REAL Oregon Celebrates Class 7 Graduation, Empowering Rural Leaders for a Sustainable Future
By REAL Oregon,
SALEM–REAL Oregon is thrilled to announce the graduation of Class 7 marking another milestone in the organization’s commitment to empowering natural resource leaders and fostering sustainable growth in Oregon communities.
“We are immensely proud of the Class 7 graduates and their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities,” said Lauren Lucht, Program Coordinator of REAL Oregon. “Throughout their journey with us, they have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Oregon’s natural resources. We are confident that they will continue to be catalysts for positive change in their respective communities.”
REAL Oregon, Resource Education Agricultural Leadership Oregon, is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural Oregon. Through a combination of classroom sessions, industry tours, and networking opportunities, participants undergo a transformative journey that prepares them to lead effectively in their communities.
The graduation ceremony for Class 7 took place on March 13 at Chemeketa Community College, where participants were honored for their dedication and achievements throughout the program. This diverse cohort represents various industries and regions across Oregon, reflecting the program’s inclusive approach to leadership development.
The graduation ceremony featured keynote speakers Congresswoman Lori Chavez DeRemer, State Representative Anna Scharf, and Oregon Farm Bureau Executive Director Greg Addington, who inspired graduates to embrace their leadership abilities and drive meaningful change in their communities. Rep. Scharf and Director Addington are both alumni of the REAL Oregon program.
Since its inception, REAL Oregon has graduated more than 130 agricultural and natural resource leaders who have gone on to make significant contributions to rural communities across the state. The program’s alumni network continues to grow, providing ongoing support, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities for graduates as they navigate their leadership journey.
As Oregon faces evolving challenges and opportunities, the need for effective rural leadership has never been greater. REAL Oregon remains committed to cultivating a new generation of leaders who are equipped to address these challenges and lead their communities towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
The program is now accepting sponsors and applications for Class 8. For more information about REAL Oregon and its leadership development opportunities, please visit www.realoregon.net.
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Class 7 Graduates
Adan Avila, AgWest Farm Credit
Megan Chuinard, Oregon Seed Council
Lindsay Davis, Hampton Lumber & Family Forests
Kevin Fenn, Oregon Department of Agriculture
Shayan Ghajar, Oregon State University Extension
Taylor Harding, Oregon Department of Agriculture
Christina Iverson, Iverson Family Farms & Wooden Shoe Tulip
Nicole Jolliffe, Saint Michelle Wine Estates & Erath Winery
Ivor Kincaide, Oregon Agricultural Trust
Bryan King, Wilco
Lauren Kuenzi, Oregon Farm Bureau
Maria Marquez, Oregon Department of Agriculture
Bruce McLane, Wilbur-Ellis Company
Stacey Miller, Miller Hazelnut Farms
Kara Mills, Oregon Department of Agriculture
Orin Nussbaum, Nusbaum Farms
Mackenzie Smith, Lone Rock Resources
Tim Topliff, Three Mile Canyon Farms
Rachel Van Dyke, AgWest Farm Credit
Lindsey Webb, Manulife Timber and Agriculture
REAL Oregon (Resource Education Agricultural Leadership) is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to empower natural resource industry leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Oregon. Through a combination of classroom sessions, industry tours, and networking opportunities, participants undergo a transformative journey that prepares them to lead effectively in their communities.
REAL Oregon is a project of the Oregon Agricultural Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that has delivered educational programs through Oregon Farm Bureau for more than 30 years.
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