Meet Student Member: Hannah Wambui!
By Ashlyn Rochester, ACN Communications Specialist
As part of the new and incoming student members, sponsored by Filament, we’re highlighting the new members. Hannah Wambui is a student at Chuka University in Kenya, where she studies Agriculture Extension. To get to know her better and why her student membership in ACN is important to her, we asked her a few questions.
1. Why are you studying agriculture?
As an Agricultural Education and Extension Student and someone passionate about sustainable food systems and environmental conservation, studying agriculture was a natural choice for me. Agriculture plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges like food insecurity and climate change. I’m especially fascinated by the science and technology behind modern agriculture, such as precision farming and agroecology, which can improve crop yields and reduce environmental impacts.
I’m also interested in the socio-economic aspects of agriculture, including rural development and agricultural policy. I’m motivated by the potential of agriculture to promote social justice and equity, addressing issues like food access and labor rights. My goal is to contribute to the advancement of agriculture in an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and economically viable way. Studying agriculture has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world and contribute towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for current and future generations.
2. What position, goal, or outcome do you hope to accomplish with your agriculture degree?
My ultimate goal in getting my degree in Agriculture is to do extension work and research. Agriculture plays a role in all of our lives, and I would love to do work that ultimately serves the collective. A specific role I’d like is as a 4-H Extension Agent.
I am currently working as a communications assistant in a multinational development organization that works in Agri-food, energy and water sectors. Given my background in agriculture, my goal is to be an advocate for sustainable agriculture practices. Through effective communication and strategic engagement, I aim to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroecology, conservation agriculture, and climate-smart farming, among diverse stakeholders. I plan to develop impactful campaigns, educational materials, and outreach initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture practices and facilitate knowledge exchange among farmers, policymakers, researchers, and communities.
3. What do you hope to gain from your student membership to ACN? If it’s something specific, like a mentor or feedback, please be specific and include an email address for members to reach you at.
As a student member of the agriculture communications network, I hope to gain valuable insights, guidance, and mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. I am particularly interested in receiving feedback on my communication skills, strategies, and projects related to agriculture. I am eager to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for agriculture and communications. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you would like to connect, provide feedback, or offer mentorship opportunities. I am excited to learn from the expertise of the network members and contribute to the community!
4. As part of the application process, we ask applicants to write a few short paragraphs on the value of joining ACN, and why this would help the applicant in their career.
As someone who is passionate about agriculture and its role in our society, I believe that joining an agriculture communication network would be incredibly beneficial for my career. The agriculture industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices is essential to success.
By joining an agriculture communication network, I would have the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the field, share ideas and insights, and learn from their experiences. This network could provide a valuable platform for collaboration, allowing me to build relationships with others who share my passion for agriculture and who are working to advance the industry.
In addition to the networking opportunities, being part of an agriculture communication network would also allow me to develop and hone my own communication skills. Effective communication is critical in any field, but particularly in agriculture where there are often complex issues and diverse stakeholders involved. By connecting with other professionals in the field, I would have the chance to practice communicating in different contexts and to learn from their expertise.
Overall, I believe that joining an agriculture communication network would be a valuable investment in my career. Not only would it provide me with access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, but it would also help me to develop the skills and relationships needed to succeed in this exciting and dynamic field.
Students can apply or be nominated for membership. Please share this with interested students and/or nominate a student today. Thank you, Filament, for investing in the future of Ag Communicators!
The application is available at this link.