Longtime youth development specialist to lead Illinois 4-H Program

Lisa Bouillion Diaz has been selected to lead University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development programs in Illinois. George Czapar, U of I associate dean and Extension director, recently announced that the longtime Extension youth development specialist will serve as the new assistant dean for Extension youth development.

"Dr. Diaz has a record of leadership within 4-H," said Czapar. "She is known throughout the country for her commitment to reaching new audiences and expanding STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming in 4-H."

Diaz is a familiar face to the Illinois 4-H family. In her role as 4-H Extension specialist, she created new STEM programs for youth including a statewide robotics program which has become the fastest growing project area for Illinois 4-H youth. Today, more than 60,000 STEM-related projects are taken by 4-H participants.

In addition, Diaz provided leadership for an initiative to bring 4-H opportunities to youth in the urban centers of Illinois. Her work in developing programs such as "4-H Teen Teachers" has been nationally recognized. Her research seeks to better understand elements of mutually beneficial school-community partnerships in which young people are seen as a valuable resource and active partners with adults.

Diaz is trained as a learning scientist and received her doctoral degree from Northwestern University. She has over 23 years of experience promoting spaces for youth development that connect both classroom and out-of-school time. She has been involved in K-12 school reform and community change projects in three states (Minnesota, Illinois and Pennsylvania), collaborating with urban, rural and tribal communities. She is a graduate of the North Central Extension Leadership Development program.

"It is a great privilege to be selected for this new position," Diaz said. "Illinois 4-H has a proud tradition and is recognized nationally as a leader in youth development.

"I look forward to working with our 4-H families, staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to bring these opportunities to all the youth of Illinois," Diaz said.

"4-H is one of our largest programs within University of Illinois Extension" said Czapar. "And with about one in every 12 youth statewide touched by 4-H each year, it's vital to the state of Illinois as well.

"I look forward to working with Dr. Diaz to expand 4-H opportunities to youth in every part of Illinois," Czapar said.

To learn more about 4-H in the community, contact Sabrina Huley, 4-H Coordinator, at huley@illinois.edu or Cindy Sarkady, 4-H Youth Development Educator Lake/McHenry County, at csarkady@illinois.edu or (847) 223-8627.