THANK YOU, LEAH!

​Leah wrapped up her service year on August 3, 2020. She served the Fairbanks Soil & Water Conservation District as their Project Development Specialist. She assisted in the development of project documents and resources that will help ensure the long term sustainability of the project, while also working with project partners to apply for various federal and non federal grants. With her spare time at the office, she worked with the Interior Alaska Food Network to develop and promote local food initiatives. After spending some time at home with family, Leah will head to Arizona State University​ to start a PhD program in Sustainability with a focus on resource economics.

Leah was an amazing addition to our team at FSWCD and the Fairbanks community.  We chose Leah for this position because of her impressive academic background in economics and community service. She seamlessly became part of FSWCD staff, the Fairbanks community, and the VISTA community.  Her dedication to the indoor community farm project began even before her first day of service and continued to be impressive in the successive months. As part of her service year, she assisted us with gathering the necessary support within the community by connecting with a wide variety of organizations. She was a part of a number of outreach events throughout her year in Fairbanks, helping with our information table at the Chena Hot Springs Energy Fair as well as a local food event at the Tanana Valley State Fair. She presented about her project to the local City Assembly, spoken briefly at the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce weekly meeting, and given information and updates at the city Housing and Homeless Coalition meetings. She assisted with the planning and leadership of our local Interior Alaska Food Network (IAFN), our local food policy group. Every chance she had to represent and share her work she jumped at without question. Her confidence and demeanor was excellent, and her representation of Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District was consistently impressive. She wrote at least two very large grant proposals during her time with FSWCD and her ability to collaborate with a large group of agencies and folks guided the process with ease. Her dedication to ensuring the positive outcome of her projects is evidence of her high standard of professionalism.  We are so happy she chose FSWCD for her VISTA service. We know she will go on to do great things with her career and will miss her smile and laughter terribly."

- Mel Sikes, FSWCD Natural Resource Education Specialist

Leah, thank you for your service to our community. You helped our local program with your input, positivity and dedication. We wish you the absolute best in your future and know you will be successful in anything you do!