Barbara Dubravec is the Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator serving Kankakee County.  In this role, Barbara is often the first point of contact for families and volunteers in Kankakee County – coordinating events, overseeing club management, enrollment, programming, and the 4-H summer shows and exhibitions. 

Barbara impacts youth through interdisciplinary approaches to connect young people with new ideas and areas to help them find their spark and thrive as they gain the skills they need to succeed in life.

Barbara has extensive experience in youth development – prior to her role with Extension, she served as the Youth Services Assistant and, later, Library Assistant with the Bradly Public Library.  In addition to her experiences at the library, she served youth in the Chicago Public Schools, and also worked at Kankakee County Museum doing collection management. She has worked with youth for over 10+ years.

Barbara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a minor in Art History from DePaul University. She also holds a National Institute for American History & Democracy (NIAHD) Certificate in Material Culture & Public History from the College of William & Mary, and also worked in Colonial Williamsburg as a historical interpreter teaching history through brickmaking. 

Barbara is a former lifetime 4-H member and current Kankakee County 4-H Alumna.  During her time in 4-H, she had the pleasure of receiving many of the same record-book awards that she now has the opportunity to mentor 4-H members on – including the I Dare You Achievement Award, the 4-H Key Award, and many others.  Outside of her role in Extension, she enjoys reading, hiking, antiquing, music, museums, and generally exploring new places.