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 features Olivia Koerner, office support specialist serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. In this role, Koerner works directly with the public and communities Extension serves, creating impact and supporting the Unit’s talented team of educators and staff.
How long have you worked with Illinois Extension and what do you like most about your job?
"I will have been working with Illinois Extension for 4 years as of July 5th this year. I think what I like most about working here is the people I work with. Each staff member and volunteer that I have worked with brings such unique talents and personalities. I really enjoy getting to know them and watching them make us who we are. "
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?
"I have the unique position of being involved in almost every project from the background, but my favorite one is Embryology. Although my role is small in this program, I enjoy talking to the farmers who donate eggs, and chick drop-off day is the BEST. How many places do you know where the office is full of boxes of chicks one or two days a year?
Other projects that have made a big impact that I have been involved in include the Food Advocacy grants, 4-H fairs, and I even had a hand in the eSports tournaments. "
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?
"I can easily get behind “lifelong learning, lifelong impact.” Is there a better way to state that we learn as we grow? Extension’s ability to meet people where they are and aide them in their growth really drives this concept home. The way we reach out to and educate our communities is non-judgmental, so they can confidently make their own decisions while knowing we are there to support them. And the sustainability and environmental aspect really tugs at the heartstrings of this 90’s kid who was obsessed with nature shows."
What is your favorite Extension program or resource and why?
"Honestly, my favorite resource is our vast seed collection. We have been donating seeds to various libraries in our communities for use in community seed libraries. It’s been a lot of fun seeing the variety and knowing what they will be used for."
Outside of work, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
"Outside of work, 90% of my time is spent in raising and enjoying my daughter. A lot of that time is spent reading, playing with dolls, baking, or playing outside. She wants to open her own bakery someday so I’m doing my best to support her dreams even if she decides something else in the future.
Being a Koerner, I am also involved in Koerner Aviation and EAA Chapter 990 which is based out of Kankakee County. Our goal is to continue a love of aviation for future generations. I also help with our float in the Kankakee Christmas Parade and decorating our tree at the Gallery of Trees at the Kankakee Museum.
Speaking of the museum, I am also very involved with the Kankakee Historical Society as an auxiliary board member, and we are working on opening up a tea room in the French Heritage Museum this Spring. You’ll be able to find me there on the occasional Saturday serving.
Other than raising my daughter and the various community involvements, I enjoy reading, various fiber arts, painting, gardening, and being on the water whenever I can. "
EDITOR: Anthony Warmack, communications and marketing coordinator, Illinois Extension.
SOURCE: Olivia Koerner, Office Support Specialist, Illinois Extension.
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.