2025 NEAFCS National Award WinnersClick here to access a list of all of the 2025 Winners as a PDF. communications awardsEducational Publication:1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Internet Education Technology:1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Newsletters:1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Radio or Podcast:1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Television/Video:1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Written Media:1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - community partnership award1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Early Childhood Child Care Training Award1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - Educational Curriculum Package Award1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Environmental Education Award1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Excellence in Multi-State Collaboration AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Excellence in Teamwork AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Extension Disaster Education AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDThe NEAFCS Educator of the Year Award recognizes a professional Extension FCS Educator who is conducting outstanding educational programs that demonstrate impact on families and who has continued professional development activities and involvement. Family Health and Wellness AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - food safety AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Human Development/Family Relationships AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Innovation in Programming AWARDThe Innovation in Programming Award recognizes innovation and accomplishment in the design and implementation of an FCS program. This award is sponsored by the Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP). 1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Innovative Youth Development Programming AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Marketing Package AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Program Excellence Through Research AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - School Wellness AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - SNAP-ED/EFNEP Education AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Social Media Education AWARD1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Master family & consumer sciences volunteer program award1st Place National Winner Extension Housing Outreach AWARD The Extension Housing Outreach Award is sponsored by Housing Education & Research Association (HERA) and recognizes programming which enhances housing outreach to communities and special needs families. National Winner - National Winner - Financial Management Award in Memory of Dean Don FelkerThe Financial Management Award in Memory of Dean Don Felker is sponsored by the Indiana Affiliate and is given to FCS Educators who have developed an outstanding program on some aspect of family financial management which includes budgeting, credit management, savings, etc. 1st Place National Winner - florence hall awardThe Florence Hall Award recognizes members who have been alert in recognizing emerging issues or new concerns and interests of families or individuals and have planned and implemented programs which address these issues utilizing others in their communities. 1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Greenwood Frysinger AWARDThe Greenwood Frysinger Award is presented to someone who has been a member for 5 years or less and has had an opportunity to expand their professional network through an outstanding mentor/mentee experience. National Winner is Amber Benson from New Mexico. This award was submitted by Amber Benson of New Mexico State University in recognition of the incredible mentorship provided by lifetime member, Cindy Schlenker-Davies and Dianne Christensen. Mary W. Wells Memorial Diversity AWARDThe Mary W. Wells Memorial Diversity Award recognizes outstanding efforts and accomplishments of individual and/or teams in diversity and pluralism for any Extension FCS program or activity, including staff development, advisory councils, programs, etc. 1st Place National Winner - 2nd Place National Winner - 3rd Place National Winner - Past Presidents’ New Professional AWARDThe Past Presidents’ New Professional Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments of NEAFCS members within the first three years from date of original employment with Cooperative Extension Service. Lori Johnson is a Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/IFAS Extension. As a Registered Dietitian for the past 20 years in community and school nutrition, she has partnered with extension in every role she has held. Her passion for nutrition education shines through in making learning about food fun while developing sustainable healthy habits for life. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDTo receive the Distinguished Service Award an individual must have been a member of NEAFCS for 10 years or more and attended at least 2 Annual Sessions. The award recognizes Extension FCS Educators for leadership, outstanding programs, and personal & professional growth. AlabamaDarlene Minniefield - Darlene Minniefield, an exceptional Urban Regional Agent with 25+ years of service, delivers impactful programs in family finance, nutrition, and health across Alabama, collaborating with community organizations for lasting change. ArizonaDebbie Curley- Debbie Curley is being recommended for the Distinguished Service Award for Arizona at her ten year service mark. She has made strong contributions to the state in terms of program impact, service and professional development. ArkansasTrudy McManus – Trudy works in all FCS program areas but has had notable success with re-entry and Extension Get Fit programs. FloridaAmy Mullins -Dr. Mullins takes great pride in the development and delivery of nutrition programs that meet the needs of the community by providing practical tools to support healthy outcomes and impacts. Lisa Hamilton - Lisa Hamilton has served as an FCS Agent since 2015, serving the residents of Volusia County, Florida. GeorgiaRachel Stewart – Rachel Stewart is dedicated to conducting quality programming in the areas of Chronic Disease Prevention and Wellness, Injury Prevention and Safety, and Workforce Development in Early Childhood Education. Mitzi Leigh Parker - Mitzi Parker is a dedicated Family and Consumer Sciences Agent who is passionate about helping others and truly making a difference in her community. Georgeanne Cook- Georgeanne Cook is the current president of GEAFCS. She conducts award-winning health and wellness, food safety, and financial management programming and has attended eight NEAFCS and twelve GEAFCS annual meetings. IllinoisLisa Peterson- Lisa Peterson is a proven leader in NEAFCS, transforming nutrition and food safety education through expert training, curriculum innovation, and dedicated mentorship. She is driving impact at both state and national levels. IndianaMindy Mayes – Mindy is proud to work at Purdue Extension providing programming in food, family, money and health to improve the lives and livelihoods of Indiana residents, especially those in Grant County. IowaLori Korthals - Lori Korthals, Health and Human Sciences senior manager at ISU Extension, started as a local educator, now supervises the statewide team, and helped create the NEAFCS mentor/mentee Leadership Experience. KansasBernadette Trieb -Bernadette Trieb has been a Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for Wabaunsee County Kansas for 16 years. She loves serving all ages and focuses on their health and well-being! KentuckyLora Pullin - The Greenup County Extension Service programs provide the building blocks for community success, driven by community-based needs. The focus is to enhance the lives of local citizens and their families through education. Louisiana Becky Gautreaux - With over 15 years of experience, Becky Gautreaux is a distinguished nutrition and community health agent and enthusiastic advocate for nutrition education in Lafourche & Terrebonne parishes in Louisiana. MarylandShauna Henley – Dr. Henley has been a member since 2014 and has actively participated as Treasurer and President for her MD-Affiliate and liaison for the 2023 Annual Session in Providence. MichiganDawn Contreras - Dawn is a 38-year member of NEAFCS, has led statewide health initiatives, including immunization and opioid prevention projects that have helped thousands of Michigan residents. Her projects have earned numerous awards. MississippiLatoya Brown - Latoya has worked in extension for 12 years as the Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H/Community Development Extension Agent. She has won several awards and proven leadership abilities in her role as an extension agent. Some examples are team building, mentoring, initiative, and adaptability. NebraskaKatie Krause - Award-winning educator and leader in early childhood education, professional development, and nature-based learning. Innovator in online training, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement, impacting thousands through national programs, research initiatives, and leadership roles. New Jersey Shailja Mathur - Through leadership, program innovation in chronic disease prevention, and dedication to professional growth, Shailja has made significant contributions to the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. OhioPatrice Powers-Barker - Patrice uses Family Life Education Methodology for programing on mindfulness, homebuyer education, and strong relationships. A professional advocate, she intentionally leverages the value of FCS with all audiences. Melissa Rupp [Muh-LISS-uh Roop] - As an assistant professor and Accredited Financial Counselor, Melissa's professional focus is financial education and food safety. She co-leads the state homebuyer education team. Her passion is investing in others. OklahomaBrenda Medlock - Brenda's dedication to health education has addressed critical health issues, promoted healthier lifestyles, and improved community health outcomes. She has provided knowledge and fostered a sense of community and support among participants. PennsylvaniaLaurie Weinreb-Welch - Laurie has been an essential Health & Wellness team member within the Food, Family, and Communities (FFC) unit, contributing significantly to its success and impact. South CarolinaYaniqua Eyabi [YAH-nee-kwah AY-yah-bee]- Transforming Lives through Education, Leadership, and Service: Dedicated Extension Educator delivering impactful programs, fostering community growth, and empowering individuals through innovative education and leadership initiatives. TennesseePriscilla Gilliam - Priscilla Gilliam has served for 15 years with UT Extension, improving the lives of families throughout her county. She shows successful impact through food safety, nutrition and financial management programs. TexasJoanne Ureste-Armijo - Joanne Ureste marked a decade of dedicated service with Extension. Guided by the profound words of Steve Jobs, Joanne has consistently strived to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in Hidalgo County. Shea Nebgen -Shea Nebgen has built a distinguished extension career through a variety of excellent programs she has developed as well as the personal and professional growth she has achieved in her Extension career. Tonya Poncik - Tonya Poncik has been a County Extension Agent in Lee County since 2002. Her efforts have focused on health and wellness, food safety, strengthening community partnerships and youth development. UtahTricia Mathis - Tricia Mathis is an Extension Educator with Utah State University in Wasatch County. She provides programming for Nutrition and Food Preparation, Diabetes Management and Textiles. West VirginiaDavid Roberts - David Roberts, WVU Extension’s Family and Community Development Agent for Lincoln County supports healthy families, 4-H programs, and agriculture as a single agent providing vital community programs and resources. WisconsinAmanda Kostman - Amanda proudly serves all Wisconsin residents but has focused on Walworth County residents with financial, food preservation and life span programming since 2018 and served Lincoln County residents prior 2005-2017. continued excellence awardThe Continued Excellence Award recognizes active involvement in professional improvement programs, promotion of professional development, and leadership. They must have been a member for at least 12 years, attended 3 or more Annual Sessions and received the NEAFCS Distinguished Service Award prior to the year in which they achieve Continued Excellence. AlabamaJanet Johnson - Education and professional development are the cornerstones to a successful society. Janet wants to continue to learn so that she can continue to educate and help others to improve themselves. ArkansasMichelle Carter - Michelle has been a member of NEAFCS for 15 years and continues to participate in professional development opportunities to better herself so that she can meet her community’s needs. FloridaElizabeth Shephard - Beth Shephard, a 26-year Extension and NEAFCS member, is dedicated to promoting professional development, empowering communities, and transforming lives through her commitment to education and positive change. KansasJodi Denton - Jodi has served as the Pratt County Family and Consumer Science and 4-H and Youth Agent for 17 years. She enjoys bringing health and nutrition education to schools across her county. MissouriBethany Bachmann - Bethany has been a member of NEAFCS since 2011 when she began her career as a Nutrition and Health Specialist with University of Missouri Extension. MontanaLisa Terry - Lisa Terry serves as the Glacier County Extension Agent for Montana State University Extension. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in family consumer science education and community development initiatives serving the diverse populations of Glacier County. Terry has pioneered innovative outreach programs for rural communities and Native American reservations, earning recognition for her collaborative approach to address food insecurity & safety, youth and mental health topics. North CarolinaHayley Cowell – Hayley Cowell has been a member of NEAFCS for 14 years. She has served in leadership roles at the district, state, and national level while providing mentorship to her colleagues. OhioJacqueline Wilkins - Jacqueline Wilkins has 30+ years of experience working with community/university partners to co-create solutions for Ohioans. Her research/programming centers on prevention education, family policy, and community-engaged Extension scholarship. TennesseeStarla Hardin - For 30 years, Starla has provided numerous educational opportunities such as Healthier Maury County, Walk Across TN, the Diabetes Prevention Program, financial wellness, and sewing classes for youth. UtahCindy Nelson - Cindy serves as an Extension Professor in a rural Utah community. Her main programming areas are health and wellness, youth leadership, and anything 4-H. |
