Vitae (CV) | Latino Community | Washington State University

JOSE L. GARCIA-PABON

Community Sustainable Development Specialist

Contact Information

600 128th Ave. SE
Everett, WA 98208

Office (425) 357-6008
Fax (425) 338-3994
E-mail: Garciajl@wsu.edu

Education

2001    University of Minnesota, Ph.D., Department of Work, Community, and Family Education. Emphasis in Extension and Community Education
1994    University of Florida, M.Sc., Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. Emphasis in Farming Systems Research and Extension
1983    University of Kassel, Germany. Agronomy, Department of International Agriculture

Core Skills

Trained and experienced in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating community and economic development outreach programs
Expertise in community development and leadership
Effective in building partnerships, coalitions, and synergies with internal and external units including centers, organizations, agencies, governments, private entities and others
Capable and experienced in leading and directing teams, projects and organizations
Proficient in working in multidisciplinary and multiethnic teams
Strong and focused team player
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
Trained in qualitative and participatory research
Fluent in spoken and written Spanish (native speaker), English and German

Key Professional Experience

July 2009 – to date: Latino Community Studies and Outreach Specialist. Washington State University Extension (WSUE). Continued the outreach and research program started in the previous position. Developed a new training institute for the University community (students, faculty, extension educators, and staff) on cultural competency reaching out and researching Latinos and other minorities. Member of the diversity training team of WSU Extension. Co-proposed and implemented a “Rural/socially disadvantaged microenterprise program” in rural Washington in collaboration with the “Horizons” Program to reduce poverty. Lead the formation of a new project “Assistance to the financial health of Latino businesses” providing targeted technical assistance to Latino business owners and the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Co-conducted a research project on the Latino health paradox in Pasco, WA for a grant proposal for the National Institute of Health.

July 2007 – June 2009: Assistant Professor and Latino Community Development Specialist. Department of Community and Rural Sociology, Washington State University (WSU). Developed an outreach and research program with/for Latinos to improve their wellbeing in Washington. Particular areas of focus included leadership and civic engagement, strategies to increase Latino participation in outreach programs and research projects, and Latinos in the food and agricultural system. Co-conducted a needs and evaluation project with small Latino and Hmong farmers in Washington. Developed and conducted trainings for service providers, educators, and local leaders to effectively serve and interact with minorities. Implemented workshops, presentations, and guest lectures to increase awareness about the contributions and challenges of Latinos and other minorities in Washington. Established a Latino Hispanic Action Team, an Outreach Services committee, a listserv, a blog, and other initiatives to increase services and research on people of color. Developed publications and information materials for policy makers, leaders and the public on Latinos. Established lasting partnerships with local, state, and multistate entities to reach out and work with the Latino community.

November 2001 – July 2007: Extension Assistant Professor and Coordinator, Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Program, Department of Rural Sociology, University of Missouri (MU). For the first time at the University of Missouri, developed and delivered programs to educate and assist Latino and Hmong farmers in the state. Established partnerships with immigrant farming organizations and federal agencies to develop and implement training and information opportunities for immigrant farmers. Co-developed and taught an undergraduate course on sustainable agriculture with emphasis in the social aspect of sustainable agriculture. Provided assistance and supervision to students interested/involved in sustainable agriculture, minority farmers, and rural issues. Developed Extension and other publications on sustainable agriculture and Latinos in agriculture. Established and coordinated a stakeholder board and a program coordination committee.

October 2002 – July 2007: Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator for Missouri, USDA, North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Program (in conjunction with the above position). Created awareness and understanding among state sustainable agriculture coordinators, regional staff and NCR-SARE Administrative Council members on Latinos in the food and agricultural system. Helped NCR-SARE identify issues impacting minorities in agriculture (farmers and workers) and developed culturally appropriate sustainable agriculture information. Became the regional resource person for Extension educators on Latino/Hispanic producers in 12 states in the North Central Region.

November 2000 – August 2001: Minnesota Multicultural Youth Corps coordinator, Center for 4-H Youth Development, University of Minnesota Extension Service. Planned, implemented, and evaluated a one-year program for high school youth of various cultural and language backgrounds on diversity and leadership. Created and carried out recruitment strategies, developed a curriculum for the program, established and maintained an advisory board, planned and implemented retreats and monthly sessions on diversity and leadership, debriefed and evaluated sessions and activities with the youth, and established and maintained collaborative links with supporting NGOs and individuals.

September 1998 – August 2000: University of Minnesota Migrant Project (U-MP) Coordinator, Office of the Associate Vice-president for Multicultural and Academic Affairs, University of Minnesota. Promoted, recruited, organized, and coordinated a university course and a summer internship on Latino migrant farmworkers; conducted seminars, prepared, and supervised students. Established and maintained collaborative relationships with communities of migrant farmworkers, NGOs, grass roots organizations, and state and federal agencies. Linked university resources and communities, and conducted participatory action research with Latino workers. Member of the Minnesota Migrant Consortium, a group of migrant farmworker serving agencies and organizations.

1997 – 1998: National Coordinator of the Project “Promoting Economic Rural Development”, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Bolivian Ministry of Rural Development, La Paz, Bolivia. Managed and lead a 2 million-dollar international project. Facilitated and established dialogue and consensus among social, economic, private and public stakeholders in rural and community development; and initiated and consolidated the project. Lead teams; planned project concepts, goals, strategies and evaluation procedures; organized and conducted workshops and meetings on economic rural development practices and policies at national, regional, and local level. Established and maintained links with national, regional and local level officials, supported local governments and rural entities to access resources, and promoted the project.

1995 – 1997: International Consultant on Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation of rural development, agricultural, natural resources management, social, and gender projects Bolivia and Perú. German Agency for Cooperation (GTZ), Conservation International, Washington D.C., Catholic Relief Services, World Food Program, and national NGOs. Conducted needs assessments using PRA, FSRE, and RRA methodologies, ex-ante and ex-post evaluations, base line studies, and project planning using the logic model and other planning tools. Evaluated multi million dollars projects in agriculture, the environment, and economic development. Formulated and proposed sustainable, economic and natural resource management plans. Completed reports used for funding negotiations with international agencies.

1994 – 1995: Operations and Administration Manager, CISMEX, a timber and lumber export company, La Paz, Bolivia. Monitored, tracked, and supported timber activities; supervised personnel, managed human resources and funds, established and maintained working relationships with national suppliers and international customers, and acted as general manager as needed.

1989 – 1992: Director of the agricultural development project “Horticulture in Luribay Valley”, Bolivia; project funded by the German organizations Bread for the World and Services in Overseas, and the Catholic Charities of Bolivia. Planned, implemented, and monitored sustainable agricultural extension programs for small farmers, formulated project goals and strategies, carried out educational and extension events with and for small farmers and community members, supported participatory small irrigation projects with communities, established inter-institutional collaborations and communications with NGOs and international rural development projects.

1984 – 1988: Teacher, academic advisor and project manager Agricultural Vocational and Technical School Calasanz-MILT, Leon, Nicaragua; project funded by the German organization “EIRENE, Services for Peace”. Taught courses in soils, irrigation, and farm management, and conducted practical field training with senior students. Developed school programs and curricula in line with local and national needs, advised and supervised students, linked the school with international solidarity groups, assisted the principal on academic and administrative aspects, supported students’ organizations, and managed funds.

Publications

Garcia, J.L. (2010). Farm risks among Latino farmers in Missouri: An approximation. Culture and Agriculture Journal.

Garcia, J.L. (2009). Why don’t they come?” Training Needs and Approaches to Working with Latinos. Journal of Extension (JOE). Submitted

Garcia, J.L., Lucht, J. (2009). Latino Farmers in Missouri: Risks, Services and Implications for Extension. Journal of Extension (JOE).

Garcia, J.L., Menanteau, D. (2001). Ethnic Issues in the Delivery of Social Services: Characteristics and Perceptions of Hispanic Agencies. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work.

Garcia, J. L., Valderrama, F., Thevoz, L., Garcia, A., Zelada, E., Zubieta-Herrera, J. (1998). Municipio Productivo: Promoción Económica Rural, (Productive Municipality: Rural Economic Promotion). La Paz, Bolivia: Swiss Agency for Cooperation and Bolivian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development.

Garcia, J.L., Thevoz, L. (1998). La Promocion Económica en los Municipios Rurales (The Economic Promotion in Rural Municipalities). Pro-Campo: Journal for Rural Development, No. 81, La Paz, Bolivia: CID.

Garcia, J.L. (Dec. 1994). Gender Issues in Agriculture in Luribay Valley, Bolivia. Resources in Education. Columbus: The Ohio State University.

Garcia, J.L. (1983). An Ecclesiastic Program for Development, Education, and Action (in German). In Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Religion and Development, Contributions to the Discussion on Reciprocal Effects and Perspectives, p. 157-165. Bonn, Germany: Liberal Publishers.

Other Writings

Garcia, J.L., Martz, F. (2006). Sustainable Agriculture: Theory and Practice. Undegraduate course developed for the Sustainable Agriculture Degree Program of the University of Missouri.

Garcia, J.L., Englund, L. (2000). Participatory Approaches to Community Development. Graduate course developed for the Department of Work, Community and Family Education, University of Minnesota.

Garcia, J.L. (1988). Course text: Introduction to Economics and Administration of Agricultural Enterprises (in Spanish), Agricultural Institute “Calasanz”, León, Nicaragua.

Grants and Gifts Received

2010 Gift from the “Colegato” Foundation. Latinos in agriculture project ($15,000)

2009 Latino/Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program. $85,000 (Co-PI). Small Business Development Center.

2008 Engines of the New Farm Economy: Assessing and Enhancing the Benefits of Farmers Markets for Small and Mid-Sized Farms and Communities. $500,000 (Co-PI). USDA National Research Institute.

2008 Latino and Hmong Farmers Impact Evaluation and Needs Assessment. $23,000 (PI) non-competitive. WSU Small Farms Program.

2006 Inclusion Leads to Success: Assisting Minority Farmers and Ranchers to use Federal Agricultural Services in Missouri and Beyond. $215,000 (Co-PI). USDA Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.

2005 – 2006 Professional Development Program Plan of Work for Missouri. $300,000 (Co-PI). USDA North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

2005 Cultural Competency Working with Latinos in Agriculture. $75,000 (Co-PI). USDA North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

2005 A Business Plan Guide for Latino and other Minority Farmers. $40,000 (PI). USDA North Central Risk Management Education Center.

2004 Empowering Latino Producers Through Risk Management Education and Networking. $40,000 (PI). USDA North Central Risk Management Education Center.

2004 A Training Program on Human Risk Management for Producers Employing Latino Agricultural Workers. $40,000 (PI). USDA North Central Region Risk Management Education Center.

2004 Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Spanish Language Materials to Educators, Media and Latino Farmers. $6,000 (PI). USDA Sustainable Agriculture Network.

Development and Implementation of Institutes and Training

2010 “But They Don’t Come” Strategies to increase Latino participation in outreach programs. Two in-depth institutes in Everett, Washington

2009 “But They Don’t Come” How to increase Latino participation in outreach programs. Four in-depth institutes in Lynwood, and Mount Vernon, Washington.

2008 “But They Don’t Come”, Strategies to Increase Latino Participation in Outreach Programs. Two workshops in Moses Lake and Othello, Washington

2006 Fundamentals of Sustainable Agriculture for Extension Educators. Columbia, Missouri

2006 Introduction to Grant Writing in Sustainable Agriculture. Three workshops in Missouri

2005/06 Cultural Competence Working with Rural Latinos. Six workshops and three institutes. Missouri, Illinois and Michigan

Presentations at Professional Meetings

2010 Cross cultural communication with Latino students and their parents. GearUP conference, Vancouver, Washington

2009 “Why Don’t They Come”, Strategies to Work with and Research Latinos. Rural Sociological Society 72nd Annual Meeting, Madison, Wisconsin, August

2009 “Why Don’t They Come”, Training Needs and Opportunities for Professionals Working with the Latino Community Poster presentation, Memphis, Tennessee, July

2009 “But They Don’t Come”, Training Needs and Opportunities for extension Professionals in Working with Latino Audiences. 5^th Annual Tri-State Diversity Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio, February

2007 Cultural Competency Working with Rural Latinos (2nd presenter). Cambio de Colores Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, April

2007 Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in English and Spanish. Migrant and Rural Farmworker Organizations. San Antonio, Texas, March

2006 Reaching Diverse Audiences with Sustainable Agriculture (2nd presenter James Hill). Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education National conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August

2006 Latinos in Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges for Success in Missouri (2nd presenter Jill Lucht). Rural Sociological Society national meeting. Louisville, Kentucky, August

2005 Latino Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture. National Small Farm Conference, Greensboro, North Carolina, October

2005 Our Food Providers of “Hoy y Mañana”: The Latino Agricultural Community in Missouri. Cambio de Colores: Latinos in the Midwest Conference, Columbia, Missouri, May.

2005 Risk Management Education for Latino Farmers. Risk Management Education national meeting. Kansas City, April

2004 Latino Farmers: Characteristics and Risk Management Education Programs. Risk Management Education National Meeting. Kerney, Nebraska, March

Awards and Scholarships

Tri-City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Award for services as a member of the board of directors (2008 and 2009).
Member of the Minnesota Campus Compact Multicultural Education and Social Change Initiative, a group of twenty selected individuals in an initiative to encourage reflection and coordinated action toward multiculturalism and social change (2000).
Fulbright Scholarship for Master’s studies at the University of Florida, U.S.A. (1992-1994).
Scholarship from the German Government for International Agricultural Engineering studies at the University of Kassel, Germany (1978-1983).
Scholarship from the German Foundation for Development for an Agroecology course in “El Zamorano”, Honduras (1990).
Teacher of the year award at the Calasanz-MILT agricultural school in León, Nicaragua (1988)
Scholarship from the Carl Duisberg Society for a course on Systematic Decision-Making in Villa de Leyva, Colombia (1986).
Scholarship from the German Ministry of Cooperation for a course on Agricultural Extension and Administration in Witzenhausen, Germany (1983).

Professional Organizations

Rural Sociological Society
Community Development Society
Agriculture and Human Values Society
Gamma Sigma Delta Honors Society in Agriculture

Service and Community Involvement

2009 Evaluation team member for the Washington State University 4-H Program

2007-present Member of the Board of Directors of the “Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce”

2007-present Coordinator of the “Outreach Services Coordinating Council” of Washington State University

2008-present Member of the “Diversity Plan Committee” of Washington State University Tri-Cities

2008 Search Committee member of the “WSU-Extension development Director” position

2003-2004 Planning committee member for the 2003, and 2004 “Cambio De Colores (Change of Colors)” Conferences, a Midwest conference on Latinos organized by the Cambio Center of the University of Missouri on Latinos

2003-2007 Steering Committee member of the National Immigrant