Wickedly Skilled: Women’s Communications Boot Camp Grads

Thirteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The agricultural leaders completed an intensive four-day course that featured hands-on sessions focused on public speaking, working with the media and messaging. Program graduates will use their training to strategically support issues important to farmers and help tell agriculture’s story. This includes participating in local media opportunities, sharing information with elected officials and joining social media campaigns that spotlight modern agriculture.

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Row 1 (L to R) – Jessica Haberman, Washington; Kristin Beery, Virginia; Angel Brabham, South Carolina

Row 2 (L to R) – Isabella Chism, chair, AFB Women’s Leadership Committee, Indiana; Heather Lifsey, North Carolina; Marylynn Waddle, Louisiana; Rachel Stricklin, North Carolina; Jackie Larson, Utah; Caroline Lewis, South Carolina; Sheri Gaskins, Colorado; Cynthia Doise, Louisiana; Megan Espinda, Indiana; Macey McDonald, New Mexico; Lindsey Morgan, Georgia; Dot Jensen, AFB Women’s Leadership Committee Western representative, Utah

“Women are shaping the future of agriculture with their insight, resilience and leadership,” said Isabella Chism, an Indiana row crop farmer and chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “Boot Camp graduates are well on their way to becoming more polished advocates for agriculture. Their growth will benefit their communities and Farm Bureau on local, state and national levels.”

Boot Camp graduates are Sheri Gaskins of Colorado; Lindsey Morgan of Georgia; Megan Espinda of Indiana; Cynthia Doise and Marylynn Waddle of Louisiana; Macey McDonald of New Mexico; Heather Lifsey and Rachel Stricklin of North Carolina; Angel Brabham and Caroline Lewis of South Carolina; Jackie Larson of Utah; Kristin Beery of Virginia; and Jessica Haberman of Washington.

“It’s inspiring to see so many Farm Bureau women rise to the challenge of becoming top-tier advocates for agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Their commitment to leadership and learning is a powerful example, and we’re proud to support them on this journey.”

This is the 23rd Boot Camp hosted by AFBF. The program has 341 graduates and is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.

“This training has been very helpful,” said graduate Lindsey Morgan, a farmer and Georgia Farm Bureau member. “I’ve gained confidence in my communications skills and will be much more comfortable when called on to advocate for farmers and Farm Bureau.”

The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, in partnership with AFBF staff, hosts and provides training for Women’s Communications Boot Camp biannually. Applications open in December for 2026 Boot Camp sessions.

Photos from this event may be downloaded here.