More than Lunch and a Meeting...

Ms. Jennifer Sirangleo, President and CEO of 4-H, Ms. Noor Alshafie, a current National 4-H Youth Advisory Committee member, and myself had the privilege of giving Mr. Mark Berven, President and COO of Nationwide, a warm welcome and introduction to the National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees.

Before the meeting with Mr. Berven, Ms. Sirangleo, Ms. Alshafie, and I had a chance to grab a bite to eat together and discuss the National 4-H Youth Advisory Committee’s (YAC) current goals, our personal 4-H experiences, current projects we are working on, our personal lives, and the meeting that we were about to attend. It was lovely having the opportunity to sit and get to know these two outstanding women that are impacting so many people’s lives in a positive manner. I was elated that Ms. Sirangelo was willing to take time out of her day to get to know myself and Ms. Alshafie.

Then, before we knew it, it was time to head off to our meeting. We were able to share with Mr. Berven our personal 4-H stories as well as what YAC is doing at the moment. He was so interested to hear from us, being recent alumni, about how 4-H and how it has impacted our lives.

He took a strong interested in one of my current projects that I am working on, The Ohio 4-H LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other identities) Summit. This is the first in the nation for 4-H, and will give LGBTQ+ 4-H youth, 4-H professionals, allies (people who are not LGBTQ+, but support equality), and anyone who seeks to learn more, a chance to make connections, network, and start important discussions in a safe and inclusive environment. He then put me in contact with Mr. Danny Allred, Digital Planning Director and President of the Pride Associate Resource Group at Nationwide. Mr. Allred and I have had several meetings to date. He has offered a multitude of resources for our event, and has opened more doors for us in terms of networking. It is amazing to me how everyone is connected and willing to share what knowledge they have with our youth.

Thank you, Nationwide Insurance!