Meet Alyssa Walden

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alyssa Walden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alyssa below.

Alyssa, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is a quality I’ve carried with me my entire life, shaped by experiences that began even before I could fully understand them. When I was just three months old, my father was killed by a drunk driver, leaving my mother to face unimaginable challenges. As I grew up, I watched her be a pillar of strength, determination, and grace, always doing everything she could to give our family the best possible life. She never let adversity define her or limit what we could achieve as a family. From her, I learned that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but about rising above them with courage, optimism, and a steadfast commitment to making the most of every situation.

As I learned more about my family’s history, I also drew inspiration from my grandparents. They faced their own set of struggles, managing to take care of themselves while raising a large family. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering love for their family served as a powerful example of what it means to keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws at you. Their resilience motivated me to develop my own, to stay strong in the face of challenges, and to never lose sight of the goals I set for myself. It is this legacy of perseverance passed down through generations that continues to drive me, reminding me that resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As the Deputy State 4-H Leader for Virginia, my role is more than just a job—it’s a way to give back to the organization that shaped who I am today. As a 4-H alum, I know firsthand the power of 4-H in transforming lives. It equips young people with essential skills, instills confidence, and opens doors to endless opportunities. Being a part of this organization has given me so much, and now I have the privilege to help guide the next generation of 4-H youth. My goal is to create meaningful experiences that will have a lasting impact on their lives, just as 4-H did for me.

One of the most exciting aspects of this role is the ability to develop new curricula that align with the needs of our Commonwealth. We’re focused on creating programs that not only reflect the diverse interests of our youth but also prioritize equity and inclusion. It’s crucial that every young person in Virginia feels seen, valued, and supported in 4-H. We are committed to making sure that our programs break down barriers, create equal opportunities for all, and foster a community where every child has the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have had the most significant impact on my path: leadership, communication, and persistence. I developed my leadership skills through my involvement in 4-H, where I was constantly encouraged to step up, take charge, and inspire others. Whether I was leading a team project, organizing events, or mentoring younger members, I learned the value of guiding with empathy and a clear vision. Communication was another key skill I honed through 4-H, as I found myself presenting ideas, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with diverse groups. The ability to listen actively and express myself effectively became invaluable not only in my professional life but also in my personal growth. Finally, persistence is something I learned by watching my mother and grandparents face life’s challenges with determination and resilience. Their example taught me that setbacks are a part of the journey, but the key is to keep moving forward, no matter how tough the road gets.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to actively seek opportunities to practice and develop these skills. Leadership is not just about holding a title or position; it’s about taking initiative and inspiring others by example. Find ways to get involved in community projects, volunteer roles, or group activities where you can practice leading and motivating those around you. For communication, make it a habit to engage in conversations where you listen as much as you speak. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and adapting your message to different audiences. Finally, persistence is about embracing a mindset that values growth over perfection. Understand that progress is not always linear, and failures are often the best learning experiences. Stay committed to your goals, surround yourself with a support system that encourages you, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward success.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

The biggest area of growth for me over the last 12 months has been realizing that we don’t always need approval from others or have to be the most liked. I’ve come to understand that true leadership is not about winning a popularity contest; it’s about making the tough decisions that are best for those you serve. It’s also about recognizing and honoring your own needs along the way. By focusing on what truly matters—the impact and well-being of those around me—I’ve learned that doing what’s right sometimes means stepping out of your comfort zone, even if it means not everyone will agree with or support you. This shift in mindset has helped me become a stronger leader and a more authentic version of myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @waldenaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waldenaw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-walden/