2025 Endowment Scholarship Recipient Reflections

Abigail Creigh, Indiana

Being at the NEAFCS Annual Session in Grand Rapids, MI as a first-time attendee was an enriching and energizing experience! After nearly nine years as an Extension Educator, I truly looked forward to the opportunity to finally attend an annual session; and I appreciated being selected as one of the First-Timer Scholarship awardees. From the first day, when I arrived for a pre-conference session, I felt welcomed and supported as an educator. I especially felt welcomed during the First-Time Attendee orientation, which helped me gain even more excitement for the days ahead. The educational sessions provided practical, research-based ideas that I’ve taken back home, and have begun to plan how to apply in my own programming. Hearing from passionate presenters during each session, motivated me to strengthen my programs and incorporate new approaches in the communities I work with. A few sessions that really encouraged me were: Capture the Flavor, Healthy Eating & Staying Active as We Age, Eating Healthy a $2/Meal/Person, Freeze Drying 101, Libraries of Things Help Communities Preserve the Harvest, News in Preserving with the Ball® Brand of Fresh Preserving Products, and Plan, Prep, Preserve.

The spark of connection - both with colleagues from Purdue Extension and with extension professionals nationwide, is what stood out most during the conference. Networking events, hallway conversations, and even informal discussions over meals sparked meaningful exchanges and new ideas. I returned home feeling inspired, confident, and grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow in my profession. And I returned home with new educational curriculum, resources, and professional contacts – 3 new contacts of which I’ve already had email conversations with. This first experience with a NEAFCS Annual Session has strengthened my commitment to our field, and I look forward to continuing to build on the momentum sparked in Grand Rapids in 2025. NEAFCS Annual Session 2026 - Knoxville, TN…it’s on my calendar!

Stacey Dawson, Oklahoma

Attending the NEAFCS Annual Session was an incredibly valuable experience that enhanced my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of our professional association. Visiting the VP of Professional Development session and exploring the various committee booths in the exhibit hall opened my eyes to the many ways members can contribute to and grow within NEAFCS. Seeing the passion, dedication, and impact of national and regional officers and committee leaders inspired me to take on new challenges and continue building toward leadership roles at higher levels. This experience strengthened my confidence in my ability to lead and serve more effectively within our state affiliate association.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to network and connect with professionals from across the country. Through engaging conversations and in-depth sessions, I learned how educators in other states implement creative and impactful programs to meet the needs of their communities. These exchanges gave me new ideas and strategies that I can adapt and bring back to Oklahoma—especially programs that align with our county’s identified needs and priorities. The collaboration and openness among members reminded me of the strength of our national network and the shared mission we all have to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Overall, the NEAFCS experience left me feeling reenergized, inspired, and ready to take action. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, a wealth of new resources, and the motivation to continue developing both as a leader and as an educator. I am excited to apply the tools and ideas I gained to enhance local programming, strengthen partnerships, and support the growth of our affiliate. Most importantly, I have found a new confidence in myself to step into future leadership opportunities and help contribute to the continued success of NEAFCS at the state, regional, and national levels.

Jennifer Duhon, Louisiana

I am honored to have received the NEAFCS Endowment Scholarship as a first-time attendee of the Annual Session. Now in my second year as affiliate president, I continue to deepen my understanding of NEAFCS and gain appreciation for the impactful work Family & Consumer Sciences Extension professionals are doing nationwide.

Attending the Annual Session in Grand Rapids, Michigan was an enriching experience. I had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from diverse universities, exchange ideas, and learn innovative techniques and topics to bring back to our members and staff. The conference was thoughtfully organized, offering engaging sessions and valuable networking opportunities.

Although I wasn’t able to attend an in-depth session, the free afternoon provided a chance to explore the beautiful city of Grand Rapids and reflect on the knowledge gained. I’m excited to continue my professional development at the upcoming JCEP Leadership Conference in February and further strengthen my skills to better serve my Extension programs.

Amanda Griswold, Wisconsin 

Attending the 2025 NEAFCS Annual Session in Grand Rapids, Michigan as a first-time participant was an incredibly meaningful experience. After working in the Human Development & Families field for over seven years, it was refreshing and inspiring to finally connect in person with Extension professionals from across the country. The First Timer’s Meeting was especially valuable—it helped me feel welcomed and grounded right away. I only wish it had been a little longer! The educational sessions throughout the week were relevant, engaging, and full of practical ideas I can bring back to my local educator role.

What stood out most was the opportunity to network and learn from others—both nationally and within our own Wisconsin team. Events like States Night Out gave us time to reconnect and share ideas, while local tours helped us understand the culture of Grand Rapids and how Extension plays a role in those communities. I was especially inspired by the retirees who continue to support our work with such joy and encouragement. Their presence was uplifting and a reminder of the lasting impact of our profession. I’m truly grateful for the sponsorship that made this experience possible and would love to see continued support for first-time attendees. This kind of investment strengthens our work and builds lasting connections across the Extension network.

Amanda Huggins, Tennessee

Attending the Annual Session for NEAFCS was such an awarding experience. Having the opportunity to meet Family and Consumer Sciences professionals from across the country allowed me to gain a broader perspective on the impact of the FCS field at the national, state, and local levels. To meet other FCS professionals from across the country and learn how they are impacting their community through programming was very encouraging and motivating.

The breakout sessions were the highlight of the conference for me. The innovative ideas and programs left me thinking about how I could take this back to my state and county. The kombucha making class, the library of food preservation resources, and the book club initiative stood out as sessions that were not only engaging but also highly applicable to my local work. Each session provided me with strategies and fresh perspectives that I’m excited to adapt and bring back to my community.

Overall, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend the Annual Session. The experience strengthened my professional skills and l left me excited about the work FCS professional do. I look forward to participating in future sessions!

Ida Jackson, Georgia

Attending the 2025 NEAFCS Annual Session through the support of the Endowment Fund Scholarship was both an honor and a deeply meaningful professional experience. As a Family & Consumer Sciences Agent representing University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, I felt proud to connect with colleagues from across the nation who share the same passion for empowering families. This conference allowed me to step away from my day-to-day responsibilities and fully immerse myself in learning, reflection, and growth; all of which will strengthen how I serve the communities in my district.

The sessions that focused on estate planning and sentimental property were especially impactful for me. My work centers on housing and finance, and I am truly passionate about helping families prepare for the future, protect their assets, and maintain healthy relationships during times of transition. The workshops on Transferring Cherished Possessions and Reducing Sentimental Clutter offered new perspectives I had not yet incorporated into my existing estate planning education. These sessions reminded me that estate planning isn’t just legal paperwork it’s emotional, personal, and deeply connected to family communication. I left feeling inspired and better equipped to support Georgia families with compassion, clarity, and research-based tools.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity this scholarship provided. I returned home renewed, with fresh ideas, stronger connections, and a deeper appreciation for the national network I am part of through NEAFCS. The knowledge I gained will directly enhance the programs I deliver on estate planning, financial well-being, and healthy homes. Thank you for investing in my professional development and for allowing me to proudly represent University of Georgia Cooperative Extension on a national stage.

Tammy Jacobs, Iowa

Participating in the 2025 NEAFCS Annual Session was an enriching experience that reinforced the importance of holistic wellness in Extension programming. I attended all wellness activities, which provided practical strategies for maintaining personal well-being while supporting the health of our communities (Zumba was my favorite). These activities reminded me that modeling wellness is essential for credibility and impact in the work we do!

The concurrent sessions offered valuable insights that I can apply directly to my role. I attended ones that both are directly associated with my work as well as ones that provide insight into areas that are important to me, but not part of my role within my job. New Messaging for Farmers’ Mental Health highlighted innovative communication approaches to reduce stigma and promote mental health resources in agricultural communities—a critical need in rural areas. Manage Your Spark to Ignite Your Passion and Power Your Potential encouraged self-reflection and strategies for sustaining motivation, which will help me lead with renewed energy. Additionally, Connecting Sustainable Living “Zero-Waste” Practices to Improved Financial Well-Being demonstrated how environmental and financial education intersect, inspiring ideas for integrated programming. Finally, Harnessing the Power of Awe: Dark Skies as Tools for Mental Health in Rural Communities introduced a unique perspective on mental health, emphasizing nature-based interventions that resonate deeply with rural audiences. In all honesty, this one was my favorite as it is practical and easy for those in the rural community to utilize.

Overall, the Annual Session strengthened my commitment to promoting mental wellness, sustainability, and personal growth through Extension work. I am excited to incorporate these insights into future programs and share them with colleagues to amplify their impact.

Jessica Jones, North Carolina

Receiving the Endowment scholarship to attend the NEAFCS Annual Session was a deeply appreciated opportunity, allowing me to focus entirely on professional growth. Looking back on the specific sessions I attended, two critical themes emerged: supporting the health and vitality of our aging population, and building sustainable food security from the kitchen up. Sessions like "Reframing Aging in Cooperative Extension," "Healthy Eating and Staying Active as We Age," and the discussion on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers highlighted the evolving needs of families. Learning about connecting well-being with family history also reinforced the idea that Extension must shift its focus from merely providing information to fostering supportive systems that respect the full life cycle of the family unit. These takeaways weren't just about new curricula; they were a personal call to action to ensure our programming acknowledges the dignity, complexity, and intergenerational role of older adults in our communities.

The second major theme focused on practical sustainability, connecting food safety with smart resource management. The "Safe Food = Healthy Kids" session provided critical, evidence-based tools for protecting our most vulnerable, while the “Plan, Prep, Preserve” toolkit addressed the national challenge of household food waste. It was inspiring to see how Extension is leading the charge in teaching families that these behaviors - proper storage, smart planning, and safe preparation - aren't just about saving money; they are essential components of environmental responsibility and community health. This session reaffirmed for me that Family and Consumer Sciences is uniquely positioned to deliver these high-impact, tangible skills directly into the homes where they are most needed.

Overall, the Annual Session solidified my personal commitment to being an advocate for these comprehensive, life-changing programs. The professional connections made during the week provided a vital supportive network, ensuring that the knowledge gained - from family history to food preservation - doesn't remain in a notebook, but translates into real, measurable community impact back home.

Anneliese Kuemmerle, New Jersey

Attending the Annual Session was an energizing experience that truly “ignited a spark” for me to be a “healing forest” within my own community. From the Welcome Event and Dr. Sowmick’s inspiring keynote address through to the Closing Awards Ceremony, the Annual Session was packed with inspiration and actionable information. The first-timer orientation was a unique and welcoming experience, and a great way to learn about how to be more involved with NEAFCS. Attending the Regional and Annual Business Meetings gave me valuable insight into how NEAFCS is structured and governed.

Throughout the week, I was able to attend a concurrent session in every timeslot. Every presentation I attended gave practical strategies for developing effective programming in my own community. Takeaways from the “Healthy Eating and Staying Active as We Age” curriculum and thinking about the “senior center of the future” will inform senior center programming in my own community. The session on kombucha making has also inspired me to expand on the classes we offer.

Meeting and learning from so many dedicated extension professionals reinforced my appreciation for the meaningful work we do together. I especially valued the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other states and receive information about curricula and programs they have developed. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Endowment Fund for making it possible for me to attend the Annual Session!

Rebecca McGuire, Ohio

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for awarding me the scholarship to attend the 2025 NEAFCS Annual Session in (beautiful) Grand Rapids, Michigan. This generous support has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to enhance my knowledge, connect with colleagues from across the country, and bring back innovative ideas to strengthen the programs I deliver in our community.

The sessions and networking opportunities at the conference will allow me to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in Family and Consumer Sciences.  The breakout sessions I attended were all engaging and inspiring with thoughtful presenters who clearly have a passion for the work they do.  I’m excited to bring those new ideas to my county programming.

I plan to integrate the insights and strategies gained from the conference into my Extension programming. Specifically, I will incorporate new approaches to reaching new audiences in financial literacy (Money Habitudes) and continue to keep in contact with a new vaping prevention program discussed in a breakout session. By doing so, I aim to expand the reach and effectiveness of our programs, ensuring that families in our region benefit from the latest research and practical tools.

Thank you again for your commitment to advancing our field and for supporting educators like me. I truly appreciate your confidence in my work and your dedication to fostering growth and excellence within Family and Consumer Sciences.

Josey Pearce Keener, Florida 

Attending the NEAFCS Annual Session 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as a First-Time Attendee recipient was an incredibly rewarding experience. The conference theme, “Spark: Connections, Innovations, Communities, and Growth,” was evident in every session, conversation, and connection. I was especially inspired by Carol Smathers’ session on “Eating Healthy on a $2/Meal/Person,” which offered practical, research-based strategies for addressing food insecurity. This session sparked a collaborative idea among fellow FCS agents to take on the challenge ourselves — reinforcing the belief that we must experience what we teach. I also gained valuable insights from sessions on food safety, youth career exploration through the 4-H Food Challenge, and innovative programming ideas that I plan to implement in St. Lucie County.

Beyond the sessions, the opportunity to connect with agents from across the country was equally impactful. From networking with peers who share similar program goals to exploring Grand Rapids’ cultural gems, such as the Frederik Meijer Gardens and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the experience was both professionally enriching and personally fulfilling. I left the conference feeling recharged, inspired, and ready to bring new energy and ideas to my community. I am deeply grateful to the NEAFCS Endowment for making this opportunity possible.

To learn more about my experience, please visit: Sparking Connections & Growth - NEAFCS Annual Session 2025 - UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County or https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/2025/10/29/neafcs-annual-session-2025/.

Deanna Poole, Tennessee

Attending the NEAFCS Annual Session in Grand Rapids, Michigan was a truly meaningful professional development experience. Receiving the First Timers’ Scholarship from the NEAFCS Endowment made the opportunity even more special, as it not only eased the financial burden but also affirmed the value of attending as active member of the organization. I am thankful to have been a recipient of the scholarship that allowed me to engage fully in the sessions, in-depth workshops, and networking events offered throughout the week.

One of the standout moments for me was attending the session led by the team from Texas on navigating the unexpected. Their approach was practical, engaging, and deeply relevant to the real-world challenges our communities face. I left the session feeling energized and inspired, and their examples have encouraged me to work toward implementing a similar series of classes within my own state. It was a powerful reminder of how sharing knowledge across states strengthens the entire FCS Extension community.

Beyond the sessions, I was impressed by the depth of programming and the passion that FCS Extension professionals bring to their work. Just as meaningful were the new connections I made with colleagues from all around the United States. Conversations during sessions, meals, and informal gatherings helped me build relationships with professionals who offer fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. These connections gave me a strong sense of belonging within NEAFCS.  Attending the Annual Session as a first-timer was an enriching milestone in my professional journey, and I am sincerely grateful for the scholarship that made it possible.

Meredith Probst, Illinois

As a first-time attendee, the NEAFCS Annual Conference was a great experience! I attended many sessions that provided valuable insight and fresh ideas to bring back to my team. It was also a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, share experiences, and build professional connections. Throughout the week, I took away many lessons, but two stood out the most.

First, I gained a deeper understanding of how to leverage partnerships within Extension programs. Several sessions explored ways to strengthen collaborations both inside and outside of Extension. I learned strategies for building educational programs focused on food safety and nutrition, and how to adapt or expand existing resources to meet new needs. I also gained a better understanding of how webinars can be used as an effective training tool—an area in which I had limited experience before attending the conference.

Second, the closing session was particularly impactful. It highlighted strategies for fostering connection and wellness within the workplace, which I can apply both personally and as part of our team. I reflected on my own habits and communication style when connecting with the community and identified areas for growth as an educator. The session encouraged me to consider the social, emotional, digital, and mental aspects of wellness and how they influence my work. I brought these insights back to my team, and together we are exploring ways to strengthen our approach to digital wellness and team collaboration.

Overall, attending NEAFCS was an invaluable professional development experience. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and for the support provided through the Endowment Scholarship.

Yvette Rea, Utah

I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend the 2025 NEAFCS Annual Session in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Being awarded the Endowment Scholarship made this experience possible for me, and I truly appreciate the support.

This conference was more than just a professional event—it was inspiring on a personal level. I had the chance to connect with so many dedicated and passionate Extension professionals from across the country. Hearing about the creative programs they are implementing in their states gave me fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a deeper sense of connection with the Extension community.

Some of the most important takeaways for me included learning how to better adapt programming to the audiences we serve, seeking guidance from professionals on properly testing food preservation equipment, and preparing Extension educators to confidently teach clientele about safe and effective food preservation techniques. I also attended several excellent sessions related to food and nutrition that expanded my knowledge and will directly support the work I do.

I left the conference feeling energized and excited to bring what I learned back to my own programs. Thank you again for providing such a meaningful and impactful opportunity.

Lauren Roberson, Ohio

Attending the NEAFCS Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 20-23, 2025, was an absolute privilege. I will highlight three features that set this conference apart from others. First, there was a good mix of opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research and also to network (and have fun!). Second, every session had a practical, applied lens. Third, the fellowship and camaraderie in Extension work were contagious. I’ll expand on each point in the subsequent paragraph.

While I greatly value the role of academic conferences in fostering scholarly exchange, my experience has been that they sometimes prioritize presentation over deeper engagement. These gatherings often provide an opportunity to share updates on ongoing work and maintain professional visibility within the field. NEAFCS goes beyond the traditional role of academic conferences, providing a platform to showcase that work, with the caveat that all presentations have a practical implication. Rather than stopping with research findings, each session I attended served as a real-world example of research in practice, and how that research can impact communities for the public good. This is what I love most about Extension work: it is inherently applied and community-driven. To my third point, NEAFCS affords like-minded individuals the opportunity to get together, share ideas, collaborate and innovate, but more importantly, to engage in fellowship. That fellowship is instrumental in doing good-quality work. It was clear to me that attendees with many more years of service than I have formed lifelong friendships with colleagues across the nation. With as much time and energy as one puts into their career, these relationships are fundamental to long-term productivity and fulfillment. I can say, without reservation, that although I was a first-time attendee, never have I felt more welcome, more at home, and more eager to collaborate and ponder over what’s next, in my research and Extension work, than I was at NEAFCS 2025.

Looking forward to Knoxville next year! Thank you for the scholarship and for supporting my attendance; this was the highlight conference of the year for me!

Katie Seelhoff, Colorado

During this conference, it met many other FCS agents from across the country, gained ideas and materials for programs I would like to bring to Morgan County, and attended leadership development sessions to gain new and improve my existing leadership skills. I attended workshops that will apply to both the 4-H and FCS work that I do including new ideas for how to blend both of these areas of my job such as a food industry exploration program for 4-H members to attend while allowing me to build more connections in Morgan County and potentially across the state. I learned more about healthy aging and support for caregiver’s work that is being done across the state, including ideas for new workshops and resources that can be distributed across the state to help with the work we are already doing in this area. I also plan to build a stronger connection with our local Family Center by delivering a program for first time mothers helping them understand the changes in their bodies, changes in nutritional needs for pregnant women, and information about local resources such as the health department.

In addition to the program knowledge that I gained, I also go to explore more opportunities within CEAFCS. Part of this was the discovery of a mentor program that NEAFCS has put together that will be beneficial to new members. When reaching out to new FCS specialists across the state, I plan to inform them of this opportunity and help them register if they would like to be part of it. I also got to participate in a leadership event where I met with other state affiliate leaders and national leaders to form stronger connections. I feel like I can reach out to them to for advice when needed and make sure that our CEAFCS affiliate is maximizing the support we can give to our members.

Sherry Surrette, Mississippi

I would sincerely like to thank the scholarship awards committee for providing me the opportunity to attend my first NEAFCS Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I was warmly welcomed the moment I arrived at the first-timer’s meeting and was able to learn more about NEAFCS and its mission.  It was wonderful to meet new colleagues and learn about the work they were doing in their own states and share my educational outreach work with others as well.  In addition, I learned about the various leadership roles that exist within NEAFCS and hope to possibly serve more actively with the organization in the future.

I was also presenter during the conference and received a lot of positive feedback and interest about my work from the attendees.  This was very refreshing and energizing.  That’s one of the best things about attending conferences with others who have similar interests.  Everyone shares their own knowledge and experiences, which benefits all parties. I look forward to attending more NEAFCS conferences in the future. 

Paula Wood, Iowa

Thank you so much for the opportunity to attend the NEAFCS Annual Conference as a first-time scholarship recipient. The experience was enriching both professionally and personally. I had many valuable conversations—first with colleagues from my own state whom I don’t always work with daily, and then with the broader Extension community. I deepened my understanding of NEAFCS and it was energizing to witness the dedication of professionals who not only share their work with pride but actively support and uplift one another in their efforts to strengthen communities. I appreciated the First-Time Attendee Orientation, which gave me the chance to connect with others new to the conference as well as those with years of experience.

I found tremendous value in the concurrent sessions I attended. Highlights included “Eating Healthy on $2/Meal”, “When Translating Is Not Enough,” and “Are Your Participants Doing Their FCS Homework?”  These sessions along with the closing keynote offered meaningful insights and sparked ideas for my work. I’m excited to explore these ideas further and share with colleagues.

Grand Rapids was a wonderful host city. I enjoyed exploring the greenhouses at Meijer Gardens during the welcome event, trying local restaurants and coffee, and taking a beautiful walk along the river.  I was happy to have chosen an in-depth session at Home Repair Services, a nonprofit doing remarkable work in Grand Rapids. Their home repair programs, DIY workshops, and innovative food club pantry model were truly inspiring. As a bonus, I left with a new DIY skill—ceramic tiling!  Overall, the conference broadened my perspective, strengthened my professional toolkit, and reminded me of the powerful impact Extension professionals have on individuals and communities. I’m deeply grateful for the scholarship that made this experience possible and look forward to attending again in the future.