Urban communities are dynamic, diverse, and rapidly evolving, requiring approaches that connect food systems, workforce development, and economic opportunity in meaningful ways. As Assistant Director for Agriculture and Food Systems and serving as the Critical Issue Leader for Community and Economic Development with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Vicki Giarratano advances strategies that bring research, education, and community-driven solutions directly into urban settings.

Her work focuses on strengthening local and regional food systems as a pathway to economic mobility and community resilience. She leads teams of educators in connecting research to real-world application, ensuring that evidence-based strategies are effectively implemented within communities. This includes supporting small and emerging businesses through value-added product development, community-based food enterprises, and agritourism models adapted for urban environments. By aligning these efforts with local needs, she helps communities leverage food systems as a driver of economic vitality.

Building on years of CYFAR-aligned work that integrates youth, families, and community systems, Vicki also supports workforce development pathways that connect individuals to careers in agriculture and food systems. This includes 4-H youth workforce initiatives that provide secondary, yet important, entry points for young people to explore agriculture, food production, and entrepreneurship within urban contexts.

Equally important is her focus on equipping educators working on the ground. Vicki develops and delivers training that helps Extension professionals design, implement, and scale programs that are responsive to the realities of urban communities. Through this work, she strengthens the capacity of educators to expand food access, support entrepreneurship, and build inclusive, community-centered programming.

Together, these efforts position Extension as a trusted partner in urban communities, translating research into practical solutions that support economic growth, strengthen food systems, and build more resilient and connected communities.