Determination must be in Owaissa Crites Heimann’s DNA. Not only did Heimann have a 39-year career with New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service, but she also began a three-generation legacy with Union County Extension.
Heimann has lived in Clayton, New Mexico, since 1948 when she accepted the home economics agent position with Union County Extension. She started her career when few women worked outside the home.
A true trailblazer, Heimann was the first county Extension home economics agent appointed as a county director in the state. In 1968, she became the first New Mexican to serve as president of the National Association of Extension Home Economists, which is now known as the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
“Owaissa’s distinguished 39-year career as a home economics agent is legendary within our Extension community,” College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Associate Dean and Extension Director Jon Boren said. “From driving hundreds of miles across Union County to support 4‑H youth, to hosting innovative daily radio programs that connected families and strengthened communities, her work set a standard for dedication and outreach that continues to inspire us today. Generations of young leaders flourished under Owaissa’s guidance, repeatedly excelling in statewide competitions thanks to her commitment to their growth.”
Even after retiring from Extension in 1987, Heimann continued to work with 4-H. She was inducted in the New Mexico 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002. Heimann, who celebrated her 100th birthday Feb. 18, still lives by herself in her home.
“Owaissa’s ongoing involvement, including as the indoor exhibits superintendent for the Union County Fair for an incredible 77 consecutive years, exemplifies a lifetime devoted to service,” Boren said. “Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of our state’s Extension history, and we are grateful for the indelible mark she has left on New Mexico State University and the communities we serve.”
Heimann’s service inspired both her daughter, Owida Franz, and granddaughter, Talisha Valdez, to join the NMSU Extension ranks.
“In my mind, my mom was the premier home economics agent,” Franz said. “She always looked like she walked out of Vogue. She wore heels, she wore dresses, because you didn’t wear pants back in that day, and she always very, very professional. She was always willing to help any kid with anything they wanted, from working on a demonstration to any of the 4-H projects. If she didn’t know how to do it, she found somebody to do it and to help them.”
Franz knew from a young age that she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
“When I was in kindergarten, they asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, and of course, at that time it was called a home demonstration agent,” Franz said. “My mom was one of the few mothers in my class who worked outside of the home, so I didn’t know any different.”
Franz was the 4-H home economist for Lea County Extension from 1981 to 1990 before she joined Union County in 1990 as the 4-H home economist and adult home economist until she retired in 2014.
“If I had taken a position closer to Clayton, everybody would have known who I was,” Franz said. “In Lea County, nobody knew me. I didn’t have any expectations from them. They wanted an agent who did what they needed to be done.”
As Franz’ daughter, Valdez saw the challenges of being an Extension agent growing up and didn’t intend on working in the family business.
“I always wanted to be a vet, but life has a funny way of working out,” Valdez said.
In 2015, Valdez joined the Union County Extension as a program assistant, and the two-time NMSU graduate became the Union County Extension program director and ag agent in 2018.
“It really surprised me when Talisha went to work for Extension, and I’m so glad she did because she’s been an asset to this county,” Franz said.
“I really love the 4‑H program,” Valdez said. “Even though it’s hectic and busy, watching kids grow from novice to senior and seeing their confidence build is incredibly rewarding. You can always tell a 4‑H kid from one who hasn’t had those experiences, the responsibility, the manners, the way they carry themselves. I also enjoy helping our local ranchers and farmers navigate their challenges and knowing I’m making a difference there too.”
With more than 80 years of service to Extension, the family legacy Heimann began in 1948 continues to impact generations of youth in New Mexico.
“I’d want people to remember our legacy as one of giving back to our community and to our 4‑H members to the very best of our abilities,” Valdez said. “The way I see it, the real measure of our work is the kids: the ones we helped shape and support as they grew into some pretty incredible individuals.”
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CUTLINE: Owaissa Crites Heimann, seated, worked for New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service in Union County for 39 years. She inspired her daughter, Owida Franz, left, and granddaughter, Talisha Valdez, to follow in her footsteps. Heimann celebrated her 100th birthday in February. (Courtesy photo)