Celebrating Hispanic Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer Contributions: An Interview with Chris and Melissa Vasquez

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, they completed an apiculture assignment in Labe, Guinea through Winrock’s Farmer-to-Farmer program, where they provided expert support on beekeeping to a local farmer cooperative of 1500 members. Throughout the interview below, Chris shares about his and Melissa’s journey, their connection to their Hispanic identity, and their experiences volunteering internationally. 

Can you share a brief introduction about yourselves and how you became involved in volunteering abroad?

Being married for 32 years and raising nine children together has taught us the value of shared experiences. Volunteering abroad has become a natural extension of our life’s journey together. Our shared passion for beekeeping and serving others has deepened our bond and allowed us to make meaningful contributions to communities across the globe. When this particular assignment in West Africa came up, it felt like the perfect fit. We were able to commit the extended time because our adult children were managing the business in our absence. Volunteering gives us a chance to combine adventure, service, and our love for the craft of beekeeping.

What motivated you to volunteer together, and why did you choose this specific assignment?

Our journey into international volunteering began through a chance conversation with a colleague at the Honeybee Lab at the University of Florida. This colleague, who works closely with beekeepers across the state, shared an exciting opportunity for us to teach beekeeping in the Dominican Republic. It was an experience that left such a profound impact on us that we knew we wanted to do more. Shortly after, our friend Amy introduced us to another opportunity—this time in West Africa. It involved honeybee queen production and value-added products, areas where we specialize. We were thrilled at the chance to share our knowledge and experience with new friends in a different part of the world.

There was a significant knowledge gap among local beekeepers in the bee-friendly environment of Labe, offering year-round production potential and ample opportunities for beekeepers and their families.

During our most recent assignment, we focused on training local beekeepers in queen production, hive multiplication, and creating value-added products from bees. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, and we were even invited back for future assignments. However, beyond the technical training, what truly stood out were the relationships we formed with the people we met. We built lasting friendships with our hosts and members of the Guinea beekeeping community. These connections are something we cherish, and we believe the knowledge shared will lead to sustainable growth and long-term improvements for their beekeeping operations.

Share about your cultural exchange while volunteering abroad.

Our work abroad benefits from the strengths we each bring. While our skills overlap in many areas, we do have specialized roles. Melissa manages the value-added product side of our business at Heritage Bee Farm, while I focus on the core beekeeping operations and queen production. This division of labor allows us to cover all aspects of our work efficiently, both at home and during our volunteer assignments – we both step in and support one another. Complementing each other’s strengths ensures a smooth flow of work in any environment.

The image below shows Chris Vasquez demonstrating new techniques for hive management.

What advice would you give to other couples considering volunteering abroad together?

For other couples thinking of volunteering together, we encourage you to embrace the experience fully. Be adaptable and ready to work together in ways that may surprise you. Volunteering in a new environment will not only strengthen your bond as you make a positive impact but will also leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

What is your favorite memory from volunteering?

One of our most rewarding moments was watching local beekeepers apply the skills they had learned, especially the delicate process of grafting queen larvae. Seeing the confidence in their actions and knowing that our training made a tangible difference was incredibly fulfilling. We also had the pleasure of working with our translator, Ousmane, whose warmth and infectious laughter made our stay in Guinea even more special. Moments like these are what make volunteering so unforgettable.

What is next for you?

Our hosts have already asked us to return for further training. Due to prior commitments, we couldn’t extend our stay, but we’re eager to go back next year. Volunteering has become a meaningful part of our lives, and we are excited about the possibilities of future assignments. We have already shared our schedule for next year, eager to return to Labe to continue this incredible connection.

From the Dominican Republic to West Africa, volunteering has taken the Vasquezes on an incredible journey of discovery, growth, and connection. The Vasquezes thank God for their safe and rewarding journey, “We feel incredibly blessed to undertake this important work and witness the grace of God throughout our travels.”

Winrock’s West Africa Farmer-to-Farmer program looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Chris and Melissa Vasquez, as they share their beekeeping expertise and build lasting friendships across the globe. Their passion for service, commitment to sustainable agriculture, and dedication to fostering cross-cultural relationships make them invaluable to the F2F volunteer community. We’re excited to see the impact they will continue to make through future assignments, enriching both the communities they serve and the global network of farmers and beekeepers.

Want to experience volunteering abroad and create your own stories like the Vasquezes? Learn about the Winrock Farmer-to-Farmer Program and how to volunteer at https://winrock.org/work-with-us/volunteer/

The image below includes farmers from Labe, Guinea applying improved apiculture techniques.