Maricopa County Cooperative Extension

Last week, 55 Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension scientists came together for an in-service event focused on career success — both their own and in support of one another. 🔭🥼🔬

What stood out most was not only the depth of expertise across University of Arizona Extension, but the genuine collegiality in the room. Attendees shared successful approaches, practical tools, and helpful resources that strengthened trust, encouraged shared responsibility, and supported more positive working relationships across the system. 🤝

Extension is a force for good — and we love to see it. 🙌

Maricopa County Cooperative Extension is proud to celebrate Vanessa Para, Program Coordinator, Administrator, as the 2026 MCCE Outstanding Employee of the Year!!! 🏆💐🥰

Vanessa is one of those people you can count on every time. She is dependable, quick, thoughtful, and always willing to get the work done without making a fuss. She steps in, figures it out, follows through, and does it all with the kind of steady presence that lets us all breathe easy.

Everyone loves Vanessa because she shows up with care, consistency, and a team-first spirit. Her work matters, and so does the way she makes people feel while doing it. She deserves ALL the flowers! 💐💐💐💐

Employee appreciation is more than an award. It is a chance to pause, celebrate the people who keep everything moving, have fun together, and remember how important connection is in the work we do.

Congratulations, Vanessa and thanks to the entire MCCE team for all your hard work in the community. ❤️💙

Here’s what’s going on in May at the University of Arizona's Roosevelt Early Childhood Family Resource Center ♥️