Planning the 2025 Back to the Basics Annual Educator Training Conference was a true team effort for NC EFNEP. Led by Training Leader Megan Berthiaume, the team coordinated every detail with support from Stephanie McDonald Murray, a Regional Nutrition Extension Associate, and Grenita (Renee) Jordan, the University Program Associate responsible for logistics. Despite a tight budget, Renee ensured every element was perfect, making the event both meaningful and successful.

The conference theme, "Back to the Basics," was designed to help educators revisit federal policies, state guidelines, and core EFNEP procedures. Focusing on these fundamentals aimed to boost recruitment strategies, enhance lesson delivery, and support the accurate writing of success stories.

Fed Planchón, Technology and Participant Outreach Extension Assistant, stressed the critical role of success stories in communicating EFNEP’s mission. He highlighted how powerful these stories are in demonstrating program value and offering real examples of behavior change that numbers alone cannot capture.

The Regional Nutrition Extension Associates, Lauren Morris, Jackie Sugg, Paula Norris, Emily Pendergrass, and Carla Dockery, played an essential role in shaping the content, developing sessions that emphasized effective program delivery and hands-on use of teaching kits. Their input made sure the training was practical and directly applicable to educators across the state.

Data accuracy was a key focus. EFNEP Data Analyst Tony Benavente led an engaging pre-conference session on proper collection of 24-hour food recalls. With help from data team members Jamie McCullers and Karla Gutierrez, alongside Megan, they made sure the session was interactive by incorporating hands-on activities that sharpened educators' facilitation skills.

Throughout the planning process, State EFNEP Coordinator Lisa Benavente placed complete trust in her team’s abilities. “I am extremely proud of this team. Everyone gave their best, supported each other, and created a conference that genuinely reflected the spirit of EFNEP. Watching everything come together and seeing the turnout reminded me of how lucky I am to work with such a committed and talented group.” 

From logistics to content creation, data accuracy to experiential learning, the success of the Back to the Basics conference showcases the passion and teamwork of the entire EFNEP staff. Kudos to everyone involved for making this event a memorable and impactful milestone!