What is your story?

"I grew up in a tiny rural town in southeast Nebraska, where family, faith and farming are a way of life. I’m a half-generation removed from production agriculture. While I didn’t grow up on a farm, my dad manages a hog farm and I spent time there afterschool and in the summers. I didn’t fully appreciate the values I was raised with until college, when I started meeting people who had come to agriculture by chance, whereas I’d grown up amidst it and only recently found my passion within it. My story is closely linked to the organizations that have shaped me. During high school FFA I fell in love with the people side of agriculture – human and social capital and leader development. Through the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute and Council, I became aware of the need to keep bright young talent in agriculture and how I can play a part of that. Agriculture Future of America further drove this home, and gave me the opportunity to further develop my skills as a leader and network with other leaders in agriculture from all across the nation. I am passionate about leader development and facilitation. I want to help the agriculture community by connecting resources and helping others discover their passions. I strive to be an intrapreneurial servant leader and use my skills and abilities to make the world a better place."

What is your business?

Freelance leader development workshop facilitation (StrengthsFinder, MBTI®, etc.)

Who is your entrepreneurial inspiration OR biggest hero?

Russ Weathers, President and CEO of Agriculture Future of America. Russ lives out what it means to be a servant leader, and has inspired thousands of young men and women in agriculture (including me) to reach their full potential.

If your story were made into a movie, what actor/actress would portray you and why?

Emma Watson - We have the same first name, so it only makes sense.

What advice would you give to a student starting their entrepreneurial journey?

Don't let school get in the way of your education. Good grades are important, but life experiences outside of the classroom are vital for personal growth and professional development.