The Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) is excited to recognize Breonna Shepherd for earning a competitive scholarship to attend the recent Women in Agribusiness Summit held in Denver, Colorado in September.
Sponsored by ADM, Shepherd is a fourth-year student majoring in Agribusiness and Applied Economics with a minor in Horticulture. Born and raised in the inner city of Cleveland, Ohio, she is a dedicated participant in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Young Scholars Program.
“I’m passionate about agriculture, particularly in the cannabis industry,” said Shepherd. “I aspire to become a cultivator grower, developing my organic cannabis strain and distributing it nationwide to dispensaries. I also aim to collaborate with farmers to utilize the cannabis plant for textiles and educate the community on its many benefits—not just as a drug, but as a healing herb, textile resource, and medicinal tool.”
A first-generation college student, Shepherd said being part of the Women in Agribusiness Summit was an incredible opportunity, especially as the only representative from Ohio State. The event allowed her to spend time with ambitious women working to change the agricultural industry, including one-on-one meetings with icons like Temple Grandin and Ebony Webber, the CEO of MANRRS.
Shepherd also connected with ADM executive board members as part of her scholarship, receiving valuable advice, contacts and guidance on building skills such as leadership, teamwork and overcoming obstacles.
“The conversations with ADM and other professional leaders at the conference have been instrumental in shaping my journey,” continued Shepherd. “Overall, it was an amazing experience with wonderful people, opportunities, and learning moments.”