Annual Women’s Ag Leadership Conference on April 10
Network with ag leaders at the 26th annual Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference (WALC) on April 10 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This year’s WALC theme “Elevate–Empower–Evolve” will focus on developing and uplifting women in agriculture and giving them tools to deal with an ever-changing industry.
“Every year we hear from attendees that this is a unique event because it brings together people from all areas of agriculture – production, industry, education, etc. – to help each participant grow and evolve,” said Doris Mold, conference co-founder. “Our program empowers leaders with a balance of personal and professional development programming covering timely, relevant topics. We’re bringing together some amazing speakers to share their stories of resilience.”
Attendees will be welcomed to the conference by Emma Kuball, Princess Kay of the Milky Way, before being inspired by stories of Women who Elevate, Empower, and Evolve. Featured panelists are Colette Campbell, Chief Talent Acquisition and Diversity Officer, Bremer Bank; Theresia Gillie, Kittson County Commissioner and Owner of Theresia Gillie Farms; Deeann Lufkin, Owner and Head Cheesemaker, CannonBelles Cheese; and Lillian Otieno, Director, Emerging Farmers Office, Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
A highlight of the conference is the recognition of the 2024 Outstanding Agriculture Mentors. This award is in its 22nd year and recognizes people who have been positive mentors and role models for people in agriculture, especially women.
The day also includes mini sessions focused on current topics, two breakout sessions, and an opportunity to visit the Farm at the Arb’s newest feature, the Myers Education Center Kitchen Classroom, for a cooking demonstration by Chef Beth Fisher.
Participants can choose from 10 different breakout topics, including:
- 2024 Agriculture Policy Panel presented by Amanda Bilek, Senior Public Policy Director, Minnesota Corn; Ashley Kohls, Executive Director, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association; and Staci Martin, Director of Government Relations, AgriBank
- Ag Entrepreneur Highlight: The Quebracho Story presented by Belén Rodríguez, Founder/CEO, Quebracho Empanadas
- Cultivating Connections: Using Storytelling to Elevate Your Business & Brand presented by Krista Kuzma, Senior Account Executive, Bellmont Partners and Sara Grasmon, Account Supervisor, Bellmont Partners
- Inside Out: Reflecting On Ourselves So We Can Better See Others presented by Colette Campbell, Chief Talent Acquisition and Diversity Officer, Bremer Bank
The conference is open to individuals with an interest in women’s agricultural leadership regardless of gender, age, or affiliation. Register by March 31 for a discounted rate.
The Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference is made possible by Innovator Sponsorship Partner – Ag Country Farm Credit Services; along with Major Sponsorship Partners – Compeer Financial, CoBank, Farm Credit Leasing, U.S. Bank; Key Sponsorship Partner – Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence; Sponsorship Partners – Minnesota Corn, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Soybean Research Promotion Council; and many other conference partners and volunteers.
For the full conference brochure and more information, visit: womensagleadership.org. Please reach out to Doris Mold with any questions you may have. She can be contacted at 612-414-7574 or [email protected].
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