Erika Sellar Ryan, ASA Board member, and Katie Jilek, ASA’s Communication and Outreach Manager have been selected to participate in an intensive leadership development program for New York State’s food and agricultural industry beginning in the fall of 2017. LEAD New York, established 32 years ago as the Empire State Food and Agricultural Leadership Institute, has inspired nearly 500 graduates to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions in virtually every segment of the food, agricultural and natural resource industries of the Northeast.
LEAD New York consists of seminars, workshops, and field travel experiences both in and out of New York State, including a week-long international study trip. It is designed for women and men who provide leadership to the food, agricultural and natural resource industry. The program focuses on leadership skill development, self-awareness, civic engagement, a greater understanding of rural issues and cultivating leadership networks.
Participants enter the program with diverse backgrounds, goals and levels of leadership experience. However, all share a common commitment to the future of New York’s food and agriculture system and rural communities. Through LEAD New York they will become immersed in the latest trends, issues, perceptions and technological advancements in food and agriculture and get hands-on experience through facility tours and face-to-face meetings with influential figures.
Class members improve leadership and communication skills including public speaking, meeting management, and effective listening while building valuable professional relationships. The program enhances an overall understanding of agriculture and our food system from production to consumption, allowing individuals to seek creative solutions to today’s problems and anticipate tomorrow’s needs.
For more information about LEAD New York, please visit www.leadny.org, or contact Larry Van De Valk, Executive Director at 607-255-7907 or ljv4@cornell.edu
Congratulations, Erika and Katie!
