American Agri-Women Announces 2025 Road to Influence Cohort

Nine individuals will make up the second cohort of the American Agri-Women (AAW) Road to influence.  The Road to Influence (RTI) is a program developed by AAW designed to be a bold and innovative personal development experience for AAW members.  The program is intended to identify and move beyond limiting beliefs and behaviors, ultimately resulting in stronger leaders for AAW and beyond. The 2025 cohort will kick off their journey on April 6 in conjunction with the AAW Mid Year meeting in Grapevine, TX.

Through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, participants will develop critical skills in areas such as communication, collaboration, driving vision and purpose, trust, managing conflict, and persuasion. In person sessions will be held in conjunction with AAW events through the 2026 AAW Convention and the program will culminate in a capstone project designed to bring value to AAW, its state and industry affiliates, and members.

“AAW is eager to capitalize on the success of the initial Road to Influence cohort that completed their experience in 2024,” said RTI coordinator Sara Reid Herman. “RTI is a foundational leadership and personal development program. It works to strengthen the core competencies we want to hone in our membership and works to strengthen and refine those skills within the culture of our organization.”

AAW is working with key industry alliances such as John Deere, Syngenta, and Valent to make this vision a reality. These partners will provide financial support, program consultation, and additional resources to bring the program to fruition.  In addition, AAW will partner with learning and development professional Sarah Hummell to provide key course content and program facilitation.

Congratulations to 2025 Cohort members:

Kim Bremmer (Loyal, WI)

A passionate advocate for agriculture, Kim Bremmer brings years of experience in public speaking, dairy nutrition, and agricultural consulting. As the founder of Ag Inspirations, she works to amplify farmers’ voices, bridging the gap between producers and consumers. Her expertise in agricultural advocacy and communication has made her a sought-after speaker nationwide. She is also the current First Vice President of American Agri-Women.

Maggie Howley (Custer, MT)

Maggie Howley grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, with milk and agriculture running through her veins. She has spent her life promoting agriculture and raising children. Maggie was a founding member of Montana Agri-Women. Besides devoting her time to Agri-Women, Maggie has been involved in Pony Club on a national level. Maggie's passions include, gardening, traveling, grand-kids, and horses.

Keila Schilling (Hartley, TX)

Keila Schilling is a dedicated agricultural leader, serving as the President of Texas Agri-Women and a committed advocate for the industry. With a Master’s in Agriculture Business from Texas A&M University, she has built a career in agricultural finance, currently working as a Credit Reviewer II at Capital Farm Credit. Her expertise in risk assessment, lending, and leadership has helped strengthen agricultural operations across Texas.

Sam Schwoeppe (Huntingburg, IN)

Omula “Sam” Schwoeppe is a dynamic leader in business partnerships and agricultural sustainability, specializing in stakeholder engagement, grant management, and strategic planning. With over 20 years of experience, she has managed grants to enhance food access and supply chain efficiency, fostered collaborations with industry leaders, and spearheaded initiatives to empower women in agriculture.

Heidi Slinkman (Rudolph, WI)

Heidi Slinkman is a cranberry grower-owner, business manager, and dedicated advocate for agricultural education and community development. As a leader in the cranberry industry, she has served on the Ocean Spray Grower Council, the Cranberry Institute, and the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, where she played a key role in securing funding for agricultural research. Passionate about sharing the story of farming, she co-founded Cranberry Learning Inc., a nonprofit focused on agricultural education, and continues to engage in public speaking, philanthropy, and industry leadership.

Jennifer Sousa (Tulare, CA)

Jennifer Sousa is an experienced agricultural educator. As an Agriculture Business Instructor at Reedley College, she leads initiatives that connect students with industry opportunities, serving as the AGNR Pathway Lead Teacher and AG Ambassador Advisor. Passionate about agricultural advocacy, she is involved in multiple professional organizations, including the Tulare County Farm Bureau, California Women for Agriculture, and American Agri-Women.

Jenny Stelmach (Owensboro, KY)

Jenny Stelmach is a seasoned agricultural marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in commodity marketing, client relations, and business development. She has successfully managed marketing strategies for over 90,000 crop acres, working closely with farmers to optimize profitability and sustainability in an ever-changing market. A dedicated leader, Jenny has held numerous leadership roles in agricultural organizations, including American Agri-Women and Kentucky Women in Agriculture.

Nancy Vander Byl-Coblentz (Negley, OH)

Nancy Coblentz is a seasoned agricultural sales and marketing professional with a passion for innovation and livestock management. As the Global Sales & Marketing Manager for Core Cool Systems, she has built a worldwide distribution network while educating industry leaders on heat stress prevention and precision agriculture. With hands-on experience in farm management, international sales, and public speaking, Nancy continues to drive advancements in agricultural technology and community engagement.

Shelley Wintjen (Griggsville, IL)

Shelley Wintjen is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the agricultural community, specializing in insurance underwriting, relationship management, and strategic product development. As a Senior Private Product Underwriter at AgriSompo, she excels in analyzing and maintaining insurance products while providing training and building strong partnerships with agents. A dedicated advocate for women in agriculture, Shelley actively contributes to organizations like Illinois AgriWomen and American Agri-Women, as well as initiatives such as Women Changing the Face of Agriculture.

PLANTING THE FUTURE FOR DYNAMIC WOMEN LEADERS TO BECOME A VOICE FOR TRUTH IN RURAL COMMUNITIES AND AGRICULTURE!