Planting seeds for a brighter future

Edible Schoolyard Kern County Executive Director Dylan Wilson is a 2024 Alumni Rising `Runner

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 22^nd, 2024

Dylan Wilson is a 2024 Alumni Rising `Runner for the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering. Each spring during Homecoming Week, the Rising `Runner program recognizes CSUB alumni of the last 10 years who are already making an impact in their career and community

Dylan Wilson’s journey at California State University, Bakersfield was marked by transformative experiences that significantly shaped his professional development.

Facing a challenging freshman year with a subpar GPA, he embraced failure as a catalyst for self-reflection. Refocusing at Bakersfield College, Wilson immersed himself in the Agricultural Department, applying it to his work at Edible Schoolyard Kern County, learning valuable skills in plant science, crop management and agricultural mechanics. Inspired by the words that “no one can ever take your experiences away from you,” Wilson learned to value both easy and difficult experiences.

Upon his return to CSUB, Wilson emerged as a student whom teachers grew to appreciate, despite occasional deadline extensions. One of those educators who came to appreciate Wilson and played a “pivotal role” in his academic and professional journey was Dr. Aaron Hegde, executive director of the Grimm Family Center of Agricultural Business and professor of economics.

Wilson admitted that Dr. Hegde’s unique fashion sense, characterized by his fedora and bowtie, perplexed him initially. Upon closer acquaintance, peppered with frequent absences and spirited class debates, Dr. Hegde became a steadfast pillar of support and mentor to Wilson as well as a cherished friend.

“His guidance and mentorship have left an indelible mark on my journey at [CSUB], embodying the essence of mentorship and the transformative power of belief in one’s potential,” Wilson said.

CSUB not only fostered lifelong friendships and meaningful connections for Wilson but also cultivated exploration and intellectual growth. He gained a deeper understanding of others’ perspectives, complex issues and the world around him. Wilson recognized the enduring impact of the instruction he received, equipping him to endure difficult situations and broadening his perspective on the world.

Wilson graduated from CSUB in 2018 with his bachelor's in agricultural business and said that his last day on campus is one of his favorite campus memories. He rode his bicycle to campus, pedaling through empty pathways and recalling all the memories of his journey at CSUB. As he walked across the stage to receive his diploma, Wilson’s mind wandered back to his bicycle. It wasn’t just a mode of transportation but a symbol and tangible reminder of his adventures and friendships that defined his time at CSUB, faithfully weathering all the highs and lows of college.

“In essence, CSUB not only provided me with an education but also instilled in me a spirit of inquiry, resilience, and community that continues to shape my journey and influence my endeavors today,” he said.

The critical-thinking skills honed at CSUB became instrumental in Wilson's career, allowing him to navigate challenges and achieve immediate results. He has etched an extraordinary career path, setting himself apart among recent alumni through a series of impactful achievements that reflect innovation, entrepreneurship and a keen problem-solving acumen.

His journey commenced with a demanding internship at Grimmway Enterprises, which provided hands-on experience in the intricacies of ranch management, operations and logistics. It laid the foundation for his subsequent role as the supply chain coordinator of the carrot division at Grimmway Farms, a position he held for two years.

In 2019, Wilson transitioned to become the Executive Director of the Edible Schoolyard Kern County, a program of the Grimm Family Education Foundation, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the network of programs in the county's underserved areas. The Edible Schoolyard is part of a seven-year research project within CSUB’s Doctoral Program of Educational Leadership. This study aims to validate how edible education not only transforms and bridges the wellness gap but also addresses the achievement gap.

Wilson’s impact extended from elementary schools like McKinley Elementary, Whitley School and the Buena Vista Edible Schoolyard to collegiate spaces at CSUB and Bakersfield College. His leadership spearheaded the conversion of an acre of grass playing field into an educational garden and kitchen at Whitley School, benefiting 1,000 students. His innovative strategies towards program sustainability focus on building food literacy programs for a lifetime, not just a season.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson showcased exceptional leadership by transforming educational gardens into small farms, producing over 15,000 pounds of food for local food banks over the course of 18 months. Simultaneously, he pioneered safe, in-person after-school programs that reached students from 21 schools and eight different school districts in Kern County.

Wilson's multifaceted contributions underscore his outstanding impact on both the agricultural and educational landscapes. In addition to rapidly rising in his chosen field of agricultural education, he has been an integral part of the CSUB Edible Garden and has given back to the greater Bakersfield community. Wilson said that he sees his work as not just a job but as an investment in the future prosperity and vibrancy of the community and region.

“We are very proud to be a part of his journey,” said Dr. Hegde.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Wilson has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community. He has volunteered his time to various food literacy and food insecurity programs in California, including the Apple Core Project, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Maple School and San Rafael City Schools. He has actively contributed through activities such as garden design, garden support, culinary workshops and organizing healthy food tastings for families and community members.

Wilson’s engagement extends to collaborative efforts with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to promote the state’s Farm to School network. His passionate advocacy efforts, addressing the CDFA Board of Directors and engaging directly with Governor Gavin Newsom, underscore his commitment to expanding food literacy and healthier food options in California's institutionalized food systems.

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Wilson dedicates his time annually to repairing and maintaining critical wildlife habitat in the Tulare Basin, benefiting migrating species and showcasing his dedication to environmental stewardship. He actively volunteers with various organizations dedicated to seed-to-table education, working with others to nurture health and wellness in the community to create strength and resilience for generations to come.

“Dylan is the quintessential alumni — a student who came to CSUB with a few imperfections, took advantage of all that CSUB had to offer, turned himself around and has succeeded beyond our imaginations. He also continues to pay it forward, both to the university and the community at large,” Dr. Hegde said.

Current CSUB students can derive several valuable lessons from Wilson’s personal story and professional journey. One key takeaway is the importance of actively seeking out challenging and uncomfortable experiences during their time in school. Wilson’s approach involved immersing himself in the industry, taking on the toughest roles within the companies he worked for and gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges employees face to ensure organizational success.

This proactive engagement allowed him to develop a comprehensive perspective on the inner workings of the organizations he was a part of. Wilson said that he believes that regardless of a chosen field of work, wholehearted dedication, determination and gratitude are necessities in reaching goals.

“Work hard, stop complaining, and seize every opportunity to learn and grow,” Wilson said. “Embrace the challenges that come your way, for they are the stepping stones to success and fulfillment in your chosen field.”