“Many legacy ranchers are women – they love the work they do and steward the land with aloha!”

Q: What valuable lessons have you learned as a woman in agriculture?  

As a non-farming female – the lesson is that many women are successful farmers.

Q: What valuable lessons have you learned specifically in your role as a woman state commissioner/director/secretary of agriculture?  

We can advocate for science-based solutions that minimize the work – pest and drought tolerant varieties, equipment that is light, maneuverable, female-friendly (easy to use).

Q: How do women in agriculture impact your state or the agriculture industry as a whole?  

Many legacy ranchers are women — they love the work they do and steward the land with aloha!

Q: Describe a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it. 

I came to the position from 15 years in Marketing – the position required (State) Senate confirmation and support from the House – I was an unknown to the legislature, however, close to the farmers, ranchers and producers.  Reached out to the industry and received over 250 letters of support – convinced the legislators that their constituents supported my confirmation.

Q: What do you wish the next generation of women in agriculture would know about your work?          

It is important to be connected to the stakeholders – farmers, ranchers, producers – and have contacts at the county, state and federal levels.  Having contacts within commodity groups and associations will enhance communication with the industry!

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?

My 25-year career in air cargo (Delta Air Lines) introduced me to the farmers – when I retired, I started in Marketing to help them increase sales, something they did not have time to do.