American Agri-Women "Road to Influence" Inaugural Leadership Training Held

RENO, Nev. (AgPR) Aug. 29, 2023 | American Agri-Women (AAW) gathered the candidates accepted into their first “AAW Road to Influence” class recently in Reno, Nev. for an orientation and their first leadership training session.

Candidates selected for the 15-month program include Debbie Bacigalupi, Calif.; Vikkie Becker, Ill.; Jacquie Compston, Nev.; Jenny Hitner, Ore.; Arlene Kovash, Ore.; Ally Moreau, N.Y.; Donnell Scott, Kan.; and Chrissy Wozniak, Fla. They are joined by AAW President Heather Hampton+Knodle, Ill. and First Vice President Rose Tryon of Calif..

AAW’s Road to Influence will take participants on a journey of personal and professional development that culminates with the class applying what they’ve learned by leading an initiative or program.

AAW’s President Hampton+Knodle said, “The vision driving this program is to empower women in agriculture to engage, lead and impact. We all need to learn how to ‘get out of our own way’ and how to work effectively in groups of diverse backgrounds to lead our industry forward.”

She credits the AAW Leadership Development Team headed by Sara Reid Herman, with roots in Colorado ranching and current business experience on the west coast based in California, for crafting a program that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Reid Herman said, “While many of our members in agribusiness have access to ongoing professional development, this program is unique in that it includes women from all backgrounds in agriculture growing individually to identify their strengths, recognize the strengths of others, and ultimately form and lead high functioning teams.”

The program is made possible by support from John Deere and Syngenta as well as past presidents Mitzi Perdue and Carol Marx. AAW has contracted a seasoned professional development coach, Sarah Hummell who also comes from sixth generation farming family in central Indiana, to facilitate the program.

Hampton+Knodle views this as an opportunity to next level the skills of individual members and the impact of the organization. She said, “For decades, women and men have appreciated the diversity within AAW’s member products and services. The Road to Influence starts beyond a single commodity, region, or state. Our unifying purpose is to be a voice for agriculture and to advocate for policies that let us maximize our abilities to feed, clothe and fuel our country.”

American Agri-Women (AAW) members will be able to apply for the next class in 2024. Interested prospective applicants may join AAW at www.americanagriwomen.org. About American Agri-Women American Agri-Women (AAW) is the national coalition of farm, ranch, and agribusiness women's organizations and state and commodity affiliate organizations. AAW’s Vision for the 2023 Farm Bill can be found at www.americanagriwomen.org.

AAW promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/, Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag) and Instagram.com/americanagriwomen/ (@americanagriwomen). #standupspeakout4ag