About Us
Learn about ALP’s story, values, partners, and the team shaping a stronger future for agriculture.
Discover our history
The Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) was co-founded by Ofelio Borges, Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Technical Services and Education Program (TSEP), and Jacqui Gordon, Vice President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA).
For Ofelio, the dream came from his own story. He worked for many years as a farm worker and later as a supervisor. Like many in agriculture, he was promoted because he worked hard, learned quickly, and had a good attitude. But when the time came to lead people, he didn’t get the training he needed. One day he was working on his own, and the next day he was responsible for leading dozens of people. It was hard, and he knew others were facing the same challenge. He wanted to create a program that would give supervisors the tools to lead with confidence, so they would not have to struggle the way he did.
When surveys and interviews with growers, managers, and HR professionals confirmed that the industry also wanted leadership training, the vision became stronger. Companies said they needed more “people skills” training for supervisors—things like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. They also wanted training that worked for agriculture, and in both English and Spanish. The need was clear, but the program had not yet taken shape.
That changed when Jacqui joined the effort. With her years of experience leading education programs for the tree fruit industry, she brought new energy and fresh ideas. Together, Ofelio and Jacqui created ALP and offered the first pilot program in 2021 with support from a WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant.
The pilot included both technical topics and a little bit of leadership. But the feedback from participants was clear: they wanted more leadership. So the program was redesigned. In 2022, ALP launched its first public courses, this time focusing on leadership skills like communication, active listening, delegation, and stress management. For the first time, supervisors had a program designed for them and their daily challenges.
In 2023, the ALP team took another big step forward. Ofelio, Jacqui, and other trainers worked with Gonzaga University’s School of Leadership Studies in a special “train-the-trainer” program.
With this, ALP grew to a team of nine bilingual trainers, all with deep experience in agriculture and education. Together, they shaped a program with real case studies, hands-on activities, and examples that reflect the true day-to-day life in the orchards and fields.
ALP is what we always dreamed it would be because our instructors understand from their hearts what participants go through. We are deeply connected to agriculture and the Hispanic community, and we know the struggles, the sacrifices, and the pride that come with this work. That is why every class feels real, personal, and meaningful.
Today, ALP has already trained several groups of supervisors, with more courses coming. Every session shows us the same thing: when people are given the right tools, they not only grow as leaders, but they also help their teams, families, and companies grow. What began as one man’s dream has become a program that is changing lives and building a stronger future for agriculture.
We cultivate personal growth with purpose and passion, empowering agricultural leaders to achieve balance, find fulfillment, and embrace positive transformation in the field and beyond.
We will strive to transform agriculture by developing confident, proactive, and compassionate leaders who foster trust, respect, and efficiency in the workplace.
To equip agricultural leaders with practical tools to grow their skills, deepen their knowledge, and put effective leadership into action.
Impact Beyond Numbers
Impact
Beyond Numbers
Milestones That Inspire
Every class, every workshop, and every graduate represents a step forward in transforming agriculture through leadership. Over the years, ALP has built more than skills, it has built confidence, empathy, and a sense of purpose among those who grow our food and sustain our communities. Our progress is measured not just in numbers, but in the people who make a difference every day.
Students
Bilingual Courses
Cities
Companies Served
Working together to empower
Working together
to empower
The People Behind ALP’s Impact
At the heart of the Agricultural Leadership Program is a diverse and dedicated team of founders, trainers, coordinators, and support staff. Each member brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to empowering agricultural leaders through education, mentorship, and community. Together, we work to create meaningful learning experiences, guide participants in their leadership journey, and ensure every detail from registration to graduation is designed to support growth and success.
Leadership That Transforms
Leadership That
Transforms
Voices of Growth and Inspiration
Behind every success story in ALP, there’s a leader who dared to grow. These testimonials reflect the personal and professional transformations of participants who discovered new confidence, empathy, and purpose through the program. Their words are a true reflection of what happens when leadership meets opportunity.
Growing agricultural leaders through training, real-world experience, and strong community ties.
- 105S 18th St #116, Yakima, WA 98901, US
- alp.washington87@gmail.com
- +1 (509) 452-8555
Partners
Quick Links
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