Erica joined the Center for Land-Based Learning as a Youth Program Coordinator in August, 2023. She oversees the Sacramento Valley FARMS Leadership Program as well as Caring for Our Watersheds. Erica grew up on the central coast in the Santa Maria area, where she was active in 4-H and FFA and developed a passion for learning about the hands that feed us all. In high school as a member of Nipomo FFA, Erica served in numerous leadership roles and on several committees, participated in speaking and career development events and took a multitude of agriculture related courses. Livestock judging in high school opened many doors for Erica. She was on a state champion team that placed second at the National FFA Convention and led her team to the world competition in Edinburgh, Scotland. She went to Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas to compete on a collegiate livestock judging team before transferring to Fresno State, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications with a certificate in Agricultural Leadership. Still devoted to teaching people about their food source, Erica had numerous internships throughout college until she landed at the Fresno County Farm Bureau as their Member Relations Manager for over two years. Life led her to Dixon, where she and her fiance live in an almond orchard with their dog, Ida. Erica is very excited to join CLBL, interact with local partners and students and most importantly continue to learn alongside the youth in both programs about sustainable agriculture and how we can best preserve our watersheds. When she is not working, Erica enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, being outdoors and traveling to new places.