Empowering Women Agriculture Leaders Embrace Innovation and Growth
By Deanna Ciaccia
The future of agriculture depends on diverse leadership that can drive innovation and address the sector's evolving challenges. Women are already at the forefront of this transformation, leading advancements in agtech, sustainable farming practices, and agribusiness.
A recent article by Dr. Samantha Madhosingh in Forbes underscores the critical role women play in this shift, noting that “Diverse leadership teams are proven to foster greater innovation and decision-making accuracy.” As agriculture faces rapid technological changes and increasing demand for food, women’s leadership is key to unlocking new solutions and opportunities for the agriculture industry.
At AWC EAST 2024, November 17 to 19 in Niagara Falls, women in ag and food will gain insights from influential leaders focused on critical topics like leadership, networking, and overcoming challenges. The conference will highlight the strategies women need to succeed and lead in the dynamic agricultural sector.
Effective leadership requires strong communication and the ability to inspire others. Carol Kinsey Goman, a leadership presence expert from Kinsey Consulting Services, will guide attendees through “The Power of Presence for Women Who Lead.” This session will teach women how to improve their verbal and non-verbal communication, helping them make a lasting impact in meetings, negotiations, and leadership roles.
The Leader Panel, featuring leaders like Kendra Wack, Executive Director of FEAD, and Kimberly Runge, Director, Crop Nutrients Canada, Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd, will discuss strategies for women to rise in leadership and overcome barriers such as gender bias. They’ll emphasize the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in agriculture. This aligns with Madhosingh’s observation that “Diverse leadership teams foster greater innovation”—a view that resonates strongly in agriculture, where adaptability and forward-thinking are essential to meeting the growing global demand for food and finding new solutions for the sector’s challenges.
For women just beginning their leadership journey, CEO of Nurture Growth Biofertilizer Inc. Le Luong will share her story of founding a successful biofertilizer company offers invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship. Her session will highlight how building strong networks and collaborating with others fosters growth. Women in agriculture, just like in other industries, need to embrace networking not only to expand their contacts but also to gain support and mentorship in the face of challenges.
In another session, Angela Grant Saunders, Owner/ Director of Beauty & Flavour, Saunders Farm & Saunders Cider and a leader in agritourism, will share her journey in “Creating and Celebrating an Intentional Life in Agriculture.” Angela’s experience demonstrates how aligning personal values with professional goals can lead to both business success and personal fulfillment. Her story will inspire attendees to focus on value-driven leadership in agriculture.
Women also face immense pressure to be perfect. Nelly Elinam Kurd-Marckay,Quality and Food Safety Manager-West Africa, Bunge, will address how embracing imperfection can unlock creativity, productivity, and well-being. Shifting from perfectionism to a mindset of growth will empower women to lead with confidence, resilience, and creativity.
Beverly Beuermann-King,R ‘n’ B Consulting Corp, will present on how to manage workplace toxicity in her session “Transforming Toxicity: Overcome Negativity and Foster Lasting Change.” This session will equip women with the tools to handle difficult team dynamics and foster a positive, productive work environment.
Finally, Robin Angell, North America, Australia, New Zealand Crop Protection Product Team – Project Manager, Bayer CropScience, will provide the Closing Session, discussing how women can sustain their leadership momentum. Drawing from her extensive experience at Bayer CropScience, Robin will share actionable strategies to continue leading with confidence and purpose.
Women in agriculture are proving that diverse perspectives lead to greater success and innovation. At AWC EAST 2024, attendees will gain the strategies, networks, and inspiration to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Women are already transforming agriculture, and now is the time to keep that momentum going.
Click here to register today for the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference!