I had the opportunity to attend the 2023 US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region Public Services employee meeting in the picturesque setting of South Lake Tahoe, California. The meeting was a profound experience for me as a resource assistant and a member of this vibrant community. The primary goal of this gathering was to reconnect and reengage our group, a community that has navigated the challenges of the past three years with resilience and dedication. It was an occasion to recommit to our collective work and mission, reminding us of the significance of our roles and the impact of our collaborative efforts. The meeting comprised various sessions, each uniquely designed to foster team building, knowledge sharing, and collaborative thinking. One such session, titled "Reconnecting in Public Services," focused on team building and celebrating our achievements through awards and recognitions. It was an uplifting experience that reinforced the spirit of unity and camaraderie within our group.

Another notable session was "Access Needs," which was a joint session with the engineering team. The focus was on cross-boundary programs and shared monitoring, aiming to enhance collaboration and streamline our efforts. This session was particularly insightful, providing new perspectives on access needs for timber and fuels work and the critical roles lands and engineering play in this context. A standout learning experience for me was discovering the work of the heritage group, which manages historical locations. The insights into clearances and documentation processes were invaluable, adding a new dimension to my understanding of our collective responsibilities. Other notable sessions were about the climate change adaptation plan and mapping connections across program areas.

For me, a significant highlight was meeting colleagues in person, most of whom I usually interact with remotely. Building these personal connections was enriching and added a human element to our virtual interactions. Additionally, the opportunity to travel beyond my computer screen to physical locations was an exciting experience.

On the final day, field trips to various significant sites like Taggart/Fallen Leaf Lake, Taylor Creek/Tallac Historic Site, and the Camp Richardson Resort, provided a tangible connection to the landscapes we work to protect and manage.

This meeting was not just a professional gathering; it was a celebration of our shared goals, diverse expertise, and the unyielding spirit of collaboration that drives us forward. As I reflect on these enriching experiences, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the future endeavors that lie ahead in our collective journey.

The picture from the meeting captures a memorable moment. The photo features key members of the Public Services Region 5 team. From left to right, we have Susan White, the Regional Heritage Program Manager; me, a proud resource assistant; Nancy Parachini, Deputy Director; Christina Henderson, Acting Director; Dawn Alvarez, Program Manager of the Regional Hydropower Assistance Team; and Monique Sanchez, Hydropower Coordinator. This image symbolizes the diverse and dynamic team that I am honored to be a part of.

As a resource assistant I have experienced personal and professional growth. This role, which coincided with the culmination of my Ph.D. studies at Auburn University, has been both challenging and rewarding, providing me with a unique perspective on conservation, community engagement, and academic achievement. Balancing my responsibilities as a Resource Assistant while completing my Ph.D. in Agriculture Education at Auburn University was no small feat. It required meticulous time management, unwavering dedication, and a deep passion for both my professional duties and academic pursuits. This dual commitment not only honed my skills but also enriched my understanding of the intricate connections between environmental stewardship and educational advancement.

During my tenure, I contributed to various projects that played a vital role in the agency's operations. I facilitated regional data management and ensured compliance with national policies, including directives related to recreation data targets and hydropower projects. My responsibilities included coordinating the collection and summarization of regional data for annual reports to Headquarters. I worked closely with various Forest Service programs to understand and achieve data targets, provided specific guidance on recreational target inputs, and offered one-on-one support as needed. Additionally, I assisted Public Services program managers in developing and improving SharePoint and Teams channels. My administrative support included efficient file management, meeting agenda preparation, and project coordination. Engaging in continuous training plans and project monitoring ensured efficient workflow and progress tracking, contributing to the overall success of the projects.

Graduating with my Ph.D. in May was a significant milestone in my career. My dissertation, titled "Growing Agricultural Literacy: Investigating Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Security," explored the critical need for agricultural literacy. This study aimed to understand its complex scope, assess existing gaps, and propose strategies for improvement. Agricultural literacy is essential for both direct stakeholders in agriculture and consumers. Despite agriculture's presence in daily life, a visible gap exists in public understanding, particularly regarding climate-smart practices. By using a descriptive and correlational design, my research analyzed the relationship between agricultural literacy and attitudes toward climate-smart agriculture. The results highlighted the importance of tailored educational programs and policy frameworks aimed at nurturing agricultural literacy. The impacts of these efforts extend to education systems, envisioning a complete incorporation of agricultural literacy into all levels of education. From primary school curricula to college education, embedding agricultural literacy imparts essential insights into food systems and environmental stewardship.

Attending the MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) conference in Chicago this year was a profound and memorable experience. As a resource assistant with the USDA Forest Service through the Hispanic Access Foundation, this opportunity for professional development was invaluable. At the time, I was also a Ph.D. candidate in agricultural education at Auburn University. This conference was particularly special as it marked my last conference as a MANRRS graduate student member. I have such fond memories of being a MANRRS graduate student and being part of a local chapter at Auburn University. The career connections, networking, learning of employment opportunities, and lifelong friendships forged through MANRRS have been instrumental in my academic and professional journey.

One of the highlights of the conference was the diversity summit, where my poster titled "Exploring the Experiences of Black Graduate Students at Predominantly White Institutions: A Systematic Review" was shown. This research focused on the academic, social, and institutional challenges Black graduate students face at PWIs and the strategies they use to navigate and succeed in these environments. Presenting this work at the diversity summit allowed me to share my findings and engage in meaningful discussions with peers and professionals. The MANRRS conference also featured a career fair with representatives from various government agencies, nonprofits, and corporations. This setting allowed me to connect with potential employers, gain insights into different career paths, and explore opportunities that align with my passion for agriculture and environmental conservation.

Additionally, the workshops offered at the conference were incredibly beneficial. These sessions covered a range of topics essential for transitioning from academia to the professional world. I attended workshops focused on resume building, interview skills, and professional branding. These workshops provided practical tips and strategies that I have since implemented, enhancing my readiness for future career opportunities. Reflecting on my time at the conference, I am grateful for the professional development support provided by the Hispanic Access Foundation and the USDA Forest Service. This experience not only enriched my academic journey but also equipped me with the tools and connections needed to advance in my career. The MANRRS conference exemplifies the importance of creating spaces where students and professionals can come together to learn, network, and grow.

My participation in the MANRRS conference was a transformative experience. It reinforced the value of professional development and highlighted the importance of continuous learning and networking in achieving career success. I encourage all students and professionals in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences to take advantage of such opportunities to enhance their personal and professional growth. Pictured is myself with some Auburn University Chapter members with our MANRRS Advisor who received advisor of the year award. 

In the heart of the Forest Service's operations, behind the verdant canopies and the serene trails, lies an intricate matrix of data. As a Data Management Resource Assistant, I spend most of my days diving deep into this matrix, discovering the stories that numbers tell and translating them into valuable insights for the public. This month, I had the privilege to be part of a project that connects my world of data with the public's desire for knowledge: The Nature's Benefits Infographic for our region. Beyond the numbers, I realized the genuine impact of our region's recreational facilities. With over 2,500 recreation sites, 266 picnic sites, and 194 day-use areas in California's National Forests, there's a vast expanse of opportunities waiting for nature enthusiasts. One forest that truly stands out in our region is the Angeles National Forest, a verdant gem nestled close to the bustling city of Los Angeles. This forest houses several day-use areas perfect for family gatherings. Elizabeth Lake, for instance, is an idyllic spot to grill, picnic, and unwind. With its inviting picnic tables set amidst nature, it's open from 6 am to 10 pm, offering urban dwellers a refreshing escape.

However, it's essential to remember that our beautiful outdoors, while inviting, can sometimes present challenges. Conditions can change rapidly due to fire hazards, road damage, or construction. Always checking the current conditions before heading out ensures a safe and memorable experience. One of the most integral parts of my role involves guiding forests within California on updating and inputting crucial information. Whether it's the number of picnic tables, images of captivating spots, or details of available amenities, this data is invaluable. It not only informs management decisions but also aids visitors in planning their trips.

Yet, while working on spreadsheets and databases is rewarding, there's an unparalleled joy in physically visiting the places I handle data for. Nature offers a welcome respite from the screen's glare, allowing me to connect with the places and people we serve truly. This month, I've been reminded of the profound relationship between numbers and nature. Each data point represents a story, a family picnic, a solo hike, or a child's first camping trip. As I compile and analyze data, I'm not just looking at numbers; I'm crafting the narrative of our region's vibrant outdoor life. Whether you're a fellow data enthusiast or a nature lover, I invite you to explore the vast recreational possibilities our forests offer. After all, behind every data point, there's a destination waiting to be discovered.

Makeda Nurradin, though born in Columbus, Ohio, has a strong Alabama connection. Her grandmother was a sharecropper on a farm in Walker Springs, a rural area of Clarke County. She loved to tell Makeda about George Washington Carver, whom she met when he visited her elementary school. She also reminisced about the 4-H Club of which she was a member. These stories, coupled with working in the family garden, sparked in Nurradin, at an early age, a love for agriculture and a desire to study at Tuskegee University, which she did. Ms. Nurradin holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in plant and soil science specializing in environmental science from Tuskegee University. She worked with muscadines, blueberries and tomatoes just to name a few. All that hands-on farm work propelled her to pursue a Ph.D. in an ag-related field. Makeda is an agriculture education Ph. D candidate USDA fellow at Auburn University. She served president of the Graduate Student Council, vice-president of her local Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) chapter, and was on Auburn University president’s transition team. She volunteers in food pantries and community gardens. Makeda has presented her research at several conferences and won awards. Most recently, she became a published author. She is a member of North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) and Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE). Ms. Nurradin plans to work in academia or government upon completion of her doctoral work. There is so much confusion out there related to things like food labels and GMOs, and it’s all related to ag literacy, which is a major focus of her program.

Being part of the MANO project thus far has been a wonderful learning experience. Through the MANO project, I am a data management resource assistant (RA) in the US Forest Service regional office in Vallejo, California.