I’m Kayla Bashore, and I currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina, where I work as a sustainability analyst for CHS, Inc. I earned my undergraduate degree in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida, followed by an MBA concentrating in Marketing from North Carolina State University.

I didn’t grow up on a farm or have early ties to agriculture, but I found my way into the industry through getting involved and saying yes to opportunities, especially helping to build up my FFA chapter near Panama City, FL (huge shoutout to Ms. P!). That experience sparked a real love for service, farmers, and the important role agriculture plays in feeding people around the world.

I spent time early in my career at BASF working in crop protection during undergrad and between my undergrad and MBA. Through networking with another AFA colleague, I eventually landed at CHS, where I now help lead sustainability reporting and related initiatives. I’m passionate about connecting business, sustainability, and agriculture in ways that support farmers and a stronger, more resilient food system.

Describe your AFA experience as a student.

As a first‑generation college student, scholarships played a huge role in making my education possible. One night, while up late searching for scholarship opportunities, I stumbled across the AFA website. After reading what AFA stood for, I was immediately hooked. I noticed the Technology Institute applications were due soon and decided to apply, without fully realizing how much that decision would shape my future.

Being a part of an organization like AFA started something I could have never imagined. Through attending the Technology Institute and Commodity Classic, I was completely floored by the exposure, the people, and the opportunities. At Commodity Classic, I was introduced to BASF and made connections that eventually led to two internships with them while I was a student. Those experiences helped solidify my career path and deepen my connection to agriculture.

As I got closer to my senior year, I wanted to be even more involved in AFA. I attended additional institutes and became an AFA Ambassador, helping restart recruiting efforts at the University of Florida. Through the Ambassador program, I was also exposed to CHS, a sponsor of AFA programs, another connection that would later play a meaningful role in my career.

AFA has impacted my life in ways far beyond what I ever dreamed when I first found that website late at night. From career opportunities to lifelong connections and confidence in myself, I am incredibly grateful for the role AFA has played in my journey.

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

One AFA moment that has really stayed with me was during the Leadership Conference, when a speaker talked about how we choose to shape our thinking about other people, especially after negative experiences. They shared the idea that when someone frustrates us or doesn’t show up the way we expect, instead of immediately getting upset or holding onto those feelings, we should pause and consider what might be happening in their day or their life.

That message really stuck with me. It was a reminder that there’s so much going on behind the scenes that we don’t see, and that giving people the benefit of the doubt can completely change your perspective. Since then, I’ve tried to approach situations with more empathy, forgiveness, and openness to different viewpoints.

That conversation perfectly reflects what AFA stands for, valuing inclusiveness, equity, and diverse perspectives. It reinforced for me that leadership isn’t just about what you do professionally, but about how you treat people and show up for them every day.

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

At the time, AFA helped me understand that I had a place in agriculture, even though I didn’t grow up on a farm. Being surrounded by peers and leaders who came from so many different backgrounds showed me that agriculture needs all kinds of perspectives, skills, and stories. AFA gave me the confidence to see my background not as a limitation, but as a strength, and helped me realize that leadership in agriculture isn’t defined by where you come from, but by how you show up, serve others, and contribute to the industry.

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

There is one person in particular who had an enormous influence on my path through AFA, and I owe her a great deal of thanks. I met Megan Rock as an AFA Ambassador, and while we eventually lost touch, our connection came full circle later in my journey. During graduate school, I reached out to ask if she would speak at a conference. She said no, but what she gave me instead was far more meaningful: the opportunity that led to my start at CHS.

Beyond that moment, Megan has been a constant example of what strong, values‑driven leadership looks like. Regardless of position or title, she is someone I deeply respect and care about. I’m honored to call her both a peer and a mentor, and her influence has played a meaningful role in shaping my career and confidence within the agriculture industry.

What skill, mindset or lesson from AFA has been most useful in your professional life?

One of the most useful lessons I took from AFA was the mindset around diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. I attended a training that focused on understanding different perspectives, valuing people’s backgrounds, and creating environments where everyone feels respected and included. At the time, I didn’t realize just how much that training would shape the way I show up professionally.

In my career, that mindset has helped me work more effectively across teams, roles, and lived experiences. It taught me how to listen first, approach conversations with empathy, and recognize that different viewpoints make our work stronger. Whether I’m collaborating with colleagues, working with farmers, or navigating complex sustainability conversations, those lessons continue to guide how I build relationships and lead with intention.

Finish this sentence: Because of AFA, I…

Because of AFA, I found my place in agriculture and the confidence to pursue a career I never imagined for myself.