Spotlight on: Brenda Kwang
Extension Agent, County Director
Grand County
Hello! I am Brenda Kwang (Noakes). I was married in 2007 to my
great husband, Andrew, who has become a volunteer leader in shooting sports. I
have been involved in 4-H is some manner for 22 years as I started out as a
Mini-4-H'er (former name for Clover Buds) and have continued to be involved in
the program some way since that time.
I am a Colorado native and my mom
is also an Extension Agent in Fremont County. While a 4-H'er I participated in
shooting sports, market lambs, clothing, cake decorating and various other
projects over the years. An interesting fact that people often don't know about
me is that while in High School I was involved in the JROTC program and
competitively shot on the rifle team. While competing on my high school rifle
team I successfully took the title of state individual champion four years in a
row. Our team was the State team champion those four years as well.
I
continued my passion for the 4-H program throughout college as I attended CSU
and participated with the Collegiate 4-H'ers. I worked in the state 4-H office
as work study and assistant. I also worked in the CSU Extension Administrative
office on campus as a graduate assistant student. During my studies at CSU, I
also completed two internships with Extension in Boulder and El Paso Counties.
In some way or another I have always known I would be involved with 4-H.
For the last five years I have been the only agent and County director
in Grand County, where it allows me to personalize my county 4-H program. I
have been a member of the state 4-H shooting sports team and served for three
years as the overall superintendent for the state competition. I have now taken
on the task of helping out as the air rifle superintendent.
In my local
program we are focusing on the everyday tasks of running a 4-H program but we
try to highlight different areas when we can. We have embraced the SET and STEM
initiatives and have looked for ways to adapt our programs to these areas. One
of the most interesting areas is our CSI crime scene investigation programs
that we offer to schools and day camp programs. The kids love it and we partner
with local law enforcement to bring the program into reality for the
kids.
During the time I have been in Grand County we have grown our 4-H
outreach program extensively. It was almost non-existent and has grown to over
1800 contacts. We provide programs for K-12 school enrichment, afterschool, as
well as School Aged Childcare times. The embryology program, national science
day, hairy heads, Arbor Day and many other programs have helped to expand our
4-H program.
I love being an Extension Agent as I am always learning on
the job. The best part is working with other agents from across the state to
make great programs for our youth.