WIA honors 13 women driving innovation leadership and growth
Women in Agribusiness (WIA) has announced the winners of its inaugural Leadership Awards, recognizing outstanding women who are helping shape the future of the food and agriculture industry. The program celebrates individuals who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation, investment, workforce development, and advisory services.
A total of 13 women were selected through an independent judging process. Candidates were evaluated based on measurable achievements, industry impact, and contributions beyond their own organizations. The awards are designed to recognize professionals making a significant difference in agriculture today.
"We are proud to announce the inaugural class of WIA Leadership Award honorees as they represent the strategic and operational excellence that is driving the agribusiness sector forward," said Svitlana Synkovska, WIA portfolio director. "These leaders are not just excelling in their fields; they are defining what is possible in agricultural technology, finance, talent development, and executive strategy. Their achievements provide a clear benchmark for leadership across the industry."
The new Leadership Awards complement WIA's long-standing Demeter Award of Excellence, which honors lifetime achievements in agribusiness. While the Demeter Award focuses on career-long accomplishments, the Leadership Awards highlight current contributions and achievements in specific fields.
Award recipients were recognized across six categories. The Executive Leadership category included five winners who demonstrated strong leadership and strategic direction within their organizations. The Innovation and AI Leadership award recognized advancements in agricultural technology and new solutions for the sector.
Other categories included Investment and Capital Leadership, which highlighted contributions to agricultural finance and business growth, and Talent and Workforce Leadership, which recognized efforts to support employee development and industry talent. The Advisory and Consulting Leadership category honored professionals providing valuable expertise and guidance to the agriculture industry.
The Rising Leadership category celebrates emerging leaders who are already making a positive impact and helping drive the industry's future success. These professionals were recognized for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to advancing agriculture.
The winners of the 2026 Women in Agribusiness Leadership Awards are:
Executive Leadership
- Sarah Beth Aubrey, Founder & CEO, The Envoy Group
- Marji Guyler-Alaniz, CEO, AgriSompo North America
- Meryl Kennedy, CEO, Kennedy Rice Mill, LLC
- Christy Seyfert, CEO, Farm Credit Council
- Sara Wyant, Founder & President, Agri-Pulse Communications
Innovation & AI Leadership
- Sarah Hinkley, Co-founder & CEO, Barn Owl Precision Agriculture
Investment & Capital Leadership
- Susan Payne, Co-founder & CEO, Holistic Agricultural Investments Group Ltd (HAIG)
Talent & Workforce Leadership
- Kathy Eichlin, Head of Corporate & Crop Protection Communications, Syngenta North America
Advisory & Consulting Leadership
- Jacqueline Langlois, Founder & CEO, Gen D Consulting
- Krista Swanson, Chief Economist, National Corn Growers Association
Rising Leadership
- Samantha Shapess, General Manager, Mercer Milling
- Natalie Shaw Wagner, Communications Lead, CHS Inc.
- Baylie Williams, Owner & CEO, Eden Bay Advising
According to Women in Agribusiness, the award winners set a high standard for leadership and serve as examples of excellence across the sector. Their work continues to support innovation, strengthen organizations, and create new opportunities for growth throughout the agriculture value chain.
The 2026 Women in Agribusiness Leadership Award winners will be formally recognized during the Women in Agribusiness Summit on September 24 in New Orleans. The event will bring together industry professionals to celebrate achievements and discuss the future of agriculture and food production.
Photo Credit: WIA-Logo