MOOREFIELD, W.Va. – Maya Paul has been promoted from part-time Eastern Ag Innovation staff to fill the ag innovation program coordinator position at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College.
Originally from Canaan Valley, Paul now lives in St. George with her boyfriend, Eddie, puppy Strider, and cat Pippin.
Paul grew up loving the outdoors and spending time in her family’s garden. As she got older, she said she became aware of the importance of being self-sufficient, mainly developed by her passion for horticulture and the Appalachian culture. “Fresh, whole foods are a necessity,” Paul said. “I want to help other members of the community to learn how to grow their own food and support local farmers.”
Paul earned her associate degree at Eastern in 2021 and then worked for the college as the MASBio Project Coordinator, Potomac Highlands Producers Coordinator, and was a part of the Makerspace Project. In her free time, Paul paints, bakes, gardens, and spends time kayaking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Even though this role is her first full-time position at Eastern, Paul has already been an integral part of Eastern Ag Innovation activities. “This organization strives to provide accessible and affordable education, and happily contributes a vital service to the community,” she said. “I love working here; it feels like one big family, and everyone wants to see one another succeed.”
Looking forward, Paul said she believes Ag Innovation initiatives are important for the communities in the college’s six-county service district. “I would like to see the community take advantage of our programs and certificates to grow their small businesses,” she said. “I would also really like to shift the focus of PHP [Potomac Highlands Producers] from the box program to providing nutritional education and locally sourced foods to low-income families.”
Megan Webb, Eastern’s dean of advancement and continuing education said, “We are delighted to have Maya in this position. She has not only been an exceptional student, but she has transitioned into an exceptional staff team member who leads with a servant heart for her community. We are so excited for her vision and growth in this position.”
Learn more about Eastern Ag Innovation at Eastern at https://easternwv.edu/ag-innovation.