American Agri-Women Honors 2024 LEAVEN Award Recipients at 50th National Convention

The 2024 American Agri-Women (AAW) celebrated its 50th National Convention by honoring two exceptional women, Sara Reid Herman and Marie Bowers, with the prestigious 2024 LEAVEN Award. This award represents the highest honor bestowed by AAW, recognizing individuals who have acted as “leaven,” influencing and uplifting those around them to advance agriculture and empower others.

Marie Bowers

Marie Bowers, a fifth-generation grass seed farmer from Oregon, and is a leader in agriculture advocacy. Marie’s leadership extends beyond her farm. She is Vital Issues Chair for AAW, has served as President and Legislative Chair of Oregon Women for Agriculture and as a board member of the AgChat Foundation, where she helps farmers and ranchers amplify their voices through social media. Her unwavering dedication to agriculture advocacy and her role as a mentor and leader exemplify the spirit of the LEAVEN Award.

Sara Reid Herman

Sara Reid Herman is a corporate finance expert specializing in agriculture lending and leadership development. Her strong leadership and problem-solving skills have made her a pivotal figure in structuring transactions, developing relationship strategies, and fostering staff development. Sara’s dedication to agriculture, her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and her continued leadership through the AAW Road to Influence Program underscore her well-deserved recognition with the LEAVEN Award.

AAW presents the LEAVEN Award to individuals who reflect the values of generosity and leadership, the impact that these women have demonstrated in their communities and the agricultural industry is truly inspirational.

About the LEAVEN Award

Established to recognize exemplary leadership and service, the LEAVEN Award is named for the concept of “leaven” (yeast), which permeates and raises the elements it is mixed with, multiplying its effectiveness for good. Since its inception, the award has been a cornerstone of AAW’s mission to honor those who tirelessly advocate for agriculture and inspire others to do the same.