Washington State University’s Bernardita Sallato was not expecting to receive the Latino Leadership Award from the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA), but the recognition motivates her to continue her outreach work with the Hispanic community.
“I was surprised I was chosen; I feel I haven’t done enough,” said Sallato, an assistant professor and tree fruit Extension specialist at WSU’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) in Prosser, Washington. “I share this award with the tree fruit industry’s Hispanic community, which has welcomed me and taught me so much. If it wasn’t for the collaboration and respect that the Hispanic community has given me, I don’t think I would’ve made such an impact.”
Sallato was presented with the award at the Spanish session of WSTFA’s annual meeting in Wenatchee, Washington. Created in 2011, the award honors outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the Hispanic community in Washington’s tree fruit industry. Candidates are nominated by past winners, with one recipient selected per year. WSU Extension Regional Tree Fruit Specialist Karen Lewis received the award in 2012.
