2026 JCEP Public Issues Leadership Development Conference Scholarship Recipient Reflections

Michelle Altman, South Carolina, Clemson Cooperative Extension
2026 JCEP-PILD Reflection Statement Bethesda, MD April 18-23, 2026, I was honored to attend the annual Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference. The conference opened with impactful remarks from Dr. Jaye Hamby of USDA-NIFA, who emphasized Extension’s role as a trusted source of information. Dr. Bill Hoffman spoke of how CARET, ECOP and APLU integrated together to move Extension forward. Dr. Doug Steele of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) delivered an inspiring presentation titled Who are Players on Campuses and DC and How Do they Play as a Team. I had the privilege of delivering an Ignite presentation alongside my Clemson Cooperative Extension colleague, Weatherly Thomas, where we shared insights on curating a Food Pantry Giving Guide during the SNAP shutdown crisis in November 2025. We shared that Extension must be reactive to the 24-hour news cycle. On the first day, we also met with our professional organization, NEAFCS, for a valuable session focused on our national impact. Dhruti Patel led the session, which included opportunities to network. A highlight was getting my picture with NEAFCS President, Dianne Christensen. Shannon Hauf of Bayer Crop Science was one of my favorite speakers. She spoke about the influence 4-H has had on her life. The JCEP-PILD Conference provided training for our visit to Capitol Hill. Cristina Laridesen offered sound advice and pointers to make the most of our visit to Capitol Hill. The summit concluded with a memorable visit to Capitol Hill, where our South Carolina delegation engaged with members of Congress and their staff. Thanks to the preparation provided by JCEP-PILD, we approached these meetings with confidence and purpose. I am sincerely grateful to NEAFCS for sponsoring me with a scholarship to attend this enriching conference. I highly encourage all NEAFCS members to consider participating. This is an invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow Extension professionals and advocate for our shared mission.

Stephanie Carlson, Utah, Utah State University
Attending the PILD Conference was impactful and beneficial. Learning about the legislative process was interesting and meeting with my representative and senator staff was wonderful. Several of the staff members did not know what Extension was and I had the opportunity to tell them about Extension and what we do. We had a wonderful meeting.

Sara Croymans, Minnesota, Univ of Minnesota Extension
Attending the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) conference was a meaningful professional experience that strengthened my understanding of Extension’s role within the broader public policy landscape. Centered on the theme “year-round impact”, the conference highlighted how Extension programming consistently supports individuals, families, and communities across the nation.  Through sessions led by national leaders, I gained insight into the structure and funding of the Cooperative Extension System and the critical partnerships among USDA-NIFA, APLU, and ECOP. Presentations on federal funding and advocacy emphasized that our work depends not only on strong programming but also on our ability to clearly communicate its value. Hearing about strategies to effectively share impact stories reinforced that data alone is not enough-compelling narratives are essential to connect with decision-makers.  A key takeaway was the importance of engaging with legislators and their staff. Participating in visits with Minnesota’s congressional offices provided a valuable opportunity to share firsthand how Extension programming-such as our collaborative mental health initiatives-benefits constituents. These conversations demonstrated that when we articulate our impact clearly and confidently, support for Extension remains strong, even in challenging budget environments.  Additionally, presenting my own work and learning from colleagues across the country broadened my perspective and inspired new ideas for collaboration and storytelling. This experience reinforced my responsibility to be an advocate for Extension by sharing our successes year-round, not just during times of funding need.  Overall, PILD enhanced my confidence and skills in communicating Extension’s value and underscored the vital role storytelling plays in sustaining public support.

Robin Eubank-Callis, Kansas, Kansas State University Extension
This experience significantly strengthened my understanding of the financial processes that guide USDA and NIFA programming and their direct implications for Extension. Gaining clarity on funding structures and allocation decisions highlighted how critical fiscal stewardship is to sustaining impactful programming. I now better appreciate how local Extension efforts are shaped by national priorities and how carefully managed resources enable us to meet community needs effectively. Equally impactful was learning how to communicate with legislators and their aides. Office visits provided practical experience in delivering concise, meaningful messages that connect Extension outcomes to legislators priorities. These interactions reinforced the importance of preparation, professionalism, and storytelling supported by data. I gained confidence in advocating for Extension by clearly demonstrating its value and relevance. Engaging with other Family and Consumer Sciences Extension professionals further enriched this experience. Collaborative discussions on sharing program impacts emphasized the importance of consistent messaging and collective advocacy. I also saw how local and state-level successes contribute to stronger national outcomes, particularly within NEAFCS. Understanding this interconnectedness underscored the importance of documenting and communicating impacts effectively to elevate Extension’s presence at all levels.

Mary Evans, Wyoming, University of Wyoming Extension
Attending the Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference was energizing and a strong reminder of why I do this work every day. It gave me the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and see how what we do at the local level in Extension connects to something much bigger. Hearing from national leaders and policy experts reinforced how important it is that we tell our story clearly and effectively.  One of the biggest takeaways for me was understanding our role in education around public issues. I work with limited-income families every day, and PILD reinforced that their experiences matter-not just in the numbers we report, but in how we help policymakers better understand the realities they face. It reminded me that our role is to provide clear, research-based information and share real-life examples that help decision-makers and community members make informed choices. It also strengthened my confidence in having those conversations and ensuring that Wyoming-and our rural communities-are well understood.  I also valued the connections with colleagues from across the country. While many of us face similar challenges, especially in rural areas, it was helpful to hear new ideas and approaches that I can bring back to my work.  Overall, PILD grounded me in the purpose behind Extension and reinforced the importance of sharing what we know to support the communities we serve.

Emily Harmon, Illinois, University of Illinois Extension      
This was my first time attending PILD and even visiting Washington, D.C.! Attending this conference allowed me to expand my leadership skills and talk to our legislatures about important issues that directly impact our statewide community members. This year was especially prudent for Extension to talk to our legislators due to the climate of things.  I am forever indebted to NEAFCS for allowing me to have this experience and will carry it with me throughout my career!

Gretchen Manker, Idaho, University of Idaho Extension   
Attending the 2026 Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Public Issues Leadership Development Conference (PILD) was an amazing experience and a highlight of my Extension career. Receiving a National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) scholarship towards registration made it possible for me to attend this impactful event. The conference presenters emphasized that Extension is still relevant and even more important today. Extension brings science to life and creates discovery moments and makes people’s lives better. Extension is what makes land grant universities different. The policy sessions strengthened my understanding of capacity funding and how it moves through the federal budget. The coaching we received prepared me to confidently share Extension’s impact and the need to maintain Extension capacity funds during Congressional visits. Exploring Washington D.C. with my Idaho Extension colleagues added an element of fun with an average of 15,000 daily steps. Highlights included the Twilight Monument Tour, a Washington Nationals baseball game, and visits to Congressional offices. The trip also featured an unexpected stop at a fair exhibit with a life-size butter cow sculpture, a 1940 photo of the Western Idaho State Fair, and a quilt made from 4-H ribbons. I now know what to do with my grown kids 4-H and sports ribbons. The war memorials offered a sobering reminder of service and sacrifice. Professionally and personally, attending PILD was a life-changing experience, and I hope all Extension professionals take the opportunity to attend. It helps Extension make sense!

Rachel O'Halloran, Missouri, University Of Missouri Extension   
Attending the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference in Washington, DC was a valuable and rewarding experience. During the conference, I gained a better understanding of how national funding works for Extension, including the specific budget line items that support programs across the country. This helped me see how federal decisions directly impact the work we do at the local level.  I also attended the state affiliate meeting, where I learned new strategies for telling persuasive advocacy stories. These models helped me clearly explain the importance and impact of Extension programs. Using what I learned, I created four advocacy stories that highlighted real outcomes and community benefits.  On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to share these stories with congressional staff. The Missouri delegation met with 8 out of 10 national offices, which was a strong outcome. These conversations allowed us to advocate for continued support and funding in a meaningful way.  Overall, this experience strengthened my confidence in advocacy work. I left the conference feeling more prepared to communicate the value of Extension and to engage with policymakers in the future.

Michelle Tjeerdsma, South Dakota, SDSU Extension         
The PILD Conference provided an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding of the federal process and budget. I found the budget-focused sessions especially valuable, particularly the guidance on effectively communicating budget needs and securing support. The NEAFCS breakout session was also a highlight. It offered meaningful discussion with colleagues who serve similar audiences and allowed us to exchange strategies for elevating and promoting the impactful work taking place across our programs. Thank you for providing such a valuable and enriching experience.

Sarah Ware, North Carolina, NC Cooperative Extension  
Attending the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference for the first time was a valuable experience, and I learned a great deal about leadership, advocacy, and the broader impact of Extension work. One of the most helpful sessions for me was Federal Funding Lines: Why They Matter to You and How to Talk About Them led by Christina Laridean. This session clearly explained who the key decision-makers are in federal funding and how resources are distributed, helping me better understand the systems that support our local work.  I also enjoyed the Congressional Visit Best Practices panel. Hearing directly from staffers and being able to ask questions about effective meetings provided practical advice for future advocacy efforts. The Ignite sessions were another highlight. In a short amount of time, presenters from across the country shared creative ways they are making positive change in their communities. It was inspiring to hear how Extension professionals are addressing local needs in different ways.  Overall, this conference strengthened my understanding of public issues leadership and the importance of communicating Extension’s value. It also reminded me of the collective impact Extension professionals have nationwide. I would highly recommend this conference to anyone interested in leadership development, advocacy, and gaining practical tools to better serve their communities.