“Being a woman working in agriculture means showing up every day with both purpose and resilience. For me, it’s about providing for my community in a deeply tangible way—cultivating the land, nurturing crops, and producing food that nourishes people I know and love. There’s something profoundly grounding about that connection between the work of your hands and the well-being of others. It also means drawing strength from the challenges that come with this work. Agriculture is not easy—it tests you physically, mentally, and emotionally. But through every season of uncertainty, every setback, and every hard-earned harvest, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, adapt quickly, and lead with intention.”

Q: Tell us about your agricultural operation, your background and how you got started in agriculture. 

I’ve always enjoyed growing and nurturing things (plants, animals, and people), and have a career history in a large agriculture operation.  In the spring of 2018, I bought 20 beautiful acres of fallow farm ground and got to work. I saw how it was done on a commercial scale, but I wanted to do it a different way. Now my goal is to bring Sambucus and other less-common agricultural products directly to the people of my community.

Q: What does working in agriculture, and specifically being a woman in agriculture, mean to you?

Being a woman working in agriculture means showing up every day with both purpose and resilience. For me, it’s about providing for my community in a deeply tangible way—cultivating the land, nurturing crops, and producing food that nourishes people I know and love. There’s something profoundly grounding about that connection between the work of your hands and the well-being of others. It also means drawing strength from the challenges that come with this work. Agriculture is not easy—it tests you physically, mentally, and emotionally. But through every season of uncertainty, every setback, and every hard-earned harvest, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, adapt quickly, and lead with intention. Each challenge has shaped me into someone more capable and confident than I was the season before. Being a woman in this space also means holding space for others—mentoring, collaborating, and making sure that other voices are heard, especially those that have traditionally been overlooked. It’s a role that carries responsibility, but also tremendous opportunity to reimagine what agriculture can be when it’s rooted in care, equity, and sustainability.

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

Trust your voice, and don’t wait for permission to lead.

This work will challenge you, but don’t let those challenges define your limits. Let them teach you how strong, resourceful, and capable you are. There is power in showing up consistently, in asking questions, in making mistakes, and in learning as you go. Agriculture isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence, creativity, and care.

Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to take your own path. Your perspective is valid and needed. Whether you’re growing food, building a business, advocating for policy, or innovating in research, you bring something essential to the future of agriculture.

Q: Have you had access to formal education or informal training programs to help you grow your operation?

I came into this profession with a degree in biology, which gave me a strong foundation in plant science and systems thinking. Since then, I’ve continued to build on that through both formal and informal avenues. I was fortunate to participate in the Florida Farm2Food Accelerator, which provided valuable business development training tailored to agricultural entrepreneurs. I’ve also benefited greatly from ongoing relationships with UF/IFAS faculty and staff, whose expertise and support have been instrumental as I’ve grown my operation. In addition, I regularly take advantage of training opportunities offered by agricultural companies and industry organizations, which help me stay current on best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.

Q: What would make it easier for women in agriculture to access the capital they need?

One way to make it easier for women in agriculture to access the capital they need is through the expansion of women-specific grant programs that recognize their status as historically underserved producers. Targeted funding opportunities that account for the unique challenges women face in agricultural business development, such as access to land, credit, and networks, would empower more women to start, sustain, and scale their operations. These resources can make a meaningful difference, not only in individual farm success but in building a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector overall.

Q: What technologies or innovations have made the biggest difference on your farm? How do you stay informed about best practices, weather, markets, or new technologies?

Soil moisture probes and weather telemetry have made a significant impact on my farm’s efficiency and sustainability. These tools allow me to make data-driven decisions around irrigation and crop management, helping to conserve water and better respond to environmental conditions. To stay informed about best practices, markets, weather trends, and emerging technologies, I maintain close connections with our state department of agriculture, UF/IFAS specialists, and a strong network of industry partners. These relationships, combined with a commitment to continual learning, help me stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

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

One of the biggest challenges I faced was being turned down for my first large grant proposal. It was discouraging at the time, but I chose to treat it as a learning experience rather than a setback. I carefully reviewed the feedback, identified areas for improvement, and applied those lessons to the very next opportunity. That persistence paid off; not only did I submit a stronger proposal (and win a NIFA SBIR Phase I), but I also gained valuable tools and insights that have continued to benefit my operation. The experience taught me the importance of resilience, preparation, and viewing every challenge as a stepping stone toward growth.

Q: Has your state department of agriculture helped you advance your operation? How?

Yes, our state department of agriculture has played a valuable role in helping advance our operation. Participating in the Florida Farm2Food Accelerator provided critical business development support and helped me refine our value-added strategies. Additionally, completing a Best Management Practices (BMP) inspection through the department qualified the farm for cost-share opportunities with our local water management district. These programs have not only improved operational efficiency but have also supported my commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.