Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Walden

Hi Alyssa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My journey to becoming the Deputy State 4-H Leader for Virginia has been a lifelong adventure, deeply rooted in my early experiences with 4-H. It all started in 4th grade when I joined an in-school 4-H club and served as the secretary. That role sparked something in me—a sense of responsibility and belonging. I participated in public speaking, where I gained confidence, and then discovered 4-H camp. That’s when my life truly changed.

Camp became my favorite place in the world. I attended every summer, counting down the days until I could become a counselor-in-training. When I finally earned that role, it was a game-changer. Practicing leadership and helping younger campers grow was such a rewarding experience. Eventually, I became a full-fledged counselor, and those years taught me so much about teamwork, patience, and the importance of being a positive role model.

In high school, I was inducted into the Halifax 4-H Honor Club. That experience took my leadership and citizenship skills to the next level, and I felt a strong pull to give back to the program that had already given me so much. As I prepared to graduate, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work at 4-H camp as a summer staff member. I started by teaching kayaking and later moved on to beginner swimming. Those summers were unforgettable—I discovered my love for teaching, for helping others, and for being part of a team dedicated to making a difference. I also met some of the most incredible people who remain dear to me to this day.

After three years on summer staff, life pulled me in new directions. While attending graduate school at VCU, I couldn’t devote as much time to 4-H, but it never left my heart. I took a detour into retail management, where I honed my skills in leadership and organization. Then, an incredible opportunity came my way: I could return to 4-H professionally as an Extension Agent in Stafford County, Virginia. It felt like coming home.

For ten years, I poured my energy into that role, creating programs, building partnerships, and impacting thousands of children. Every day, I felt inspired to give back to the organization that had shaped me into the person I’d become. After a decade of growth and service, another door opened—the chance to step into the role of Deputy State 4-H Leader for Virginia.

In this position, I’ve been able to combine my passion for 4-H with a wider leadership role, using my management skills to support the program on a larger scale. After 2.5 years in this role, I can honestly say I love it. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work helps shape the next generation of youth, just as 4-H once shaped me.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

My journey has been one of growth, passion, and purpose—but it hasn’t always been a smooth road. There have been challenges along the way, moments that tested my resolve and made me question whether I was on the right path.

There were times when personality conflicts made me wonder if I was truly valued in my role. I’ve faced moments where being a member of the LGBTQ community led others to question whether I was the right person to serve as a leader. Those doubts from others weighed heavily on me, but they also pushed me to prove that authenticity and integrity are essential to leadership.

My own anxiety has also been a hurdle. There were times when self-doubt whispered in my ear, making me feel like I wasn’t capable of doing the job or that I might fail if I tried to push forward. I’ve also made mistakes along the way—moments where I didn’t make the perfect decision or when hindsight revealed a better path I could have taken.

There have been times when I wanted to give up because it felt lonely—when I had to make tough decisions that didn’t win me friends or allies, but I knew were the right choices for the youth, volunteers, or the organization. Those moments were hard, but they taught me resilience and reminded me why I do this work.

Through it all, I’ve held onto the lessons I learned as a young 4-H member: the value of persistence, the importance of service, and the belief that even in the face of challenges, I can make a difference. The road may not have been smooth, but every bump along the way has shaped me into the leader I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

In my role as the Deputy State 4-H Leader for Virginia, I have the privilege of helping shape the future of youth across the Commonwealth. My work focuses on creating and implementing programs that meet the diverse needs of young people, with a strong emphasis on equity, inclusion, and leadership development. One of my most recent projects is the THRIVE Ei curriculum, designed to help lower youth violence by teaching emotional intelligence—a project I’m incredibly proud of.

I think what sets me apart is my personal connection to the program. I’m a 4-H alum, so I’ve lived the transformational impact it can have. That experience fuels my passion for ensuring that every child, no matter their background, has access to the same opportunities that shaped me. My leadership style is also deeply rooted in empathy and a belief in empowering others to succeed.

What I’m most proud of is the ripple effect of the work I do. Whether it’s helping a young person discover their potential, supporting a volunteer in making a difference in their community, or mentoring staff to become strong leaders, I know the impact extends far beyond what I can see. Being part of a program that has helped shape millions of lives while knowing I’ve contributed to its legacy is incredibly rewarding.

What matters most to you?

What matters most to me is that every child has the opportunity to succeed, find a place where they truly belong, and thrive as they grow into their future. I know firsthand how life-changing it can be to have people who believe in you and create opportunities for you to discover your strengths and passions.

This matters to me because so many people gave me those opportunities when I was growing up. Through 4-H, the dance studio I spent countless hours in, and the educators who encouraged me, I found places where I belonged and people who believed in me. Those experiences shaped who I am today, and I want to pay it forward by ensuring that every child has the chance to feel supported, valued, and inspired.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ext.vt.edu/4h-youth.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginia4h/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Virginia4HStateOffice
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-walden/