Posted on August 22, 2022 at 12:16 PM by Cade Cameron
Poweshiek County 4-H Extension and Outreach are very proud to nominate Brenda Allen for the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Brenda has exemplified outstanding service and leadership in 4-H honors Poweshiek County 4-H, the state of Iowa, and National 4-H. Her 4-H involvement has been part of her whole life as it started with her attending 4-H events with her mother, the 4-H county agent, and father, a 4-H photography leader. Brenda was a member of the Jackson Busy Bees 4-H Club and has continued in 4-H with numerous leadership positions within 4-H and ISU Extension and Outreach.
Judith Levings, PH.D., retired, Iowa 4-H assistant director, shared that “One of Brenda’s first responsibilities, when she was hired by Iowa 4-H program, was to provide guidance to an elite group of 40 Iowa 4-H teenagers (Iowa 4-H Council) in their role to lead and implement the Iowa 4-H Conference (a conference that yearly attracts 800 -1000 teens from across the state). Brenda did a spectacular job at this – she had a knack that all of us (her colleagues) desired for working with adolescents, so much that Brenda became widely viewed as the go-to “teen expert” with staff and faulty.”
Chuck Morris, retired, Iowa Director of 4-H Youth Development, shared, “Brenda was an excellent adviser to the State 4-H Council members as well as being an excellent role model for them which created many lasting friendships. Additional words that Chuck shared about Brenda were that she is an intelligent, dedicated Extension professional.
Kelli Tallman, ISU Extension and Outreach, Program Development and Evaluation Director, shared, “Brenda intentionally implements and supports positive youth development principles and practices such as being a caring adult to help foster youths’ sense of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. She values young people as tomorrow’s leaders and today’s leaders with their own unique interests, abilities, and strengths. I am grateful to call Brenda a positive youth development advocate, professional, and friend!”
Nancy Franz, PhD, Professor Emeritus, ISU School of Education, “In Brenda’s time with 4-H as a member and IFYE exchange member, 4-H Camp staff, and 4-H staff state specialist, she deeply served others through youth development, volunteer development, leadership development, professional development, and group facilitation. She continues the work today for all of Iowa’s Extension staff and faculty as the Manager of Professional Development. She is one of the best developmental and service leaders I’ve had the pleasure to work with and know.”
Marcia Tarvin, Kathy Gorsuch, and Gina Urfer, Jackson Busy Bees 4-H Club Leaders, stated, “Brenda was such a bright shining star when she became a member of the club and was an outstanding record keeper. We knew that she would go far in her life’s career.
