By Megan Karlin, Agriculture Future of America
Kansas City, MO – From Panama City, Florida, Kayla Bashore is motivated and determined to make a positive impact on the world. As a junior at University of Florida studying agricultural education and communication, she is off to a good start.
From work experiences to leadership and volunteer opportunities, Bashore pursues experiences that set her apart from her peers and prepare her to pursue a career in agriculture and food. Most recently, she was selected as an Agriculture Future of America Ambassador.
AFA is a leader and professional development organization for collegiate leaders and young professionals. Providing leader development, intern support and scholarships, AFA seeks to be a catalyst in the preparation of a new generation of agriculture leaders. Bashore and her fellow team members will interact with agribusiness leaders, campus faculty and fellow students as they represent AFA during their year of service.
“AFA leader development programs are valuable experiences that helps young professionals connect with industry leaders and grow as leaders themselves,” she said.
Bashore and the other 24 Ambassadors were selected through a competitive application process to increase awareness of AFA programs on their campuses and in their regions. Bashore says she is looking forward to her experiences.
“I am excited to serve as a student leader to inspire others so that they will have the same passion for agriculture that AFA has instilled in me,” Bashore said.
Ambassadors will also interact with industry professionals at various events and meetings on behalf of AFA. The health of AFA’s relationship with a college campus relies heavily on the work of the ambassadors. Bashore says she is looking forward to sharing the AFA experience with other students.
Bashore said, “AFA has given me a home where I can make connections with other students and industry professionals to develop myself as a young leader in agriculture.”
Bashore’s entrance into the AFA leader development programs began in 2019 when she was selected for the AFA Technology Institute and AFA Leaders Conference. In addition to her involvement with AFA, she has also been active in other organizations including Agricultural Communicators and Leaders of Tomorrow, Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority and UF Farm Bureau.
About AFA
AFA builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture. With program participation increasing 28% in the last five years, AFA has provided 21,000 leader development experiences to college leaders and young professionals from more than 200 colleges and universities throughout 43 states since its inception in 1996. AFA has awarded more than $10 million in academic and leader development scholarships. For more information about AFA, visit www.agfuture.org or contact Megan Karlin at megan.karlin@agfuture.org.
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