It’s been a long time since the PIO has done a blog, but new adventures are on the horizon. We’re thrilled to welcome Jessimar Quintana as the new OPS Assistant with the University of Florida’s Pesticide Information Office in Gainesville. A fluent bilingual communicator in English and Spanish, Jessimar translates research articles and educational materials into Spanish and helps develop Spanish-language training modules to expand access for Hispanic agricultural workers.
Jessimar is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication with an emphasis in Communication & Leadership Development and a minor in Agribusiness, with an expected graduation of May 2026 (GO GATORS!). She previously earned an Associate of Science in Agriculture from Hillsborough Community College, graduating on the Dean’s List with Honors.
She brings hands-on Extension experience from UF/IFAS in Manatee County, where she collaborated on pesticide exam preparation courses, created and recorded a Spanish Best Management Practices training video for H-2B farmworkers, and edited and designed Podcast websites to strengthen outreach. Her broader background includes coordinating the Florida Farm Bureau booth at the 2025 Florida FFA State Convention as an AEST intern, leadership as President of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow at UF, volunteer service with RCMA, and credentials as a Florida Notary Public and certified commercial fertilizer applicator.
Looking ahead, Jessimar plans to pursue a career as an Extension Agent. Her goal is to strengthen the communication bridge between farmers and agricultural laborers, ensuring information flows both ways with clarity and respect. She is especially committed to serving the Hispanic community by expanding Spanish-language reading materials and practical resources that support safety, education, and advancement across the agricultural workforce.
She has already translated and enhanced several of our documents, especially making sure we are using terms the industry uses currently. These materials will be available soon and will be a welcome addition to our other Spanish language material. You are likely to see Jessimar in our online modules soon as well. As the PIO has New Adventures, Jessimar ensures exciting things are in store for sure.
Please join us in welcoming Jessimar to the Pesticide Information Office team and cheering her on in this important work.
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