Welcome to the IEAFCS website and blog! As current president, I am committed to strengthening our organization and providing the opportunity for all members to grow in their profession in order to improve the quality of life for Illinois individuals, families, and communities. We have exciting professional development opportunities coming your way! First, please join us for the two-day Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) conference held at the Macon County Extension office in Decatur on March 13 and 14. We'll begin the conference with our association meeting and spend the rest of the two days learning and networking. Second, we have an exciting opportunity to fine-tune our media skills with a presentation on Media Matters, followed by our association meeting and an educational tour of Riggs Brewery. This will take place on May 9, beginning the day at the Champaign County Extension office.
What a great start to the New Year for IEAFCS members! Congratulations to Karla Belzer and Susan Glassman. Karla won a $350 scholarship to attend the JCEP Leadership conference held in Orlando, Florida this February. In addition, Susan won a $300 scholarship to attend the 2018 Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference held in Arlington, Virginia this coming April. Also, good work and good luck to all members who turned in award applications to the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) awards committee. We're proud of the work that has been done and the impact that has been made by IEAFCS members. We're looking forward to gathering together with all of our state affiliate members in San Antonio, Texas at the NEAFCS conference this fall.
I can honestly say that being an IEAFCS member and board member is such an awarding experience. This association has helped me become a better educator and a better leader. It's pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and experience something new. I hope that you get the same experience. Feel free to contact me about membership, and come and join an award-winning association!
Jenna Smith, MPH, RD
2018-2019 IEAFCS President
Phone: (309) 633-8306
Email: jesmith6@illinois.edu