WCFA 2021 Online Curriculum: Announcement of Keynote Videos
WOMEN CHANGING THE FACE OF AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES 2021 ONLINE CURRICULUM KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The Women Changing the Face of Agriculture event committee is pleased to announce its keynote speakers for the 2021 virtual conference. In addition to these keynotes, the website will host online career exploration videos for you to explore and learn about the opportunities in the areas of agriculture and food production. Visit here for more information.
Sow Hope, Grow Hope – Adrienne DeSutter
It’s no secret: life is tough. We know things will get better, but how do we deal with the challenges in the meantime? You have a choice: be bitter or be better (want in on a little secret? You can be both)! Let’s chat about dealing with adversity, inspiring hope, and building resilience during difficult times.
Adrienne is an Illinois farm wife, mama, and advocate. With a master’s degree in Counseling and personal experiences with stress on the farm, Adrienne recognized a need for mental health advocacy in agriculture, and began partnering with ag businesses and organizations to promote healthy minds and prevent farmer suicide.
In addition to public speaking, she helps create and connect valuable ag mental health resources, writes a wellness column, and has been featured in articles, podcasts, and initiatives across the globe. She encourages a community approach to keeping farm families healthy, and works to break down mental health barriers and empower farmers through her social media presence, @SowHopeGrowHope.
Understanding your Strengths – Sponsored by Compeer
Compeer Financial, one of the Online Curriculum sponsors is sponsoring Cortney Duncanson, from Rochester, Minnesota. Her keynote will focus on understanding who you are and your strengths are keys to a successful career. Cortney Duncanson serves as a Credit Team Leader for Compeer Financial and leveraged her personal and professional strengths to build a rewarding and successful career.
Cortney grew up on a Holstein cow dairy farm in Utica, Minnesota and received her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business with a minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in May 2010. Cortney is married and has two children, and enjoys spending time with family and friends, four-wheeling and playing cards. In this keynote, Cortney will help students learn how to focus on strengths – not weaknesses – to build a successful career in agriculture.
What I Planned vs. What Happened: Embracing a Flexible Journey – Jenny Webb
Things don’t always go according to plan. While that can be an unsettling thought when it comes to your future, embracing the unknown and maintaining flexibility can be key to finding the right career path, and discovering your worth along the way.
Jenny Webb serves as Program Manager in the Member Services and Public Relation division at Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB). In this role, she coordinates the Young Leader program for members ages 18-35, including planning and executing statewide programs and events and facilitating the work of the state Young Leader Committee. She also oversees IFB’s Youth Education and Collegiate Farm Bureau programs.
Jenny serves as a Corporate Advisor on the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board and as President of the McLean County Extension Service Foundation Board. She earned her B.S. in Agribusiness from Illinois State University and resides in Bloomington, Illinois.
Illinois FFA State Officer Team – Reflections
This year, the Illinois FFA State Officer Team is comprised of 5 women from all over the state. They will share advice and lessons learned from their current year of service and offer encouragement to students continuing their agriculture journey.
Women Changing the Face of Agriculture is hosted by the Illinois Agri-Women (IAW) organization supports the agriculture industry, works for legislation to support and preserve family farms, communicates with other agriculture organizations, and strives to educate the public and promote agricultural awareness. The annual conference to be hosted at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois has been moved to March 4th, 2022.
