The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is Oregon's principal source of knowledge relating to agricultural and food systems, and a major source of knowledge regarding environmental quality, natural resources, life sciences, and rural economies and communities worldwide. The College provides undergraduate and graduate education leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and extended education programs throughout Oregon and beyond. Its research programs create knowledge to solve problems and to build a knowledge base for the future. It is a source of information and expertise in integrating and applying knowledge with benefits that are felt in domestic and international settings.
Embracing Culture and Global Agricultural Leadership Initiatives
For MANRRS Region VI Undergraduate Student Vice President, Victoria Flores Parra, a senior-standing student in Animal Sciences major, this has been a busy term. She attended the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) “Building the Next Generation of Leaders in Agriculture” hosted by the North American Agriculture Advisory Network (NAAAN), Oct. 17-19 in Denver, CO. As a study abroad participant in two CAS Faculty-Led programs, Victoria was able to share her experiences from Mexico and New Zealand. Also attending, GFRAS, Dave Stone, CAS Associate Dean for International Programs, had to say about Victoria, “Such a stellar person.”
She then was selected by National SACNAS as C.O.L.O.R. scholar and attended the National Diversity in STEM Conference in Portland, OR, Oct. 25-28, 2023. With little respite between, she heads off this week to MANRRS Region VI Cluster Workshop in Las Vegas, NV, Nov. 10-12, with 16 OSU students. As a National MANRRS Officer, Victoria will be organizing contests, serving as emcee, and assisting with overall workshop organizing.
“Victoria is an outstanding leader, mentor and role model for both MANRRS and SACNAS Chapter members. She leads with professionalism, and organization. She continually strives to provide culturally-responsive representation in our region and nationally.” Clarisa Caballero-Ignacio, OSU MANRRS and SACNAS Chapter Advisor, CAS Coordinator of Student Outreach and Retention.
Two OSU Chapter students: Jimena Caballero Ignacio, SACNAS Chapter President, and Victoria Flores Parra, received Chapter Officer Leadership October Retreat (C.O.L.O.R.) scholarships and attended a full day of leadership building with other scholars from across the country at the NDiSTEM, the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the U.S. Over the course of the conference, college-level through professional attendees become immersed in cutting-edge STEM research, professional development sessions, motivational keynote speakers, and the Graduate School & Career Expo Hall, as well as multicultural celebrations in a broadly inclusive space that encourages and empowers participants to bring their whole selves to STEM.
