My name is Grace Hasler and I currently live in Washington, DC where I serve as a Deputy Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Liaison. Previously, I worked for the National Corn Growers Association as a Grassroots and Leadership Development Manager and completed two years in BASF's Professional Development program with roles in AgTech, state affairs and marketing. My involvement with AFA stemmed from a love of agriculture that started at my family's equine boarding facility, in the rodeo arena, in 4H and FFA, and grew with my degrees from Purdue University.

I have taken this passion for agriculture and used it a compass for my professional career that has led to the White House. Our office is often considered the “front door to the White House” and the key responsibility of our team is to engage with CEOs, farmers and other "Everyday Americans" to highlight the impact of the President's agenda and ensure the American constituency's voice is heard at the White House. While my current role is not directly related to agriculture, as the assistant to the director of the office, I have been placed in a position to be an advocate for agriculture in small ways while having day-to-day tasks that diversify my skill set and learned experiences.

Describe your AFA experience as a student.

My first AFA inquiry led to one of the greatest understatements of my academic career. I asked my advisor if this “AFA thing” was worth attending, to which he responded, “I’ve never had anyone go and not like it.” That unassuming response led to service as an ambassador in 2020 and a student advisor in 2021 which were two of the most influential experiences of my collegiate career. They led further led to internships and fantastic connections, but also to a deeper understanding of my purpose, how to elevate other’s voices, and a more comprehensive commitment to bettering our industry for the next generation.

What is one AFA memory, moment or conversation that has stayed with you?

While attending Commodity Classic as part of AFA’s Technology institute, our group visited a company on the trade show floor. Parked between towering signs, large equipment and an industry professional, our group asked questions and he spoke passionately about the importance of collaboration in the intersection of associations, corporations, and the government. He stressed the value of relationships, saying, “It’s not always about being top of mind. Sometimes, it’s more important to be the second or third person who people call on because it allows you to have a broader network.” This conversation about diversifying your network and his role in Industry Affairs became a defining moment in realizing what role I might be meant to pursue. While I am still early in my career, having a specific job title as an attainable goal makes decisions about pursuing the next opportunity much clearer.

At the time, what did AFA help you understand about yourself, your leadership style or your place in agriculture?

When I first attended AFA event, I felt confident speaking up. After four years at conference, in institutes, and in leadership, that confidence sharpened when I realized my voice didn’t need to be the loudest in the room. AFA taught me the value of asking the first question, starting the conversation, and bringing others together. One of our trainings on the Student Advisory Team was centered around the idea that the “so the last will be first and the first will be last.” This line of thinking ushered in a new tactic – one where bringing new perspectives to the table, elevating quieter voices, and creating a space where individuals feel valued creates a stronger and unified team. At the time, I thought of this as a great message but more recently found the verse Matthew 20:16. It was a reminder of how servant leadership yields greater outcomes and that in remaining humble, we allow ourselves to see and accomplish more.

Was there a person, mentor, peer or industry professional you met through AFA who influenced your path? What impact did they have?

During a volunteer coffee conversation, I met Courtney White from BASF. The call was nearly a disaster. My Wi-Fi got unplugged mid-conversation, he had to move rooms, and we ran out of time on the Zoom recording. It was, however, a valuable conversation addressing tough topics that Courtney handled with authenticity and poise. After the call, he reached out and said there was someone I needed to meet.
That person was Aline DeLuca, who was the Head of Industry Affairs for BASF. At the end of what I thought was a networking call, she said “so how’s May 27th sound to start your internship?” That conversation started a trajectory that led me to move to DC for the summer, to North Carolina after graduation and introduced me to some of the greatest career mentors in the industry. It allowed me to feel confident with living away from home and set me on a path that has led to finding my place and my people in the nation’s capital while advocating for the most important industry on earth.