From every corner of our beautiful Commonwealth, all over Kentucky and across the world to Kenya - VALOR has certainly taken me places! Our most recent seminar allowed me to see my own back yard through the eyes of visitors. This seminar was a reminder that we shouldn't take our own little pieces of Virginia… Continue reading There’s no place like home
It felt like a lifetime since I had seen my fellow classmates since the last VALOR tour in Virginia, wayyy back in November of 2023. I was extremely excited to catch up with our tight-knit group and hear all about their travels across the world to Kenya and back. It was bittersweet not to join… Continue reading Welcome Home!
The Shenandoah Valley is one of Virginia’s top agricultural areas in Virginia. According to the 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census, Rockingham, Augusta, Page and Shenandoah counties rank 1, 2, 4 and 5 respectively as the largest agriculture localities in Virginia. The report further indicates that Rockingham County is the state’s powerhouse for agribusiness, impacting… Continue reading There Is Something for Everyone
Although I am not from Virginia, it’s always incredible to me when I can find a sense of home during our travels with VALOR. Our most recent seminar brought the class to the Shenandoah Valley, which actually reminds me A LOT of where I grew up in Central California. The Shenandoah Valley in VA and… Continue reading Adapting and Innovating in The Valley
How do I even begin writing about this experience? At this point, we all know blogging is pretty low on my list of things I enjoy doing (actually writing in general is) ...but that's beside the point. I've had many people ask how my trip was.... likely expecting to hear exciting stories about animals, agriculture,… Continue reading Kenya – Imagine Being in Their Shoes(?)
As our international experience unfolded, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a trip to Kenya. Many of the images I’ve seen of Africa depict the continent as a desolate desert. I was pleasantly surprised as we arrived in Kenya, located near the Equator, and found the climate is perfect for a wide variety of… Continue reading Conservation and Sustainability Working to Preserve Kenya
It’s hard to believe that VALOR’s international seminar to Kenya has come and gone. I remember switching gears mentally the day after Christmas preparing myself for what I thought would be a life changing experience. Now I’m in my third week of being back home, back to work and settling back into my routine. However,… Continue reading Reflecting on my time in Kenya
Jambo jambo! I find myself using this joyful greeting to friends and colleagues even though we have been back in the U.S. for a few weeks after our whirlwind adventure in Kenya. To say that I was deeply touched and changed by my time in East Africa would be an understatement. I have always believed… Continue reading Asante sana, Kenya!
I don't think I can believe it myself yet, but traveling across Kenya for 13 days was certainly an eye opening experience. From a 48,000 acre cattle ranch to a 5 acre farm focused on educating others on the importance of sustainable farming practices, we saw many different aspects of Kenyan agriculture. One of many… Continue reading Kenya believe I spent two weeks in Africa!?
Southern Virginia, once rich with textile mills and tobacco fields, is finding new ways to create economic opportunity for its citizens. During this seminar, our visits were diverse. From the cutting-edge technology of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to a successful first-generation farmer to a small family farm working to feed its growing community… Continue reading Cultivating Opportunity
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