Volunteer Posts
Stronger Together: Advancing Innovation and Opportunity Between the U.S. and Africa
February 20, 2025
Interview with Abiodun Emmanuel Abioye Black History Month is a time to reflect on the stories, achievements, and contributions of people of African descent across the globe. The ties between Africa and Black America run deep, shaped by history, culture, and a shared commitment to progress. While our journeys have taken different paths, the connections […]
Black History Month Spotlight: Sharing Our Stories
February 13, 2025
Author: Atim Eneida George, Ph.D. As human beings we need a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. These truths, in my view, make Winrock International’s Volunteer Program an exceptional service opportunity. For 2 weeks during the month of May 2024, I embarked upon a remarkable journey. Accompanied by Messrs. Abibou and Sane, two […]
Black History Month Spotlight: Keith Ellis on Service, Resilience, and the Power of Connection
February 6, 2025
This Black History Month, we celebrate Keith Ellis, a Winrock volunteer whose life and work reflect the resilience of the Black diaspora and the transformative power of service. Keith’s story reminds us of the strength that comes from community, history, and a commitment to making a difference. As a graduate of North Carolina A&T in […]
Fatima’s Journey: Empowering Women Through Soapmaking in Senegal
November 26, 2024
In the rural village of Gangel Soule, Senegal, Fatima, a 35-year-old mother of five, has transformed her life and community through entrepreneurship. Once an occasional soap reseller, Fatima is now a thriving soap manufacturer, thanks to the support of USAID’s Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program. Recognizing the local demand for soap, Fatima initially learned basic production techniques […]
Celebrating Hispanic Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer Contributions: An Interview with Chris and Melissa Vasquez
October 10, 2024
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Winrock’s West Africa Farmer-to-Farmer program is proud to highlight the incredible contributions of Chris and Melissa Vasquez, accomplished beekeepers and owners of Heritage Bee Farm from Florida, USA. Married for over 32 years, the Vasquezes share their love for farming, service, and community with their nine children. In June, […]
Interview with Ousmane Diallo: Championing Change Through Volunteerism
April 29, 2024
As we celebrate Global Volunteer Month, we are thrilled to feature Ousmane Diallo, a dedicated Program Officer at Winrock International, who has played a pivotal role in the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program. Ousmane’s journey from a rural village in Guinea to a leader in global development is a testament to his commitment to creating sustainable change […]
Celebrating Mr. Ebenezer Aboagye as Winrock’s Volunteer of the Month for April 2024
April 10, 2024
Winrock’s Volunteer of the Month for April is Mr. Ebenezer Aboagye. He volunteered with the Accelerated Dissemination of Soil Improvement Practices (ADSIP) under Enabling Farmers for Agricultural Transformation (EFAT) project in January 2024. The ADSIP project aims to enhance the capacity of agro-dealers in areas such as disseminating ISFM practices and technologies to smallholder farmers, […]
Celebrating Darla Embry, Volunteer Recruiter
March 31, 2024
One of Winrock’s volunteer recruiters will retire after 23 years with our organization. Darla spent 21 of those years as a volunteer recruiter (and much more!) with our Volunteer Technical Assistance team. Darla Embry, a mother of two and grandmother of four, lives on a family farm with her best friend and husband, Jeff. Darla […]
Empowering Change: An Interview with Jolene Warnke
March 29, 2024
Winrock International takes pride in the diversity and dedication of our volunteers, who are pivotal to our mission of empowering communities and fostering sustainable growth. Among these exceptional individuals is Jolene Warnke, whose journey with us since 2017 exemplifies the profound influence of volunteerism. How long have you been volunteering with us? Three in-person assignments […]
Growing a Climate for Tomorrow – 2024 National Ag Day
March 19, 2024
“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope.” Wendell Berry In celebration of National Ag Day today, March 19, 2024, we had the privilege of speaking with Abibou […]