By Andi Anderson
Illinois AgriWomen will present the 2026 Women Changing the Face of Agriculture events to encourage high school women to consider modern careers in agriculture across Illinois. Two events are scheduled on March 6 at Heartland Community College for a student program and on April 10 at Joliet Junior College.
The program connects students, educators, and industry professionals through interactive workshops, panel discussions, career fair booths, hands on skills sessions, and guided networking activities.
Students will explore pathways in agribusiness, technology, sustainability, animal care, food systems, and emerging fields. Registration opens in January 2026 at womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com where schools can reserve places.
A featured keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Kristen Strom, a speaker, author, educator, and farmwife. She and her husband Grant earned Illinois and American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award recognition.
Her keynote Step Into Your MAGIC Lead Yourself With Confidence and Courage uses a practical MAGIC framework to help students build confidence, courage, and purpose.
WCFA invites sponsors and industry partners to host career fair booths or skills sessions, connecting directly with hundreds of students. Interested partners may contact ILWCFAgmail.com to participate.
Looking ahead, Illinois AgriWomen plans to establish three permanent locations across northern, central, and southern Illinois. To support expansion, the organization seeks regional coordinators to help plan and deliver future programs.
Events are organized by volunteers including Katie Betz, Haley Underwood, Gayle Baker, and Tammy Miller, supported by a dedicated team of helpers.
“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 visit website for registration, sponsorship, and coordinator information.
Schools may organize buses, counselors can guide students, teachers may share resources, families can discuss goals, advisors recommend sessions, and participants prepare questions, resumes, and schedules to maximize learning, safety, and engagement during travel and on campus days.
Programs welcome diverse backgrounds, encourage curiosity, promote leadership, build skills, create networks, strengthen communities across Illinois.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle