Source: National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) news release
Chesterfield, MO -- With connection and collaboration at the heart of its mission, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted its fifth annual Women and Mentors Retreat on June 25 and 26 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Women and Mentors retreat is designed to create a diverse network of individuals who wish to empower women in agriculture.
Throughout the conference, participants learned to "Quiet their Inner Critic" with help from author, Randi Braun, explored their strengths through the CliftonStrengths Assessment, learned ways to embrace authenticity with Felecia Pryor, Chief People Officer of John Deere, and worked through project development ideas in a team setting. Sponsor representatives Kianna Wilson from FMC and Kate Greif from BASF also shared impactful sessions to add to the variety of topics covered at the conference.
Hearing from accomplished leaders like Jennifer Houston, Lori Stevermer and Verity Ulibarri in a panel led by our own NCGA Chief Economist, Krista Swanson, made for an engaging and rewarding retreat experience.
Attendee Hailey Gilbert from Michigan was looking for an opportunity to network and grow when the Women and Mentors Retreat was introduced to her by a past employer. Gilbert walked away from the conference feeling refreshed and encouraged. "All the speakers were really strong examples of women in agriculture, so I'm taking away tangible leadership skills and interpersonal skills," said Gilbert.
After two days of connection, growth and energy, cohorts were created to extend the impact of the retreat beyond its scheduled time. Mentorship groups are comprised of farmers, industry professionals, sponsor representatives, male allies and anyone who shares in the mission of acknowledging the vital role women play in the agriculture industry.
"We feel it's very important to elevate the role of women in agriculture, so that they can continue to grow as leaders and lead future customer organizations," said Jarah Hauger, a representative of an event sponsor, John Deere.
NCGA would like to thank all of our sponsors for making the Women and Mentors Retreat possible for the fifth year in a row: Syngenta, FMC, Bayer, John Deere and BASF.