Karen Munden has served as a family and consumer sciences (FCS) agent at Virginia Cooperative Extension in Virginia Beach since 2001. Her passion for making content accessible has shaped her career. She often draws from personal experiences to make lessons relatable and real. Munden is especially passionate about empowering others through financial education, using hands-on activities to teach the value of personal fiscal responsibility.

How did you get started in Extension?

“I was 10 when I learned to sew in a summer program led by an Extension agent. That sparked my interest in home economics and led me to study it at Virginia State, where I interned with Cooperative Extension in Orange County. I helped with sewing, food preservation, and even had a radio spot promoting programs.

Though I didn’t join Extension right away, I stayed connected through college recruitment and outreach roles. I kept getting pulled back—judging youth events, supporting underserved communities, and promoting programs. I returned to Virginia Beach and stepped into my current role. Extension was always part of my path.”

What does “Extension” mean to you—personally and professionally?

“It’s all about growth. I always say I won’t stop learning until I’m six feet under. Extension is applied science. In college, you get theory. In Extension, you get tools—how to read a label, follow a recipe, make a budget. That’s what I love; everything I teach is practical and usable. I give you something you can take with you and apply to your own life. That’s real Extension.”

What do you enjoy most about your role in Extension?

“The people and the variety. I work with everyone from kids to seniors.

I’m also big on being transparent. I share my own experiences, where I’ve been, what I’ve learned. That helps people connect. If I’m not reaching someone, I reflect and adjust. It’s all about making sure they feel seen, heard, and supported.”

What’s one misconception people have about Extension that you’d like to clear up?

“People don’t understand what family and consumer sciences (FCS) is. Say ‘agriculture’ or ‘4-H,’ and they get it. Say ‘family and consumer sciences,’ and you get blank stares. FCS touches everyday life—food, finance, health, relationships, even interior design. HGTV and Food Network? That’s FCS. It’s all about helping people see the relevance.”

Woman sits at a table and speaks to group with a serious look on her face.
Munden says transparency helps professionals connect with the clients and communities they serve. Photo by Christie Culliton for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Tell us about a moment or project that really made you proud to work in Extension.

“Two moments stand out from my work with Bank On, a national financial education program. One trainee was a teacher who never believed she could own a home. She took the class, applied what she learned, bought a house, and later returned as a volunteer to teach others.

Another woman was about to file for bankruptcy before joining the class. Afterward, she was saving money and even enrolled her adult son in the next session.

I also teach a money management workshop at Tidewater Community College for non-traditional students like home health workers, security guards, or culinary students. I recently learned my class consistently receives top evaluations.”

How does your work make a difference in your community or region?

“I’m proud of my work educating youth about personal finances. In Virginia, every high school student must take a personal finance course to graduate. I’ve helped deliver that in every Virginia Beach high school through the Reality Store program. Virginia now ranks in the top five nationally for financial literacy, and I’m proud to have played a part.

For more than a decade, I ran Camp Millionaire for middle schoolers. Even now, parents and former students tell me they still remember what they learned, especially about investing.

Extension gives people tools they can apply for life. Whether it’s budgeting, saving, or understanding finance, they walk away with knowledge they’ll use for years.”

Woman stands next to another woman and points at documents on a table.
Munden advises new Extension agents to be good listeners and observers. Photo by Christie Culliton for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

What advice would you give someone just starting their career in Extension?

“Be a good listener and observer. Look for ways your program can enhance what others are doing. That’s how I built partnerships. Take it slow, build relationships, and don’t overpromise. Follow through—your reputation matters. Be flexible and reflect often.”

Finish this sentence: Extension is important because...

“It gives people lifelong skills to improve their lives. Whether it’s helping farmers, teaching youth to be self-sufficient, or guiding families through nutrition and budgeting—Extension makes a real impact.

Many people don’t see themselves in Extension. Urban communities hear ‘agriculture’ and think farms, but Extension is broader. We help people change behaviors, especially around food. That’s not easy because food is cultural and emotional. I’ve seen people learn to cook healthier, try new ingredients, and rethink traditions.

Extension works best when it’s relatable. I teach through conversation, not lectures. I use plain language, not academic jargon. People connect when they feel seen and understood—and that’s how we make a lasting difference.”

- Written by Christie Culliton, field marketing & communications coordinator