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The inaugural Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) Awards held on February 25th 2025 celebrated outstanding individuals and initiatives that are driving innovation, inclusion, and progress within the food and agriculture sector.
A huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners whose work is creating a ripple effect that will continue to inspire and empower the next wave of leaders in the food and agriculture sector. Their passion and dedication are what drive us toward a more equitable future for all.
Here’s a closer look at the deserving winners who were recognized for their exceptional contributions.
The Mentee of the Year award honors an individual who has shown remarkable commitment to personal growth, learning, and contributing to diversity in the food and agriculture sector. This year’s winner, Beatrice Waters, is a great example of dedication and ambition. Based in the UK, Beatrice works as a Media Relations and Social Executive at The Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
Beatrice embraced the WFA mentorship program with professionalism, curiosity, and a strong desire to learn. Not only did she apply her newfound knowledge to her professional journey, but she also became a passionate advocate for the value of mentorship. Judges praised her adaptability, preparedness, and tenacity, recognizing her as a rising star who is committed to both personal and community growth.
The Mentor of the Year award acknowledges the dedication, passion, and lasting impact of those who invest in the development of others. This year’s recipient, Patrick Charlton, Vice President for Europe at Alltech, exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional mentor. Patrick has been described as supportive, insightful, and committed to the success of his mentees, always going above and beyond to ensure their growth.
Judges highlighted Patrick’s ability to make valuable connections beyond his immediate area of expertise, opening doors to opportunities that have contributed to his mentees’ professional advancement. His genuine interest in their success, along with his leadership and self-awareness, have made a profound difference in the lives of those he mentors. Patrick’s mentorship is a model for leaders looking to create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of others.
The Leader of the Year award recognizes an individual who demonstrates extraordinary leadership, especially in championing diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Vanessa Lins Porto, Business Director for Digital Services at dsm Firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health for the LATAM region, was honored for her exceptional leadership in driving diversity and inclusion while achieving remarkable business success.
Vanessa’s commitment to workplace equality is evident in her inclusive hiring practices and the culture she fosters within her team. Her leadership goes beyond just fostering diversity; it has delivered tangible results, including impressive financial growth and a key role in M&A successes. Judges commended her for not only leading with vision and compassion but also ensuring her leadership leads to meaningful outcomes in the broader sector.
The Initiative of the Year award celebrates an initiative that significantly advances diversity, inclusion, and sustainability within the food and agriculture sector. Yara International’s Women in Agronomy program was honored for its groundbreaking efforts in increasing female representation within agronomy.
The initiative successfully combines education, networking, and business commercialization, all while fostering an inclusive environment for women in the field. Judges were particularly impressed by the fact that over 75% of participants applied their newly gained skills to their professional roles, resulting in measurable impact and clear success. Yara International’s program is helping to create a more diverse and sustainable future for the sector, making a lasting difference in the industry.
