Barbara Walters graduated from Wenatchee Valley College in 1993, and believes education is important because it is the foundation for opportunity. 

“When people have access to information, resources, and the chance to learn, they’re better able to understand the world around them, make informed choices, and shape their own future,” she said. “As the Executive Director of NCW Libraries I see every day how access — or the lack of it — can change the trajectory of someone’s life, and that’s why this work feels so personal to me.”

Barbara is inspired to serve on the WVC Foundation board because she believes that access to education should not depend on where you live or what you can afford. “Supporting WVC through the Foundation is a way to help remove barriers and make those opportunities more possible for more people,” she stated.

Barbara’s favorite memory as a WVC Foundation board member is attending her first meeting, which happened to be the annual board retreat. “It gave me a real sense of everyone’s commitment and how engaged they are in the work of the Foundation.”

Outside of serving on the WVC Foundation board, Barbara enjoys the outdoors, including hiking, exploring backroads in her jeep, and playing with her dogs. “I also really enjoy baking and cooking big Sunday dinners for family and friends - or whoever shows up,” she said.

WVC matters to Barbara because it is where she earned her Associates of Arts and Sciences Degree, which set her on the path for her IT career.

“My mom also attended WVC when I was a toddler, taking business classes that helped her go on to run a successful business,” she said. “For both of us, WVC was about access and affordability, and it’s a place that continues to open doors for so many others in our community.”