MORRIS, 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 Nicole Alvarado, office support assistant serving Grundy County. In this role, Alvarado provides support to volunteers, clients, and staff from the Illinois family of programs.
How long have you worked with Illinois Extension and what do you like most about your job?
"I have been with Illinois Extension since September of 2024. One of the most meaningful parts of my job is seeing the excitement and confidence on the kids’ faces as they share their projects and accomplishments and having the opportunity to encourage them and celebrate their successes alongside them. I am proud to be part of a program that promotes positive youth development, leadership, and essential life skills."
Extension is heavily focused on community impact - Can you tell us about a project you are excited about that you have helped support?
"One project I am especially excited to help support is the upcoming 4-H fair. Being part of the preparation process and helping behind the scenes to keep everything organized allows the event to run smoothly for youth, families, and volunteers. I enjoy knowing that my support helps create a positive experience where youth can proudly showcase their hard work, build confidence, and feel celebrated by the community. The fair truly highlights the impact of Extension, and I am excited to contribute to an event that brings our community together and recognizes the achievements of our 4-H members."
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?
"The University of Illinois Extension vision and mission reflect what matters most to me in my role as office support staff. I value being part of a team that supports lifelong learning, community connections, and positive change. Through my daily work, I help create an organized, welcoming environment that allows programs to reach families and youth, which aligns with my goal of supporting others and contributing to the success of our community."
What is your FAVORITE Extension program or resource and why?
"My favorite Extension program so far has been the Mad Scientist Series. I loved how the program introduced students to horticulture while getting them genuinely excited about science through hands-on, engaging activities. It also served an important role in helping students who are not typically reflected in STEM-related careers see themselves as capable of pursuing futures in STEM fields.
Some of my favorite lessons were Observations and Edible Soil, where students compared their observations with partners and learned about the layers of the Earth by creating edible soil cups, and Ecosystems in a Jar, which explored aquatic food chains, fishing stock rates, and how fish biologists manage largemouth bass populations. Students also learned how a bass’s eye works and how water clarity affects bass behavior.
The activities looked like so much fun that I wanted to jump in and participate alongside the kids. It was incredibly rewarding to watch students learn in an environment where curiosity, discovery, and joy were at the center of the experience."
Outside of work, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
"Outside of work, I enjoy being actively involved in my church, which strengthens my faith and my connection to the community. My relationship with Jesus is at the center of my life, guiding how I live and bringing joy, purpose, and peace to each day. I also cherish spending meaningful time with my two daughters and my amazing husband—we love visiting and exploring new parks and museums, as well as attending community events like farmers' markets, creating lasting memories."
EDITOR: Anthony Warmack, communications and marketing coordinator, Illinois Extension.
SOURCE: Nicole Alvarado, office support assistant, Illinois Extension.
IMAGE CAPTION: "Nicole Alvarado (center) poses for a picture at the 2025 Extension Annual Conference"
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.