Webinar Description:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an insightful webinar exploring the vital role of agricultural education from 4-H programs to university extension initiatives. This event featured two distinguished speakers: Jill Bramble, the President of the National 4-H Council, who shared how youth development programs cultivate leadership and practical skills in agriculture, and Dr. Bronaugh, the President of the 1890 Universities Foundation, who discussed the Foundation’s efforts to enhance agricultural education at historically black colleges and universities. 

Together, they delved into how these educational pathways not only empower individuals but also strengthen communities and promote healthy lifestyles. Attendees gained valuable insights into the collaborative efforts between K-12 programs and higher education and discovered how these initiatives are shaping the future of agriculture and food systems.

Speakers:

• Jill Bramble, President and CEO at the National 4-H Council

Jill Bramble is President and Chief Executive Officer at National 4-H Council, the nonprofit partner to Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program. An experienced nonprofit leader, she has dedicated more than 18 years of service to the National 4-H Council, starting as a grant writer and rising through the ranks to join the executive leadership team in 2013. A fourth generation 4-H’er from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Jill knows firsthand the life-changing impact of 4-H programs and volunteers. A champion of young people and their ability to drive change, she is motivated every single day to pay it forward and ensure these same opportunities are available to all youth.

Jill received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Maryland. Jill and her husband, Scott, have two children, Nick and Jordan.

• Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation

Dr. Jewel Bronaugh currently serves as President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. In 2021, Dr. Bronaugh was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the 14th U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. She is the first Black woman to serve in this position. In 2020, as the Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA, Dr. Bronaugh helped establish the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Program, the first statewide program of its kind aimed at strengthening local food systems by investing in projects that improve access to fresh foods in historically marginalized communities. Previously, Dr. Bronaugh served as the Dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University (VSU) where she oversaw Extension, Research, and Academic Programs, and served as the Associate Administrator for Extension Programs. She was also a 4-H Extension Specialist.

Dr. Bronaugh received her Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education from Virginia Tech. She has dedicated her career to service and promoting youth leadership in agriculture. Originally from Petersburg, Virginia, Dr. Bronaugh is married to Cleavon, a retired U.S. Army Veteran.

• Nia McLean

Nia McLean is a passionate and diligent agriculturalist originally from Somerville, Massachusetts. Nia holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, Summa Cum Laude, and certificates in Leadership in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship & Finance in Agribusiness from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Nia spent the 2023-2024 school year teaching agriculture to students in Ghana as part of The Borlaug Institute International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP). In the summer of 2024, Nia interned with FSN-IL’s New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

Nia is now pursuing a Masters in Agricultural and Extension Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In her free time, Nia enjoys yoga, reading, and trying new foods!

• Dr. Stephan Tubene, Professor of Agricultural Economics and Chair of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences

Dr. Stephan Tubene is a Professor of Agricultural Economics and Chair of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). He is also Associate Director of the 1890 Universities Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGFSD). Tubene’s research, teaching, and consulting interests include International Agricultural Development, Production Economics, Community and Economic Development, and Global Food Security. Tubene is an international scholar with expertise and experience in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. 

Tubene received his B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from Yangambi University of Agricultural Sciences in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1987 and his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University in 1997. He is fluent in English, French, and several African languages.