In food and agriculture, the right guidance at the right time can be truly life-changing. That’s exactly why the Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) Mentorship Program was created- to connect women across the industry with mentors who understand their challenges, support their goals, and help them thrive.
Since its launch in 2021, this initiative- supported by Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition and sustainable agrifood solutions- has matched over 1,500 mentors and mentees.
Anyone who has been a part of this program knows Melissa Huizer, Event Manager at Expana, who personally hand-matches every mentor and mentee. As applications for the 2025 cohort have now ended, she takes us behind the scenes of the thoughtful process of matching mentors and mentees and explains why mentorship has become one of the most impactful tools for driving real change in our sector.
[WFA] Hi Melissa, you have been part of the WFA Mentorship Program for several years now. Could you share a little about what motivated the creation of this program?
[Melissa Huizer] The motivation for the program came from the 2021 WFA Annual Survey which highlighted a major issue in our industry: the lack of mentors was holding people back from advancing their careers. We found 63% of the 3,000 respondents said that not having access to mentors is a key barrier for women progressing in food and agriculture. So, in the same year we decided to take action and it has been the one of the most impactful decisions that WFA has made.
[WFA] How have you seen mentoring needs or preferences change over the past few years?
[Melissa Huizer] I find that people are still looking for support with technical skills and navigating the agrifood space as a male dominated industry, but more and more, they’re also seeking guidance on leadership, confidence, and how to juggle all that life brings. Mentorship has become more of a two-way relationship- less about hierarchy, more about honest, mutual growth.
What’s been especially rewarding is seeing mentees grow into mentors themselves. And many of our mentors have said they’ve learned just as much from their mentees- whether it’s fresh perspectives, new tech, or being reminded why they started in agriculture in the first place.
[WFA] What does a successful mentoring relationship look like to you?
[Melissa Huizer] Mutual respect and trust are at the heart of a successful mentoring relationship. Both mentors and mentees are juggling busy lives, but making the effort to show up and commit to the process really makes all the difference.
It’s also so important that both sides are honest and open. When a mentee can talk openly about their challenges, and the mentor can offer real advice based on their lived experiences- it creates a space where genuine growth can happen.
The WFA team and I have seen some truly incredible moments between mentors and mentees. When that mutual respect, honesty, and effort are there, the impact can be life changing.
[WFA] You are a key point of contact for mentors and mentees, and also the brains behind the matchmaking. Can you talk us through the process from start to finish?
[Melissa Huizer] I start by really digging into each application to get a clear picture of who everyone is- their backgrounds, goals, and what they really want from the program. From there, I zoom in on what the mentees are looking for: what they want to achieve, the skills they want to build, and where they need the most support.
Then I take into account preferences like language, location, and industry to make sure pairs can connect and relate to each other’s experiences.
Once I have all that in mind, I match mentors and mentees based on their skills, goals, and interests, trying to set up partnerships that have the best chance to grow.
[WFA] Why do you think matching by hand with a human touch is so valuable?
[Melissa Huizer] For me, it’s everything. I feel technology can’t truly understand the why behind what people want from the program. Being hands-on allows me to really grasp each person’s goals, motivations, and unique needs, which is crucial for making meaningful connections.
That personal understanding helps me match people in a way that feels thoughtful and intentional, not just based on algorithms or checkboxes. Plus, it lets me stay connected throughout the process, offer support, and adapt as things evolve. At the end of the day, mentorship is about human connection.
[WFA] Do you follow up with pairs after matching them? If so, how frequently and in what way?
[Melissa Huizer] Yes, after matching pairs, they get an intro email to connect them with each other. About a week later, I follow up with everyone to check if they’ve made contact and how things are going.
WFA also run quarterly workshops where mentors and mentees can come together to network and chat. Each session has a theme that both groups discuss, which helps keep the momentum going and makes the program more interactive.
[WFA] What are some words of advice or suggestions you would give to mentors and mentees starting the program in 2025?
[Melissa Huizer] In those early meetings, take the time to set clear expectations – when, where, and how long you’ll meet. At WFA, we recommend connecting for one hour each month, but every mentoring relationship is different. Be flexible and agree on what works best for both of you.
One of the most important steps is simply making that first contact. Pairings fall apart early on because either the mentor or mentee doesn’t reach out. Don’t let the opportunity pass by, take the initiative and get the conversation started.
Most importantly, enjoy the process and get as much out of it as you can. Mentorship is a real privilege for both the mentor and mentee. It’s a space where you can grow, make mistakes, and learn from them. Gaining insight from someone with a different background or perspective – possibly from the other side of the world is an incredible opportunity.
Applications for this year’s WFA Mentorship Program have now closed, but your journey doesn’t have to wait! Join the community and be the first to hear about the 2026 cohort https://wfa-initiative.com/mentorship-program/
A sincere thank you to Alltech for their continued support and sponsorship. Their unwavering commitment to empowering women across the food and agriculture industry is what makes this program a reality.
