Barbosa named director of Apple Education Foundation

WENATCHEE — The Washington Apple Education Foundation has named Faviola Barbosa as the organization’s new executive director.

An 18-year veteran of the Washington State Community and Technical College system, Barbosa replaces long-time executive director Jennifer Witherbee, and formally began her new job on Feb. 1.

“I am so excited about the opportunity to promote access and support to students from the tree fruit industry pursuing higher education,” Barbosa said in a press release issued by the foundation. “I look forward to working with such an amazing team and industry, and continuing to strengthen the WAEF mission.”

According to the press release, Barbosa migrated with her family to the United States at the age of 2 and grew up “within the farm working industry” in Orondo. She earned a BA in Business Administration from Washington State University, a masters in College Student Affairs from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and a Doctorate in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University in Georgia.

WAEF chair Laurie Knebusch said in the press release Barbosa was the perfect choice to become the foundation’s executive director because of her “deep ties to the fruit tree industry” and her many years working in education.

“We knew we had found WAEF’s next director,” Knebush said.

WAEF is the charity of the Washington state tree fruit industry, and provides scholarships to roughly 300 students “with ties to the tree fruit industry” to pursue college, university or vocational education, according to the foundation’s web site.