BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.
This month's spotlight follows Emilia Elabed, 4-H youth development educator serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. In this role, Elabed provides leadership to the 4-H program and quality educational experiences to youth.
How long have you worked with Illinois Extension and what do you like most about your job?
"I started with University of Illinois Extension in early 2025, but I have quickly realized how meaningful the work is here. The best part of my job is that I get the opportunity to connect with young people and see them grow in their skills and confidence. Every day brings something different. Whether I am in a classroom, planning a program, or collaborating with community members, I love knowing that the work I do helps open doors for kids and gives them opportunities to new experiences. "
Extension is heavily focused on community impact - Can you tell us about a project you are excited about that you have completed or are currently planning that will help the community?
"One project I am especially excited about is the Reading Buddies program. This program is designed to help youth build confidence in their reading while also learning and practicing new strategies to support their literacy growth. Reading is a foundational skill, yet only 41.2% of students in grades 3–8 are meeting or exceeding the ELA proficiency standard in Illinois. Programs like Reading Buddies provide students with extra support in a fun, engaging way that helps them not only strengthen their reading skills but also gain the confidence they need to be successful in school and beyond. By helping youth become stronger readers, this program supports long-term academic achievement, which in turn strengthens the overall community by preparing the next generation for future success."
What does Extension's Mission and Vision mean to you and how do those ideas connect with your own values or goals in your role?
"Extension’s mission of bringing research-based knowledge to communities and its vision of building stronger, more resilient communities really connect with my own values. I’ve always believed that education should be accessible, practical, and inclusive, and Extension gives me the chance to put that belief into action. In my role, I want to create programs that don’t just teach skills, but also help youth build confidence and see themselves as capable learners and leaders. Community outreach is a big part of that, making sure families and young people, no matter their background, have opportunities to learn, grow, and feel supported. That’s why Extension’s mission means so much to me, it aligns with my passion for using education to strengthen both individuals and the communities they’re a part of."
What is your FAVORITE Extension program or resource and why?
"One of my favorite Extension programs is the Illini Summer Academies. This program gives high school students the opportunity to spend time on a college campus exploring different career pathways, meeting faculty, and experiencing hands-on learning.
What I love most about Illini Academy is that it opens doors for youth who may have never pictured themselves on a college campus before. They get to see what’s possible, ask questions, and build confidence in their future goals. It’s an inspiring program because it not only exposes students to new opportunities, but it also helps them envision themselves as capable of achieving them. For many youth, that experience can be life-changing."
Outside of work, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
"Outside of Extension, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and visiting cultural museums. These hobbies give me the chance to learn from different cultures, connect with people, spark new ideas, and gain fresh perspectives. I’m also passionate about giving back to the communities I am a part of, so I volunteer locally whenever I can. Whether it’s exploring new places, engaging with history and culture, or serving my community, I value opportunities that strengthen connections and help build a sense of belonging."
What does 'Beyond Ready' mean to you?
"To me, “Beyond Ready” means helping youth build the skills and confidence they need not just for the next step in life, but for whatever opportunities or challenges come their way. It’s about making sure they can think critically, adapt, and lead in their own way. In my work, I see “Beyond Ready” as giving young people a space to try new things, learn from mistakes, and discover their strengths. It’s more than being prepared. It’s about being empowered to take on the future with resilience and a sense of purpose."
Writer: Anthony Warmack, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Source: Emilia Elabed, 4-H Youth Development Educator
Image Caption: "Emilia Elabed (right) helps pass out pizza at the Grundy County 4-H Fair. Photo Credit: Kayla Dunlavey Photography
Media Access: For press inquiries, contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu, 217-244-5813. Want to keep in touch with news from Illinois Extension? Sign up for press updates.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.