5 Women
Top
Carol Ann Johnson Chief Development Officer Alpha Gamma Rho
Inspiring
Leaders Driving Excellence in
Agriculture,
VOL-07 | ISSUE-05 | 2024
2024
Carol Ann Johnson Leading with Purpose in Agricultural Development
"The future of agriculture is not in the past; it's in the future, but the future depends on how we work together.”
Editor’s Desk
Trailblazing Women in Agriculture
W
omen in agriculture are taking on pivotal roles, reshaping the industry with innovative solutions and forward-thinking strategies. These leaders are not just making their mark in farming, but they are redefining the future of food security, sustainability, and rural development on a global scale. By blending traditional agricultural knowledge with cutting-edge technologies, they lead efforts to address critical issues like climate change, supply chain disruptions, and food waste. One of the most remarkable aspects of these leaders is their ability to combine agricultural expertise with social responsibility. They actively ensure that agricultural practices are sustainable, environmentally responsible, and equitable for all stakeholders. Through promoting regenerative farming techniques, championing the importance of soil health, and supporting local communities, these women are paving the way for a more resilient and ethical agricultural sector.
Many of these leaders are breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, challenging stereotypes and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in agriculture. They are managing large-scale agricultural operations or directing policy initiatives and mentoring young women in farming and agricultural sciences, ensuring that their legacy of leadership and empowerment continues. By blending innovation with tradition and community values with global thinking, these top women leaders in agriculture are creating lasting change. Their work proves that agriculture's future is not only about producing food but about doing so in a way that supports the planet and its people. As 2024 unfolds, these women are poised to continue driving excellence in one of the world’s most essential industries.
Susan J.
CONTENTS
C OV E R STO RY
08
Carol Ann Johnson Leading with Purpose in Agricultural Development
16
ARTICLES
Breaking Ground
The Challenges and Triumphs of Women Farmers
20
Harvesting Change
The Growing Impact of Women in Agriculture
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July, 2024
Senior Sales Manager Marketing Manager Technical Head SME-SMO Executive Business Development Manager Sales Executives Business Development Executives Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst Circulation Manager Database Management Technology Consultant
Daniel Thompson John Matthew George K. Franklin G. Jenny Jordan David, Alan Steve, Joe Dominique T.
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Featured Person
Company Name
Carol Ann Johnson Alpha Gamma Rho Chief Development alphagammarho.org Of icer Jill Frey Superbloom Farms superbloomfarms.com Owner King Arthur Baking Company Karen Colberg kingarthurbaking.com CEO
Monalisa Shroff CFO
Freight Farms freightfarms.com
Taylor Cocalis Good Food Jobs goodfoodjobs.com Co-founder
Brief Carol is the Chief Development Of icer, a social-professional fraternity sharing a common bond, training leaders in agricultural sciences, natural resources, and similar industries. Jill is the Owner of Superbloom Farms, an urban hydroponic container farm in Grand Rapids MI growing nutrient-dense greens and herbs 365 days/year.
Karen is the CEO of King Arthur Baking Company, an American supplier of lour, ingredients, baking mixes, cookbooks, and baked goods. Known for its high-quality products and commitment to sustainability. Monalisa is a Finance & Operations Professional with over 15 years of experience in inance and operations with a strong focus on strategic and inancial planning.
Taylor is the Co-founder of Good Good Jobs, a gastro-job search tool designed to link people looking for meaningful food work with the businesses that need their energy, enthusiasm, and intellect.
Carol Ann Johnson
Chief Development Officer
Alpha Gamma Rho
Story
Carol Ann Johnson Leading with Purpose in Agricultural Development
Carol's journey — from farm roots to a na onal pla orm — exemplifies the transforma ve power of leadership driven by passion and purpose, inspiring others to embrace the cause.
Top 5 Inspiring Women Leaders Driving Excellence in Agriculture, 2024 Inspiring Change in Agriculture!
I
n the world of agricultural development, individuals like Carol Ann Johnson have made notable contribu ons through a unique blend of skills, passion and dedica on. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Carol has carved a dis nct niche in development leadership. From her early endeavors in marke ng and business management to her crucial roles in higher educa on and healthcare fundraising, Carol’s career underscores her commitment to driving impac ul change. As Chief Development Officer, Carol leads efforts to drive impact through careful and inten onal use of data and metrics for the Educa onal Founda on of Alpha Gamma Rho. Along this path, she has harnessed crucial skills in rela onship building, data analysis, and management, laying the groundwork for her current posi on. Through strategic ini a ves and me culous oversight, Carol ensures that resources align with the organiza ons Purpose and goals nurturing a culture of philanthropy and sustainable growth. Carol is quick to add, “The successes we see are not because of me or my efforts, but rather it is all thanks to our leaders who empower me to work for and with them and our suppor ve donors who give of their me, treasure, and talents me and again—this work we are able to do together secures a strong legacy, and I am just so grateful to be a part of it all!” Beyond her professional endeavors, Carol’s deep-rooted connec on to agriculture fuels her commitment to Alpha Gamma Rho’s mission. Growing up on a farm and ac vely par cipa ng in organiza ons like FFA and 4-H, she epitomizes the values of hard work and dedica on rooted in agricultural communi es. Her journey — from farm roots to a na onal pla orm — exemplifies the transforma ve power of leadership driven by passion and purpose, inspiring others to embrace the cause. Let’s explore Carol’s journey in agricultural development: The Path to Leadership in Development Carol began her career in development immediately following college in 1996. She served the Arkansas Ca lemen’s Associa on in a marke ng and business manager role, where she was able to facilitate a fundraising ini a ve to establish a ca lemen’s library that is s ll opera onal today. She then went on to work for her alma mater, Arkansas State University. There, she served as a Development Officer
Leadership quali es essen al to fundraising success include integrity, diligence, passion and loyalty.
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Never stop learning, work harder than anyone else in the room, and always be YOU!
helping to establish a $22 million campus in Heber Springs, and she worked through various roles eventually becomming the Vice Chancellor of Development at Arkansas State University-Beebe. During that me, she completed a Doctorate of Educa onal Leadership with an emphasis in Governance and Law. Later, she worked as a Senior Development Officer for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she worked on a $70 million campaign for a new facility, among some of the best fundraisers in the industry. Through each role, she learned the importance of discovering and cul va ng rela onships, the value of data and metrics, and the importance of mee ng donors’ wishes and corresponding stewardship combining with ins tu onal mission and impact.
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Beyond cul va on and solicita on, stewardship is key. Carol says, “The best thing I can do to develop and maintain solid rela onships is to share impact and give thanks to donors who invest.” By doing so, she extends the mission of the organiza on, engages members and donors at inten onal and meaningful levels, grows the organiza on’s resource base, and gains credibility amongst
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Strategic rela onship development is cri cal to fundraising. Carol says, “Ninety percent of my job is listening to each donor’s interests, and the remaining 10% of my work is eleva ng a genuine rela onship.” She goes on to say that through her rela onships with donors all across the na on, she must educate about areas of interest and make a connec on between interests and investments. Simply put, the bulk of her work is “friend-raising.”
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Standing Out Among Chari es
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Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity has a Fraternal Purpose of Making Be er Men and, through them, a broader and be er agriculture, with chapters at 70 universi es across the na on. Having been a sweetheart for AGR in college herself and having a son who is an AGR member, she knows the impact that the Fraternity makes. She is con nually inspired to fundraise for the organiza onal mission, and she is extraordinarily honored to do so.
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She works in lockstep with the Fraternal Organiza on to iden fy the needs and connect those needs with resources to best provide for the cons tuency. Oversight of
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Carol prides herself on being responsible for discovering, cul va ng and managing rela onships to educate cons tuents on the importance of the Educa onal Founda on of Alpha Gamma Rho and the resources that support it. She shares the organiza on’s mission and purpose with almost 60,000 members at 70 chapters across the na on while proving the impact of investments obtained through inten onal solicita ons and meaningful stewardship using data and metrics.
She says she “truly lucked into her first fundraising role,” but along with each furthering experience in Arkansas agricultural development, higher educa on and health care fundraising, she has gained a skillset that allows her to now serve in a posi on that benefits the agricultural field from a na onal pla orm.
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Driving Impact through Data and Metrics
Carol was born and raised on a farm that was homesteaded by her sixth great-grandfather. Having been firmly grounded in agricultural educa onal studies in high school and college, organiza ons like FFA and 4-H, as well as Alpha Gamma Rho, inspired and con nue to inspire her to take pride in agriculture.
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An execu ve recruiter, charged with finding a new Chief Development Officer for Alpha Gamma Rho, found Carol through a search on LinkedIn. The organiza on was looking for someone with knowledge of Alpha Gamma Rho, an agricultural background, and a minimum of 10 years of development experience. Carol checked all the boxes and was interviewed and hired for the posi on, which she says is “truly one of the greatest honors of her life.”
From Farm Roots to Na onal Impact
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Outside of her professional experiences, she became ac ve on social media pla orms through the recommenda on of supervisors at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. They were encouraged to post their resumes and vitae on LinkedIn, and she did so. On her resume, she included extracurricular accomplishments, with one of those being chosen as the Alpha Gamma Rho Sweetheart at Beta Epsilon while in college.
rela onships and management of resources is driven by daily database facilita on and analysis, strategic annual fund efforts, facilita on, management of capital campaigns, major gi stewardship ini a ves, planned giving por olio management, and administra on of all policies and procedures to meet and exceed monetary goals.
a cons tuency that is genuinely commi ed to inves ng in the Fraternal Purpose.
embodies each of these quali es by priori zing her work and genuinely valuing the cons tuents she serves.
Rising Tides
Balancing Work and Life Seamlessly
In her opinion, Carol states the number of nonprofits is increasing every year. So, the biggest challenge in fundraising for the Educa onal Founda on of Alpha Gamma Rho in the agricultural sector is finding a way to be relevant and stand out amongst other chari es.
As the Chief Development Officer for the Educa onal Founda on of Alpha Gamma Rho, Carol can balance her work and life responsibili es easily because her work is such a huge part of her life, and her life fits into that work seamlessly.
Driving Excellence
Guidance for Aspiring Agricultural Leaders
Driving excellence takes precedence in Carol’s daily walk and talk. She says, “I wake up every day wan ng to do more and be er work for the Educa onal Founda on of Alpha Gamma Rho!” Having an expert understanding of fundraising principles and policies, data and metrics analysis and administra on, and rela onship marke ng and management is necessary for solid fundraising. However, having a genuine affec on for the organiza on and the agricultural field leads to successful fundraising, and Carol is certainly proving this!
Advice that Carol would offer to aspiring leaders looking to make a significant impact in the agricultural industry, par cularly the fundraising sector, would be:
Se ng the Standard
Leaving Las ng Legacy
Carol fosters a culture of philanthropy by giving herself, and she engages others to be involved by being present herself. She says, “I always want to be one of the first to show up, and one of the last to leave in any work se ng,” as she believes that when others see her with her sleeves rolled up, they want to do the same.
Her plan is to con nue driving excellence in agriculture through leadership by mee ng and exceeding all expecta ons in her role as Chief Development Officer for The Educa onal Founda on of Alpha Gamma Rho — it’s her goal to re re at AGR and leave a legacy impac ng the organiza on in the most posi ve way possible. She says, “Working for AGR is truly a dream come true, as I am honored to serve as Chief Development Officer for the world’s agricultural Fraternity!”
Spreading Agricultural Knowledge From being a state FFA officer to serving as a pageant tleholder, agriculture has always been front and center for Carol. With less than 2% of the world being involved in agriculture, she understands the importance of a pla orm that allows sharing and educa onal opportuni es. She believes that if society be er understands farming and agricultural provisions, it can best provide for the na on and beyond. She clearly never backs down from the chance to share her upbringing and her work in agriculture, as it is truly who she is in any se ng. Embodying Key Quali es Leadership quali es essen al to fundraising success include integrity, diligence, passion and loyalty. Carol
Ÿ Never stop learning — become the expert on current informa on, trends and prac ces. Ÿ Work harder than anyone else in any room. Ÿ Always be true to yourself! Through genuine character representa on, one ends up where they are really supposed to be!
Having raised historically high annual fund amounts and capital campaign funds in recent years, inspires her to con nue doing so, providing resources to expand leadership development for those who will broaden and be er the agricultural industry.
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The Challenges and Triumphs of Women Farmers
T
he role of women in agriculture has gained significant attention as they break new ground in farming practices. Their contributions are crucial to achieving food security and fostering sustainable development. This article explores the challenges women farmers face and celebrates their triumphs, highlighting their resilience and innovation. Historical Context Historically, women have been integral to agriculture, often handling critical tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. Despite their involvement, their contributions were frequently undervalued and overlooked. Women were typically excluded from land ownership and decision-making processes, limiting their ability to influence agricultural practices and policies. Barriers to Land Ownership One of the most significant challenges women farmers face is the lack of access to land. Cultural and legal restrictions in many regions prevent women from owning or inheriting land. This lack of ownership hampers their ability to invest in and develop agricultural enterprises. Without land, women farmers find it difficult to secure loans and credit, further limiting their capacity for growth and innovation. Financial Constraints Access to financial services is another major barrier for women in agriculture. Women often face difficulties in obtaining loans and credit due to discriminatory practices and a lack of collateral. Financial institutions tend to view women as high-risk borrowers, which limits their opportunities for investment in agricultural activities. This financial exclusion stifles their potential and reduces overall agricultural productivity. Limited Access to Technology and Training Women farmers frequently lack access to the latest agricultural technologies and training. Educational opportunities are often
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Breaking Ground
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skewed in favor of men, leaving women without the necessary skills and knowledge to implement modern farming techniques. This knowledge gap limits their productivity and ability to adopt sustainable practices. Providing women with access to education and training is essential for enhancing their contributions to agriculture.
empowerment are essential for addressing the challenges faced by women in agriculture. Land reform policies, financial inclusion programs, and initiatives to increase women's representation in agricultural leadership can create a more enabling environment for women farmers. The Role of the Private Sector
Case Studies of Triumph
The private sector also has a critical role to play in supporting women farmers. Companies can provide women with access to markets, training, and financial services. Private-sector initiatives that focus on women's empowerment can lead to increased agricultural productivity and economic growth.
Despite these challenges, many women farmers have overcome barriers and achieved remarkable success. In India, the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) has empowered thousands of women through training, financial services, and market access. SEWA's initiatives have enabled women to improve their agricultural productivity and achieve economic independence.
For instance, multinational agribusiness companies have partnered with local organizations in various countries to provide women farmers with training and resources. These partnerships have resulted in improved agricultural practices, higher yields, and increased incomes for women farmers.
In Kenya, the Women in Agriculture Network (WiAN) supports women farmers through education and advocacy. WiAN has been instrumental in providing women with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance their farming practices and increase their incomes. These case studies demonstrate the potential of women farmers when given the necessary support and resources.
The Path Forward The future of women in agriculture is promising, with increasing recognition of their contributions and efforts to address the challenges they face. Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must continue to collaborate to create an enabling environment for women farmers. This includes policies that promote gender equality, programs that provide access to resources, and initiatives that support women's leadership.
Technological Advancements and Innovation Women farmers are increasingly driving technological advancements and innovation in agriculture. They are involved in developing and promoting sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming and the use of renewable energy sources. These innovations are crucial for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring longterm food security.
Conclusion,
For instance, women in Uganda have embraced solarpowered irrigation systems, reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources and increasing their agricultural productivity. In Nigeria, women farmers have adopted mobile technology to access market information and connect with buyers, enhancing their market reach and profitability.
Women farmers play a crucial role in agriculture, contributing to food security, economic growth, and sustainable development. Despite facing significant challenges, their resilience and innovation have led to remarkable triumphs. By addressing the barriers they face and providing them with the necessary support, we can ensure that women farmers continue to break new ground and drive positive change in the agricultural sector. The challenges and triumphs of women farmers highlight the need for continued efforts to empower and support them, ultimately benefiting society.
Policy Interventions and Support Governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in supporting women farmers. Policy interventions aimed at gender equality and women's
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"Agriculture is the foundation of civilization and any stable economy."
Harvesting Change
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The Growing Impact of Women in Agriculture
A
griculture has seen a notable shift, with more women playing crucial roles in the industry. This change is reshaping agricultural practices and contributing to sustainable development. The increasing involvement of women in farming not only benefits economies but also promotes food security and innovation. This article explores the significant contributions of women in agriculture and the challenges they face. Historical Background Women's involvement in agriculture is not a new phenomenon. Historically, women have always been part of agricultural activities, particularly subsistence farming. However, their contributions were often overlooked and undervalued. In many cultures, women were responsible for tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting, while men handled tasks that were more physically demanding. Despite their critical role, women rarely had ownership of land or decision-making power. Increasing Participation In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the essential role women play in agriculture. Various factors contribute to this increasing participation. Educational opportunities have expanded, allowing more women to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for modern farming techniques. Additionally, there are numerous initiatives aimed at empowering women in agriculture through training, financial support, and policy reforms. Economic Contributions Women's contributions to agriculture have significant economic implications. Studies show that when women have access to the same resources as men, they can achieve comparable levels of productivity. This means that supporting women in agriculture can lead to increased agricultural output and economic growth. Furthermore, women are more likely to reinvest their earnings in their families and communities, promoting broader social development.
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Technological Innovation
studies demonstrate that when women are empowered, they can drive significant positive change in the agricultural sector.
Women in agriculture are also driving technological innovation. They are increasingly involved in research and development, contributing to advancements in farming techniques and crop management. For example, women are at the forefront of developing and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and the use of renewable energy sources. These innovations are crucial for addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring long-term food security.
Future Prospects The future of women in agriculture looks promising, with increasing recognition of their contributions and efforts to address the challenges they face. Governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector are working together to create an enabling environment for women in agriculture. This includes policies that promote gender equality, programs that provide access to resources, and initiatives that support women's leadership.
Overcoming Challenges Despite their significant contributions, women in agriculture face numerous challenges. One of the primary barriers is the lack of access to land. In many regions, cultural and legal restrictions prevent women from owning or inheriting land. This limits their ability to invest in and manage agricultural enterprises. Additionally, women often have limited access to financial services, such as loans and credit, which are essential for expanding their agricultural activities.
Furthermore, the global push towards sustainable development presents new opportunities for women in agriculture. As the world focuses on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a growing importance placed on gender equality and the empowerment of women. This creates a favorable environment for advancing women's participation in agriculture and harnessing their potential to drive sustainable agricultural practices.
Another major challenge is the lack of representation in agricultural decision-making bodies. Women are underrepresented in leadership positions, which means their perspectives and needs are often not considered in policymaking processes. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions, such as land reform policies, financial inclusion programs, and efforts to increase women's representation in leadership roles.
Conclusion, Women are playing an increasingly vital role in agriculture, contributing to economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainable development. While they face significant challenges, targeted interventions and supportive policies can help overcome these barriers. By empowering women in agriculture, we can ensure a more productive, sustainable, and equitable agricultural sector. The growing impact of women in agriculture is not just a trend but a transformative force that is harvesting change for the betterment of societies worldwide.
Case Studies Several successful case studies highlight the positive impact of women in agriculture. In India, the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) has empowered thousands of women by providing training, financial services, and market access. SEWA's initiatives have helped women improve their agricultural productivity and achieve economic independence. Similarly, in Kenya, the Women in Agriculture Network (WiAN) has been instrumental in supporting women farmers through education and advocacy. In Uganda, the Gender and Economic Policy Management Initiative (GEPMI) has focused on integrating gender perspectives into agricultural policies. This has resulted in more inclusive policies that support women's participation in agriculture and address their specific needs. These case
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"The soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all.”
"Agriculture is the greatest of all arts, because it feeds the world.”
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