New Mexico State University (NMSU) revealed that Fabiola Cabeza de Baca is set to be honored with induction into the National Agricultural Center’s Hall of Fame in October. Cabeza de Baca was the initial Spanish-speaking agent to contribute to New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service and a prominent 20th century educator and cultural expert in the state, according to a press release.
The induction ceremony honoring Fabiola Cabeza de Baca will occur on Oct. 5 at the National Agricultural Center in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Throughout her career, Cabeza de Baca played a vital role in providing transformative educational opportunities to rural and pueblo communities throughout New Mexico. Her nomination for this prestigious recognition came from New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte, according to the release.
“Over decades as an extension agent, Fabiola Cabeza de Baca created an educational, cultural and agricultural legacy in New Mexico and beyond,” Witte said. “The work she trailblazed in agricultural outreach and education continues to shape New Mexico’s agriculture industry today. It’s an honor to have nominated her as an inductee.”
In 1929, Cabeza de Baca began her career as an extension agent and was assigned to serve Hispanic and Native American women, she primarily worked in Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties. As the first agent to work closely with pueblo communities, she even learned Tewa and possibly Towa to effectively engage with the people of Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, Tesuque and Jemez pueblos.
“Not only was she able to reach Spanish-speaking audiences, but she also reached Indigenous audiences in their own language,” said Karim Martinez, an extension family life and child development specialist at NMSU, according to the press release.