June 7, 2026
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) held the organization’s 92nd annual State Meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington, Ky., from May 12-14, 2026. More than 500 attendees registered from across the state, including 86 first-time participants. All took part in the three-day meeting celebrating the theme “Hooray!! KEHA!”
“I think it was really successful. We had excellent speakers, great workshops, and it was a joy that it turned out as great as it did. I heard nothing but compliments,” said Ann Porter, 1st Vice President. “I met many new people, and I feel really enthusiastic about the direction of KEHA.”
This year’s event kicked off with an opening luncheon on May 12. The keynote speaker was Amber Philpott, an award-winning news anchor with WKYT TV in Lexington. KEHA also celebrated 49 years of support for the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program with the presentation of awards. Dr. Edward Pavlik, Ovarian Cancer Screening Research Director, was presented with a check for $53,965.31. KEHA’s lifetime contribution to the program is more than $1.76 million. An awards program closed the event on May 14, with a keynote address from Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman.
During the May 13 general session, the KEHA Choir performed seven songs. Two of the songs had special lyrics that paid tribute to KEHA’s state educational chairs, county Family and Consumer Sciences agents, Area Extension Directors, and University of Kentucky advisor. The 22-member choir includes KEHA members from 17 counties and is under the direction of Wendy Hood, a Mercer County KEHA member. This was the ninth year the choir performed as part of the conference.
Watch the KEHA Choir's performance on the KEHA Facebook page.
The Master Farm Homemakers Guild conducted their annual meeting in conjunction with KEHA’s State Meeting. MFHG inducted Deborah Lyons of Scott County. They also inducted Kim Henken an honorary member. The Kentucky Guild is composed of a select group of outstanding farm women from across Kentucky.
KEHA conducted three fundraising activities as part of the State Meeting that yielded nearly $7,000 to support designated projects. A raffle generated $2,623 to help fund Ovarian Cancer Research. A silent auction raised $1,788 to benefit the 4-H Foundation. Additionally, 308 handmade quilt squares were displayed and auctioned, providing $2,504 to help offset the cost of hosting the state meeting.
Again this year, the homemakers participated in a service project benefiting the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Ky. At least 16 counties donated more than 114 twin-sized bed quilts, including many that were handmade. The popular Cultural Arts and Heritage contest included 818 entries that meeting attendees could view and enjoy.
“The 2026 KEHA State Meeting was chock-full of talent in the Cultural Arts entries and offered lifelong learning from the great variety of seminars offered,” said KEHA President Henrietta Sheffel. She appreciates all the work that KEHA leaders from across the state put into the successful event. “Many helpers were hard at work from the different Areas in the silent auction, basket raffle, quilt squares, meal decorations, registration, and Cultural Arts.”
The annual state meeting provides a time for training, networking, recognition, and celebration. Attendees participated in 36 educational seminars addressing topics ranging from leadership to nutritious cooking, and from artificial intelligence to textiles. Additionally, a series of concurrent workshops provided training in each of KEHA’s eight educational program areas of emphasis. State officers also hosted training workshops for local, county, and area officers who attended. The KEHA State Meeting concluded with an awards luncheon and the installation of newly elected officers.
KEHA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to education, leadership, and volunteer service. To learn more, like and follow the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officialKEHA or visit www.keha.org.
