By EMMA DELK

Staff Writer

MOUNDSVILLE — As a Marshall County 4-H Agent with West Virginia University Extension, a day on the job for Lisa Ingram is never the same.

One week could be spent creating programming for a high school on cyberbullying, while the next could be coordinating a livestock show at the Marshall County Fair.

Ingram’s work is multifaceted in overseeing the Marshall County 4-H program, which consists of 235 members and 16 clubs.

Her work with 4-H includes engaging members in projects, providing residential camping experiences, as well as putting on a multitude of contests to show off skills in photography, visual presentations and more every year. School enrichment and creating community-based programming are also part of Ingram’s duties as a 4-H Agent.

Summers for Ingram are spent as the County Coordinator for the WVU Extension Energy Express program. On top of managing the summer reading and literacy program, Ingram coordinates a week-long residential camp, livestock shows and events at the Marshall County Fair.

With such a wide array of duties across so many disciplines, Ingram noted the role of an Extension Agent is not “one that is easily simplified.” The main throughline of her work is “to address the needs of the community” she serves.

Marshall County 4-H is where Ingram’s career began, not as a counselor or agent, but as a member.

Ingram was a member of Marshall County 4-H from age 9 until 21. During this time, Ingram stayed active in “all aspects of the program,” from showing cattle and sheep to talent shows.

As a 4-H Livestock Club member, Ingram learned how to raise and market animals. This taught her time management, responsibility and the importance of paying attention to details while recordkeeping.

Ingram learned more leadership skills by participating in the teen leader program where members assist adult leaders with club functions. Her communication skills were also sharpened by participating in a “variety of public speaking and judging contests.”

“All of these skills are life skills that I have utilized daily in my educational pursuits and my positions in the workforce,” noted Ingram. “I have now turned to focus on assuring that current members can identify how their program participation can indeed impact skills that they will use in their careers and life in general in their future.”

After spending her childhood immersed in the program, Ingram was brought back to 4-H as a leader when her three daughters joined. When the position of 4-H Agent opened, Ingram knew the timing was “meant to be.”

During her interview for the position, memories of her involvement with the program flooded back to Ingram when the interviewer asked what she knew about the program.

“There was no doubt in my mind from that point forward that I was where I was meant to be,” recalled Ingram. “I interviewed, and the rest is history. Becoming an agent felt like I was returning home. I now have a career that pays me to do things I was willing to do as a volunteer.”

The history 4-H has of bringing members such as Ingram back as leaders is what she finds key to the program, particularly when it comes to young women finding strong female role models.

“4-H helps develop young ladies into the woman or professional they are today,” described Ingram. “Our younger generation can see the impacts of the program and hear real stories about what participation can mean to them in their future endeavors.”

Ingram finds it “essential” to keep young adults engaged in the program so they can move into leadership roles. She noted the program holds “a lot of tradition” for families in Marshall County and throughout West Virginia, which she finds to be one of the factors that keep leaders engaged and returning to volunteer year after year.

“Our culture today is very fast-paced with youth and adults being busier than ever–this means that it is important to highlight our organization’s relevance and importance in today’s society,” added Ingram.

To keep up with today’s fast-paced culture, the 4-H program has grown beyond its agricultural roots. The Marshall County branch now offers STEM, healthy living and citizenship programming.

Beyond what 4-H programs in the area have to offer, Ingram sees many other opportunities for economic growth and entrepreneurship in the Ohio Valley.

“We keep a small-town feel but offer opportunities for big-time enjoyment such as Grand Vue Park and the Highlands Sports Complex,” noted Ingram. “People do not have to travel far from home to take advantage of amenities often thought to be found only in larger cities.”

Ingram resides in Mt. Olivet with her husband of 33 years, Rob. The two have three children and two grandchildren as well as a miniature schnauzer.

Ingram stays involved the local community organizations, including the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, the Marshall County Fairboard, Marshall County Family Resource Network and is an Impact Member of the Moundsville Rotary.