Deborah Alpe Receives Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Fraternity’s Diversity Award

Deborah A. Alpe, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension family and consumer science and 4-H youth development agent in Jackson County, received the diversity award from the organization’s professional fraternity, Epsilon Sigma Phi. The annual award, is which was presented this year on given annually organization’s award ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 22, and honors those who have shown exceptional contributions to promoting diversity among and within Cooperative Extension programs.

Alpe has worked in Colorado State Cooperative Extension for nine years, and has developed programs and research plans that impact the educational opportunities provided to families and youth around the state. The projects she has developed include collaborations with many non-profit and government groups to conduct needs assessments and community development projects in small businesses, family and youth services and information and referral systems. She has also has developed an award-winning educational program to improve the health and nutrition of adults with developmental disabilities.

Alpe is director for the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension office in Jackson County. She also serves as a university ombudsman for Cooperative Extension.  

"My overriding goal as a Colorado State Cooperative Extension agent is to be responsive to emerging community issues; I work diligently to incorporate focus and flexibility in my plan of work to ensure delivery of relevant and important programs to local citizens," said Alpe.

Before coming to Colorado, Alpe worked as executive director of YWCA of the Palouse in Moscow, Idaho, where she administered a non-profit organization that included a shelter for homeless women and children, a food and clothing bank operation and a thrift store vocational training program. She also raised public awareness on these issues and gained financial support for the organization, where she began as a volunteer.

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