The program by the Western United Dairies Foundation, according to its site, “educates and trains participants on the issues affecting dairy producers in today’s industry. This year-long program introduces participants to various sessions, including the legislative process, advocacy and media training, and regulatory and industry issues. Participants will better understand our industry through those sessions through communication, educational activities, presentations, and team-building skills.”

Four of the Six Young Leaders in the 2022-23 cohort are of Portuguese ancestry with roots in the Azores. NOVIDADES at Bruma Publications from PBBI-Fresno State is happy to recognize these Young Leaders in our community. The Azorean Diaspora in California is full of talents that, unfortunately, aren’t recognized within our community.

Allison Tristão grew up on her father’s dairy farm in Tulare. Tristão graduated from Fresno State in December 2021 with an Agribusiness degree and is currently the Community Field Representative for Western United Dairies.

Anthony Agueda is a third-generation dairy farmer from Hickman. Growing up in his family’s large dairy operation, Agueda became involved in Future Farmers of America in high school. Agueda was recently awarded the National FFA Dairy Proficiency Award, representing California dairies nationally. Agueda continues using his experience working on a day-to-day dairy operation to advocate for the dairy industry and California dairy families.

Linda Parreira grew up on her parent’s dairy in the Turlock area, where her family settled after immigrating to California from Sao Jorge, Azores. A first-generation Portuguese-American, Parreira graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business and a minor in Dairy Science. She’s been working in ag lending for over a decade. She is the Vice President and Relationship Manager at Ag-West Farm Credit (formally Farm Credit West) in Tulare.

Linda Parreira’s name is misspelled on the program’s poster.

Tyler Ribeiro is no stranger to the dairy industry. As a fourth-generation dairy farmer, Ribeiro began working with his father and grandfather, learning the intricacies of dairy and what it meant to be a committed leader. After graduating from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, Ribeiro returned to the family farm full-time. Off the farm, Ribeiro is active in various organizations; most notably, he has held multiple leadership positions with Western United Dairies, The Dairy Council of California, and the California Cattle Council. Known online as the @DairyDad, Ribeiro is committed to advocating for the dairy industry and agriculture.

The cohort traveled to Washington, DC, to discuss dairy business issues with Congress members and other visits and meetings.

Meeting with Veteran Portuguese-American Congressman Jim Costa, with roots in Terceira island, Azores

Meeting with Portuguese-American Congressman David Valadão, also with roots in Terceira island, where his parents emigrated.

The Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) is a product of three Colleges at Fresno State- The College of Arts and Humanities, the Jordan College of Arts and Humanities and the College fo Social Sciences.