The countdown is on – the first ever Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) Awards ceremony is drawing closer, with the excitement palpable. It promises to be an inspiring session of celebration, recognition, and empowerment for those driving positive change in the global food and agriculture sectors.
The winners will be unveiled live during the WFA: Europe event on February 25th at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam, with the finalists having been shortlisted at the end of January. With a panel of esteemed judges made up of our WFA Advisory Board selecting this year’s winners, the awards aim to recognize outstanding individuals and initiatives that are making a difference, celebrating mentors, mentees, leaders, and impactful initiatives in the industry.
Here are the finalists you’ll want to know ahead of the big announcement:
Mentor of the year
Mentorship is vital in shaping the future of the agriculture and food industries, and this category highlights individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact in mentoring others within the food and agriculture sector.
These mentors have been at the forefront of encouraging growth, fostering talent, and driving innovation within their respective fields. They provide invaluable guidance to others, helping them navigate the complex and dynamic landscape of agrifood.
- Karina Watzinger – Managing Director, Director Strategy Execution at Cargill
- Patrick Charlton – Vice President Europe at Alltech
- Lydhia Kiswii – Agribusiness Coordinator at Cereal Growers Association, Kenya
Mentee of the year
This award celebrates a mentee who has taken significant steps in their careers with the support of mentors and who are dedicated to using their knowledge to contribute to the sector’s growth.
These exceptional mentees have shown dedication to learning, developing new ideas, and building meaningful contributions to agriculture and food.
- Daisy Wood – Knowledge Transfer Manager at Waitrose & Partners / University of Reading
- Ayodhya Sovis Wickramasooriya – Doctoral Researcher at Kiel University, Germany
- Beatrice Waters – Media Relations & Social Executive at AHDB – Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Leader of the year
Honouring a leader who has championed diversity, inclusion, and innovation within their organization and the broader food and agriculture sector.
The Leader of the Year award celebrates individuals who are making a significant impact through visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation. These leaders are driving change and taking their organizations to new heights.
- Vanessa Lins Porto – Business Director for Digital and Services LATAM at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health
- Linda Reddy – Global Supply Chain Director at Nando’s Group Limited
- Dr Jenna Ross OBE – Senior International Business Development Manager at UK Agri-Tech Centre
Initiative of the year
Recognizing an initiative that has made a significant contribution to advancing diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in the food and agriculture sector. The Initiative of the Year award focuses on projects that are making a different in the industry.
- Women in Agronomy – Yara International
- The Flock and Women in Swine Event (WISE) – Novus International, Inc.
- ICPPE PPE Partnership – University of Maryland Eastern Shore in collaboration with BASF Agricultural Solutions, Syngenta Kenya, Syngenta Global, and PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS BOARD
Learn more about WFA: Europe on the 25th February in Amsterdam which will feature the WFA awards ceremony and many more esteemed speakers here
