Women Changing the Face of Agriculture announces 2024 event

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Registration is now open for the 2024 Women Changing the Face of Agriculture career exploration event to be held March 1 at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Each school or organization is limited to 10 student registrants and two chaperones. Registration will close on Feb. 16, or earlier if the maximum capacity of 600 students is met.

To register, visit womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com.

The event, a project of Illinois Agri-Women, is also open to professionals of agricultural related careers to be exhibitors at the career exploration fair or as sponsors.

This year’s event will put an emphasis on hands-on activities that feature careers in engineering, soil health, tractor and equipment design and service, veterinary science and drone technology among several more.

Each student will be able to select two hands-on sessions to attend. Each student will also attend an entrepreneurial session featuring young women entrepreneurs.

And each attendee will get to select a career development session that will focus on skills to learn and lessons that will be learned as you pursue your passion in your career in agriculture, food and the environment.

All attendees will hear from young entrepreneurs Alea Ogle from Blue Eyed Rascal Baking Co., and Peyton Lamps of Petals by Peyton.

During the event, IAW will recognize scholarship recipients, as well as other award winners.

WCFA was first held in 2010. In the last 13 years, more than $50,000 in scholarships have been awarded and more than 7,000 high school girls have attended.

Gayle Baker, IAW member and co-chair of the event, has been involved in the event since 2015.

“A new location means new ideas and reviewing how we can meet our goal to show as many high school women the range of career opportunities available in the area of agriculture, food, fiber and fuel. Students learn best when they can get their hands dirty, touch and see what is possible,” she said.

“A lot of work was completed by the committee in partnership with our industry supporters to put together some great hands-on sessions. We can’t wait to see our event back at full capacity of 600 students.”