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I am the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program manager for southern ÁùºÏ±¦µä. I was born in Las Vegas, ÁùºÏ±¦µä, to Mexican immigrant parents and attended many of the schools Extension serves. I was in 4-H as a kid; we had a leader that came to our house and neighborhood kids gathered weekly to do fun projects.

I attended UNLV for my undergraduate and the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno for my graduate studies, which allowed me to see other parts of our beautiful state of ÁùºÏ±¦µä. I got into positive youth development after studying criminal justice and realizing that I did not want to lock people up, but rather help create an environment where youth thrive and succeed. I’ve worked in youth development most of my career.

In 2019, I was tasked with reaching more underserved audiences with youth programming, as Extension’s 4-H membership was not reflective of the community demographics. Today, with a full team of professionals that more closely reflect the community, the youth we are reaching mirror the community. I credit the diverse background of the 4-H professionals who have been able to connect with program partners, youth and parents to expand 4-H and bring amazing new programs that engage kids with new topics and interests.

Meet the team

, 4-H Community Based Instructor

Working for a youth program as a Mexican-American is profoundly significant for several reasons. First, it provides a role model for young people within the Latino community, demonstrating that success and leadership are attainable and worth pursuing. This representation can inspire and empower youth to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

Additionally, Latino professionals bring unique cultural insights and experiences that can help tailor programs to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Latino youth. By participating in these programs, Latinos can contribute to building a stronger, more supportive community, while also fostering a sense of belonging and identity among young people. This engagement helps bridge gaps and promotes greater equity in educational and developmental opportunities.

, 4-H Program Officer II

I am proudly a first-generation, Guatemalan American educator raised in the East side of Las Vegas. Although there are many students in Clark County with whom I share those identities, I noticed a gap in Latin American cultural education for Latine students. That eventually led to the creation of Extension’s A Road Trip through Latin America Program curriculum.

When teaching the curriculum, I have seen students of all backgrounds share pieces of their culture with their peers. I have also seen the connection that is formed when students see educators who look like them, share the same cultural backgrounds or come from the same neighborhoods make space for them to learn, explore and even celebrate cultural topics.

I wanted to share my knowledge of Guatemalan culture and Latine community with people in the Las Vegas community, and what better way to do that than through education.

, 4-H Afterschool Coordinator

I find great joy in working with youth because I believe in the power of guiding and inspiring the next generation. In my role in 4-H, I have the chance to positively impact the lives of young individuals and empower them to reach their full potential.

Reaching Latino youth is particularly important to me because I can relate to their experiences as a member of the Latino community. As a first-generation college graduate and the child of Mexican immigrants, I understand the unique challenges that young people face, and I am passionate about helping them overcome these obstacles.

I believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

, 4-H Community Based Instructor

When I began studying at UNLV for journalism and media studies, I would have never thought I would pursue teaching in a youth development program. After I graduated in 2022, I knew without a doubt teaching youth is what I wanted to do. Everything I learned about felt pertinent to share with younger generations as they began to grow up in a world full of media and technology.

My role at 4-H has given me so many experiences with youth that remind me of the challenges I went through as a child. It is healing to be able to share this program with youth and help them find their special interests that they would not have otherwise found in other programs.

Not only do I find joy facilitating youth programming, but I have learned many things that have helped me further discover my culture and my identity as a Latin-American woman from my Latinx peers in this space that I just do not believe I would have found anywhere else. It is inspiring to say the least to be able to work with so many amazing, kind and well-accomplished people.

, 4-H STEM Coordinator

Growing up in Las Vegas and being a student within the Clark County School District from kindergarten through senior year, the opportunity to now teach in the same schools and neighborhoods that shaped my own childhood is incredibly fulfilling. In specific, teaching our program A Road Trip through Latin America curriculum has helped me personally foster a greater sense of identity as a first-generation Mexican American by getting to learn about the rich and diverse histories and contributions of Latin American countries to the world.

My favorite part about teaching this curriculum is seeing students’ eyes light up when we mention traditional dishes their parents make at home and giving them space to share their customs and traditions with the rest of the class. I believe that having this knowledge promotes cross-cultural appreciation and empathy, bridging gaps within our multicultural society.

, 4-H Afterschool Coordinator

I am currently serving as the 21st Century After-School coordinator at Valley High School. In this role, I am responsible for putting together a lineup of enrichment classes, physical activities, and academic opportunities for high school students. As a 21st Century Community Learning Center, the program also offers families the chance to connect to campus, community resources and their children through events such as parent nights.

I am originally from Guatemala and feel privileged to work with a population of immigrant and first-generation students. While at a public high school in Las Vegas, I received the services and guidance that helped me prepare for college. I hope to do the same for all my students.

, 4-H Communication Coordinator

As the 4-H communication coordinator, my work focuses on creating and facilitating youth programming in the areas of civic engagement, leadership and the expressive arts.

My background is in environmental health contamination and the associated human health effects, with a specific interest in low-income and Spanish speaking communities. As a Mexican immigrant, I work to highlight areas of need while providing solutions for those who often go overlooked. Over the last few years, I have worked in some of the schools I attended; I have loved going back and being able to engage youth and spark their interest in a new topic.

In this position, I hope to give back by providing learning opportunities for students raised in the heart of the environment that shaped me.

ÁùºÏ±¦µä the author

Nora Luna is University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno Extension’s Manager for southern ÁùºÏ±¦µä. Luna provides leadership for the program in southern ÁùºÏ±¦µä, including development of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), after school and college access programs, to help foster essential skills in students, such as teamwork, leadership and college-readiness skills.

Luna has a long history of serving ÁùºÏ±¦µä communities, both at the University and through various nonprofit organizations.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Las Vegas and a master’s degree in education from the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.