I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Alabama A&M University. I currently participate in BASF’s Commercial Professional Development Program (PDP), where I am completing my final rotation before transitioning into a permanent role within the company. The program is designed to provide recent graduates with exposure to various areas of the business through rotational assignments.

Throughout the program, I have gained experience in Business Operations, Sales & Marketing Enablement, and BASF’s Digital Farming business. These opportunities have allowed me to develop a broad understanding of the agriculture industry while building a strong commercial foundation.

Describe your AFA experience as a student.

My AFA experience has been especially meaningful because I was the first student from Alabama A&M University to become involved with the organization. When I first attended the Virtual Animal Institute, I had no idea how much it would impact my future. Coming from an 1890 institution, I was eager to explore opportunities beyond what I knew on campus and learn more about the broader agriculture industry.

As I continued my involvement through the Leaders Conference, serving as an Ambassador, and later joining the 2023 Student Advisory Team, I gained leadership skills, industry knowledge, and a national network of peers and professionals. Being the first student from my university involved with AFA also gave me the opportunity to serve as a bridge between AFA and Alabama A&M. I took pride in sharing my experiences with classmates, encouraging them to apply for conferences and institutes, and helping them see the many career paths available within agriculture.

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is helping increase awareness of AFA on my campus and opening doors for other students to become involved. Watching fellow Bulldogs participate in AFA programs after hearing about my experience has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced my passion for developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

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

One AFA moment that has stayed with me happened while I was serving on the Student Advisory Team. After I spoke on stage, a student approached me and shared that seeing a Black woman in a leadership role was impactful because she wasn't used to seeing someone who looked like her represented in those spaces.

That conversation reminded me that representation matters. What makes it even more meaningful is that she became more involved in AFA and has served in leadership positions . Knowing that my presence helped inspire her involvement is one of the most rewarding parts of my AFA journey and a legacy I'm proud to have helped create.

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

AFA helped me realize that I belong in these spaces and that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. As a student, it pushed me outside of my comfort zone, challenged me to take on leadership opportunities, and gave me the confidence to trust my abilities.

That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career. Whether it's taking on a new rotation, leading a project, or facing an unfamiliar challenge at BASF, I'm reminded of the confidence I gained through AFA. It taught me to believe in myself, embrace new opportunities, and know that I have something valuable to contribute.

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

One person who has had a significant impact on my path is Nick Tarlton. The first year I attended the AFA Leaders Conference, he received the Bridge Builder Award. Hearing his journey and learning about the impact he had made throughout his career inspired me and showed me the type of leader I wanted to become.

Beyond that moment, Nick has become someone I know I can always turn to for guidance and support. His willingness to invest in others and help the next generation of leaders has left a lasting impression on me. He has challenged me to think bigger, believe in my potential, and focus on the impact I can have on others just as he has done for so many people, including me.

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

AFA taught me that opportunities don't always find you, you often have to create them yourself. Whether it was introducing myself to a recruiter, applying for a leadership role, or pursuing experiences outside my comfort zone, AFA encouraged me to take initiative.

Finish this sentence: Because of AFA, I...

learned that I belong in any room I walk into and have something valuable to contribute.

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