easier to give recommendations and share my personal stories with my participants.”

Over the years, Wilshire has witnessed the significant impact her classes have had on the lives of residents in San Bernardino County.

This connection, rooted in personal experiences and a deep understanding of the realities faced by the community she served, has become one of Wilshire's greatest strengths as an educator. Over time, she has witnessed the significant impact her classes have had on the lives of residents in San Bernardino County.

“I've seen an impact,” Wilshire says with a blend of pride and humility. “I've heard stories of people making their food money stretch further or their EBT card lasting longer without having to rely so much on food banks to get through the month. I've also heard people say they started drinking fewer sodas or sugary drinks, and some have even noticed they began losing a bit of weight by making those small changes in their lives.”

But Wilshire's connection to the EFNEP program goes beyond her professional career. She herself had the opportunity to participate in the program as a child, although she didn't make that connection until years later. “My aunt had a nutrition educator who visited her home, and my mother was able to participate in that program. I didn't make the connection until I was on the job. I pulled out an old recipe and recognized the letterhead; it was one of the recipes my mom used to get from the educator.”

With her unwavering commitment to serving the Latino community, Wilshire decided to expand her impact by enrolling in the Master Food Preserver program when she realized there were not enough Spanish-speaking instructors. “Throughout all the years I've been working, I realized that all the classes offered by the Master Food Preserver program had been in English. As I became more interested in food preservation, I thought I had the experience of being an educator. I felt very comfortable speaking in front of people and thought I could do this. I could teach these classes too.”

Wilshire's interest in food preservation is not new; it is deeply rooted in her Latino heritage, in the traditions her mother passed down, like preserving nopalitos, a traditional Mexican dish. This pride in her culture is reflected in her approach to teaching and her participation in Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.

“Having this time to reflect on our culture, family, history, and food is a moment to be proud of who we are,” Wilshire says. Her words encapsulate the passion and commitment she has demonstrated throughout her career, always striving to empower the Latino community to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Clara Wilshire is more than an educator; she is a tireless advocate for her community. She has dedicated her life to improving the health and well-being of others while honoring and celebrating her Latino heritage. Through her work, she continues to be an inspiration and a shining example of how education and culture can intertwine to create a lasting impact on people's lives.