PAF Safety Coordinator Spotlight: Talisha Valdez

At the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF), our mission to make rural life safer and healthier for all children and their communities is made possible by dedicated volunteers like Talisha Valdez. Talisha’s journey with PAF began long before she hosted her first PAF Safety Day, which was rooted in her childhood as the daughter of Extension Agent Owida Franz, who started hosting PAF Safety Days in 2000. Growing up in 4-H, Talisha gained firsthand experience with the value of agricultural education and safety programs.

Now in her eighth year leading Progressive Agriculture Safety Days (PAF Safety Days), Talisha refers to the program as a "sacred cow" in her Extension work. “It’s one of those programs that is too beneficial to cut,” she says. From 2017 to 2023, Talisha served as a PAF Assistant Coordinator at her mother’s program in Clayton, NM. This year, those roles reversed as Talisha became the PAF Lead Coordinator. Her steadfast commitment to the program underscores its importance in rural areas like hers, where safety education is not only valuable but often scarce.

Talisha’s PAF Safety Days reach beyond her New Mexico community, extending into Texas and Oklahoma. Despite the abundance of agriculture in the area, there are limited opportunities to learn about safety. PAF fills this gap by providing critical resources and training. “We don’t just serve our community; we’re a resource for our neighboring states, too,” Talisha proudly notes.

When asked why she partners with PAF instead of developing her own program, Talisha highlights the strength of collaboration. “Extension is all about partnerships,” she says. With PAF, she benefits from a seamless process—quick turnarounds on orders, a wealth of resources, and excellent customer service. “There’s always someone nice to talk to when I have questions.”

Talisha sees a strong alignment between PAF’s goals and the mission of her organization, which focuses on delivering practical, research-based programs that enhance the quality of life. She believes that their collective efforts not only meet but exceed this mission, benefiting a broader audience. 

Talisha frequently receives heartfelt feedback from teachers who express their appreciation for the annual PAF Safety Day. Their gratitude reinforces the event’s impact, reminding her of the vital role it plays in promoting safety within the community. Talisha is eager to continue the legacy of safety education that her mother began.

To organizations considering a partnership with PAF, Talisha has one message: “Just do it! They’re an amazing partner with so many awesome resources—you can’t go wrong.”

Talisha’s dedication is an inspiration, and we’re grateful for her ongoing commitment to making safety a priority. Her story reminds us that even in the most rural communities, change is possible when passionate individuals and organizations work together.