Celebrating Volunteer of the Year: Stephanie Rojas

November is Volunteer Appreciation Month at WAEF — a time to celebrate the people whose commitment and care make our mission possible. This year, we’re proud to recognize someone whose leadership, energy, and heart for students shine through in everything she does.

Congratulations to Stephanie Rojas, our Volunteer of the Year! 💚

The Impact of Volunteers

WAEF is powered by more than 200 volunteers who help students from tree fruit industry families reach their educational and career goals. Together, they:

• Empower Students: Review scholarship applications, conduct renewal interviews, and mentor students through college to graduation.

• Prepare Students for Impact in Our Communities: Lead workshops, host job shadows, and connect classroom learning to professional opportunity.

• Build Connection and Belonging: Send care packages, host networking events, and support gatherings like our scholarship luncheons that unite students and donors.

• Strengthen WAEF’s Foundation: Serve on our board and committees, champion fundraising events, and help ensure the financial resources that keep student opportunities growing.

Honoring Stephanie Rojas

Stephanie’s volunteer journey with WAEF began in 2020, and her impact has grown every year since. She combines her expertise as a human resources professional with a deep passion for helping students prepare for their futures — especially those who are the first in their families to attend college.

Leadership:
As a member of WAEF’s inaugural Student Success Committee, Stephanie helps guide the foundation’s work to ensure students are supported in ways that reflect industry knowledge and prepare them to succeed in their future careers.

Engagement:
Through her leadership at Taggares Farms, Stephanie coordinates the company’s involvement with WAEF — from organizing care packages for students to championing sponsorship of our annual Scholarship Celebration Luncheons. The partnership reflects shared values between Taggares and WAEF: a commitment to supporting families connected to the tree fruit industry, investing in education, and helping young people grow into the next generation of community and industry leaders.

Knowledge:
Stephanie shares her professional insight directly with students through workshops that help them confidently step into the workforce. This summer, she co-led two sessions — one for freshmen on identifying transferable skills and another for juniors titled Preparing for Conversations That Land Jobs. Her approachable, practical advice gives students the tools to translate their experiences into career success.

Stephanie’s consistent leadership, encouragement, and generosity have left a meaningful mark on WAEF and the students we serve. Her example reminds us that mentoring, teaching, and showing up — year after year — can change the trajectory of a student’s life.

Our thanks to Stephanie for leading with purpose and helping students believe in what’s possible!