Sent on behalf of Illinois Agri-Women.
Questions can be directed to; Gayle Baker at ILWCFA@gmail.com
Women Changing the Face of Agriculture: Empowering the Next Generation at Heartland Community College and Joliet Junior College in 2026
The Illinois Agri-Women proudly present the 2026 Women Changing the Face of Agriculture (WCFA) events on March 6 at Heartland Community College (student schedule) and April 10 at Joliet Junior College, inspiring young high school women to explore dynamic careers in agriculture by connecting students, educators, and industry professionals.
The WCFA events will feature interactive workshops, panel discussions, career fair booths, hands-on skills sessions, and networking opportunities with women leading in agriculture. Attendees will explore careers in agribusiness, technology, sustainability, and more, connecting with mentors and peers. High school students can register starting January 2026 at womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com.
The events will also feature a career development keynote address by Dr. Kristen Strom, a speaker, author, educator, and farm-wife who helps young women lead themselves with confidence, courage, and purpose—even when life feels uncertain. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, she and her husband Grant earned the Illinois and American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award for their leadership in agriculture. Her keynote, “Step Into Your MAGIC: Lead Yourself With Confidence and Courage,” uses her M.A.G.I.C. framework to inspire students to overcome self-doubt and pursue their goals with practical, relatable insights.
WCFA seeks sponsors and industry partners for 2026 to host career fair booths or hands-on skills sessions, connecting directly with hundreds of students to showcase agriculture careers. Contact ILWCFA@gmail.com to join us.
Looking to the future, Illinois Agri-Women is excited to announce plans to establish three permanent event locations across the northern, central, and southern regions of Illinois. To support this expansion, the organization is actively seeking additional regional event coordinators to help plan and execute future WCFA events. This expansion, combined with a more compact event schedule, aims to enhance accessibility for students across the state and create more opportunities for professionals and women in agriculture to inspire the next generation. To support our expansion to three permanent locations across Illinois, WCFA invites host schools and regional event coordinators to shape the future of ag education. Reach out at the email below or find information at womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com.
The WCFA events are organized by Illinois Agri-Women volunteers, including Katie Betz (Nutrien Ag Solutions, sponsorships), Haley Underwood (Nutrien Ag Solutions, schedule and sessions), Gayle Baker (Maurer-Stutz, Inc., logistics and outreach), and Tammy Miller (Joliet Junior College, regional event coordinator), supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.
“These events are about building connections and opening doors for young women in agriculture,” said Gayle Baker, logistics and outreach lead. “We’re excited to grow our reach and invite new partners to join us in shaping the future of this industry.”
Follow #WCFA2026 for updates and join us at womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com for registration, sponsorship, and coordinator opportunities.
-- Jennifer Waters
Facilitating Coordination in Ag Education (FCAE)
Phone: 217-827-0633
Cell: 217-827-0633
Email: jwaters@ilaged.org
Address: 211 IL-125, Pleasant Plains, IL 62677
Improving and Expanding Agricultural Education Pre-K through Adulthood