The Agriculture Future of America Ambassador Program equips students to shape the future of the agriculture industry. This year, 41 student leaders representing campuses nationwide were selected to serve as a bridge between AFA and the next generation of agricultural professionals.
“I am looking forward to connecting with students from all backgrounds and helping them feel welcomed and confident as they explore agriculture and the opportunities within AFA,” said Isla Gooch, Agriculture Technology Management and Education student at The University of Arizona and returning AFA Ambassador. “Serving as an ambassador has deepened my engagement on campus, strengthened my leadership skills, allowing me to better engage in agricultural opportunities.”
As Ambassadors, students work with AFA to set goals and get personalized coaching to develop creative outreach strategies to achieve these goals. Designed for student leaders who believe in the power of connection, the AFA Ambassador Program empowers real-world leadership, marketing mindsets and industry engagement.
“The Ambassador Program has been a signature part of the CHS Foundation’s support because we’ve seen the impressive growth in both AFA and individuals when students are empowered to become campus leaders,” said Megan Wolle, president, CHS Foundation. “Congratulations to this year’s Ambassador Team!”
The Ambassador Program is made possible through the continued partnership of the CHS Foundation. The CHS Foundation has invested nearly $2 million since 2011 to expand the Ambassador experience, helping it grow to its largest class yet. This investment supports scholarships, training and travel while opening doors for students to access meaningful leadership development opportunities.
2026 Ambassador Team:
Emily Schreiner, Iowa State University
- Ethan James, South Dakota State University
- Garret La Deau, West Texas A&M University
- Gracie Clark, University of Wyoming
- Kaitlyn Ballard, Northwest Missouri State University
- Kelsey Stone, Florida A&M University
- Kennedy Auker, The Ohio State University ATI
- Leah Herring, The Ohio State University
- Libbey Logan, Mississippi State University
- Libby Macklin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Lyndsey Penegor, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- Maddie Caiazzo, Louisiana State University
- Madison Cartisano, Louisiana State University
- Madison Clary, Purdue University
- Madison Sass, University of California-Davis
- Miracle Brown, University of Tennessee-Martin
- Nicole Hollabaugh, Montcalm Community College
- Ryan Utley, Washington State University
- Savannah Selin, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Summer Lehsten, Wright State University
- Zyon Polk, Alcorn State University
- Alice Roe, Cornell University
- Cayla Bethea, Dordt University
- Riley Kessler, Murray State University
- Haley McLeod, North Dakota State University
- Tobey Lunceford, Oklahoma State University
- Emma Peters, Texas A&M University
- Ilsa Gooch, University of Arizona
- Tyler Davies, University of Florida
- Anna Wandell, University of Idaho
- Josh Athmer, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Aja McNair, Fort Valley State University
- Alana Henegar, University of Kentucky
- Alyson Mehm, Clemson University
- Amara Johnson, Kansas State University
- Amberlyn Christenbury, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
- Aubree Peralez, Texas Tech University
- Aunica Naranjo, Northeastern Junior College
- Caroline Brack, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Corey McKenzie, Michigan State University
- Coy Pittman, Oklahoma Panhandle State University
