Retired 4-H Youth Development Outreach Specialist
Kay grew up on a farm in Sauk County influenced by her father, a hard-working son of Norwegian immigrants, who fostered a great love and interest in education and all cultures. Spending her formative years in the nurturing environments of a one-room school and a local 4-H club, with their amazing role models, helped Kay formulate her lifelong passions for learning and helping others
In 1993, Kay joined the Wisconsin State 4-H Staff as an International Programs Assistant and retired in 2016 as Distinguished Outreach Specialist. In that role, she coordinated Wisconsin youth participation in state, national, and international programs. She says nothing could have prepared her for those roles, except for traits of being inquisitive, open minded, and committed. Every day provided an interesting learning opportunity, even after 24 years! Kay loved observing the positive program results and exchanging ideas with youth, volunteers, and county, state, national, and international colleagues.
National borders did not limit Kay’s efforts, as she coordinated annual Wisconsin 4-H International Exchanges and facilitated national trainings for colleagues in the field. She strengthened host family screening and trainings while collaborating with States 4-H International Programs, the WI IFYE Association, and colleagues to improve support, preparation, and reflection for participants.
Commitment to 4-H and to UW Extension continues in retirement as she contributes to the UW Extension Sauk County Master Gardener Program and 4-H International Programs. In 2019, Kay was honored to co-lead the national 4-H youth delegation to Finland.
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