Women Leaders Sharpen Their Skills in DC

Fourteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Communications Boot Camp. The participants completed an intensive four-day course featuring hands-on training in public speaking, media engagement and message development. Graduates will use their skills to advocate for farmers and ranchers, support issues important to rural communities and help tell agriculture’s story.

“Women are influential leaders in agriculture, driving progress through their commitment and engagement,” said Isabella Chism, an Indiana row crop farmer and chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “As Boot Camp graduates strengthen their communications skills, they will be even better equipped to serve their communities and advance Farm Bureau’s mission at the local, state and national levels.”

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Row 1 (L to R) – Toni Gaines, Georgia; Elizabeth Spruell, Alabama; Kelsey Grapperhaus, North Carolina

Row 2 (L to R) – Mindy Orschell, AFB Women’s Leadership Committee Midwestern representative, Indiana; Ashley Parker, North Carolina; Joy Tracey, Indiana; Cyndi Mackey, Oklahoma; Pamela Walker, North Carolina; Janille Baker, Nevada; Katie Saterbak, Minnesota; Sheila Newman, Virginia; Kelly Wilfert, Wisconsin; Jacey Fye, Oklahoma; Taylor Outlaw, Georgia; Bristol Peterson, Georgia; Isabella Chism, chair, AFB Women’s Leadership Committee, Indiana

Graduates are Elizabeth Spruell, Alabama; Toni Gaines, Taylor Outlaw and Bristol Peterson, Georgia; Joy Tracey, Indiana; Katie Saterbak, Minnesota; Janille Baker, Nevada; Kelsey Grapperhaus, Ashley Parker and Pamela Walker, North Carolina; Jacey Fye and Cyndi Mackey, Oklahoma; Sheila Newman, Virginia; and Kelly Wilfert, Wisconsin.

“Boot Camp graduates demonstrate a deep commitment to agriculture and their communities,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “These Farm Bureau women have challenged themselves to grow as leaders and communicators, and the skills they have developed will help them strengthen Farm Bureau and agriculture for generations to come.”

This marks the 25th Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by AFBF. Since its inception, 367 women have graduated from the program, which is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau.

“Boot Camp has helped me polish my media skills and ability to communicate with consumers,” said Kelsey Grapperhaus of North Carolina, a wholesale seed supplier serving the Southeast. “It’s been a great opportunity to learn how to effectively share my perspective with people who may not have a direct connection to farming.”

The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, in partnership with AFBF staff, hosts and provides training for Women’s Communications Boot Camp twice each year. Applications open Dec. 10 for the spring 2027 Boot Camp session.

Photos from this event are available for download here.