Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at IAREC

“Washington State University acknowledges that its locations statewide are on the homelands of Native peoples, who have lived in this region from time immemorial.”

IAREC is committed to engaging and supporting local community development in the south-central Washington. As a diverse group of faculty, students, and staff working in the field of agriculture, we recognize that IAREC would not have advanced without contributions from a wide range of communities, including historically marginalized communities. The increasingly diverse group of people responsible for our successes has brightened our path forward benefiting local, regional and global communities. We are committed to promoting awareness and inclusivity through human interactions; and cultivating diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive space for all people.

Pink Boots Society Tour Hosted by

USDA Hop Breeding and Genetics Lab

The USDA Hop Breeding and Genetics Lab is lead by Dr. Kayla Altendorf and they hosted a tour in August of 2023 inviting the Pink Boots Society. The Pink Boots Society “aims to assist, inspire and encourage women and non-binary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry to advance their careers through education.”

Dr. Altendorf works with two Biological Science Technicians Anna Tawril and Rain Freeman, click here to learn more about the team.

The Hop Breeding and Genetics team showed the stages of their breeding program from their work in the lab to implement marker assisted selection and genomic prediction to going out in the field and giving everyone the opportunity to use pollen from a male hop plant to make crosses onto female hop plants creating hybrid varieties of hops.

The tour was an absolute blast and we’re proud to say that such an incredible team works at IAREC. Check out some pictures and videos from the tour below.

PGSA Hosted a Holi Celebration in March 2023

In 2023, PGSA wanted to share this joyous celebration with all of IAREC. As part of the celebration, PGSA officers presented posters on the history of Holi, the importance of the festival, and how it’s celebrated now. After their presentation, everyone was invited to eat delicious Indian snacks and sweets, dance to cultural music, and play with vibrant colors.

The Festival of Colors, widely known as Holi, is a vibrant and joyous celebration in India, marking the arrival of spring. This exuberant event brings people together, transcending social boundaries. Participants playfully drench each other in colored powders, symbolizing unity, love, and the triumph of good over evil. The air is filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie as communities indulge in festivities. Holi transcends cultural and religious lines, fostering a sense of togetherness. Holi is a jubilant expression of life’s colorful tapestry.

Various cultures around the world celebrate festivals of color, each with its unique customs and significance. In Spain, the “La Tomatina” festival in Buñol involves throwing tomatoes at each other, creating a spectacular red spectacle. Nepal celebrates “Holi” much like in India, with vibrant powders and water fights. “Songkran” in Thailand marks the Thai New Year, featuring water fights and colorful processions. “Notting Hill Carnival” in London incorporates vibrant costumes and lively parades. In the Caribbean, “Junkanoo” festivals include colorful costumes, music, and dancing. These diverse celebrations globally highlight the universal theme of joy, unity, and the symbolic power of colors in fostering community spirit.

Sheersa Manna, in the pink sweatshirt, shares colors and a crown with IAREC Director Naidu Rayapati, left.

As the celebration continued, those attending got covered in the bright colorful powders being thrown in the air and at each other.

Event participants throwing colorful powders at each other. Photo credit to Dattatray Bhalekar.

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