NextGen AgSector

The one-day experience is designed for students interested in agriculture, food systems, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

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Saturday, March 21st, 2026

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Forum at Columbia University

The Forum Hero

The future of agriculture is here. As the green sector and technology interwine faster than ever, agriculture is becoming a powerful space for innovation, careers, and community change.

Our NextGen AgSector is designed for young adults to take a closer look into an industry shaping the future of food, sustainability, and innovation, while exploring the skills and career pathways driving the agriculture sector forward.

For the Future Leader

Youth In Ag Highlights

Tamara Grace D.

Tamara Grace Dumay

Founder of Ministry Healing Farms

Meet the Professionals Roundtable

Career Pathways
10 AM-11 AM

A panel discussion featuring professionals in the agriculture field who will share insights about their career paths, educational backgrounds, and real-world experiences. The session will also provide opportunities for participants to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the industry's diverse roles.
Skills: active listening, concise communication, public speaking, and strategic networking
Careers: Agriculture sector-specific pathways

Meet Our Featured Panelists

Iyeshima Harris Ouedraogo

Iyeshima Harris- Ouedraogo

Executive Director of Green Guerillas

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Kwesi Joseph

Urban Garden Specialist of Cornell Cooperative Extension

Louis Vassar Semanchik

Louis Vassar Semanchik

Director of Cultivation and Crop R&D at Smallhold

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Monti LAwson

Founder of Catalyst Collaborative Farms

The Career Cultivators

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TeLisa Daughtry

Entrepreneur, Author, and Conscious Technologist

Digital Footprints

Professional Career Development
11 AM-11:15 AM

A brief presentation highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing one's digital footprint for future job applications, college admissions, and long-term professional growth.
Skills: cultivating a positive professional brand, critical thinking, and digital literacy
Careers: non-specific pathways

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Haizel McIntyre

Financial Educator and Founder of Making Money Movers

Resume Review

Professional Career Development
11:15 AM-11:30 AM

A presentation on how to build, edit, and improve a resume, with practical tips and examples to guide participants through the process. *Following a team that will provide resume edits and reviews in person*
Skills: cultivating a positive professional brand, critical thinking, and effective written communication
Careers: non-specific pathways

Branching Out

Ibro-Badji

Ibro Badji

Founder & CEO of GoodVibes Inc.

College Applications

Professional Career Development
1PM-1:30 PM

A presentation on how to apply to CUNY/SUNY for free, including an overview of the resources and support available to help students through the application process.
Skills: critical thinking, thoughtful planning, and money management.
Careers: non-specific pathways

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Jude Scanlon

Job Developer for Commonpoint 

OSHA & Other Certifications

Professional Career Development
1:30 PM-2 PM

A presentation exploring vocational training for increasing employability, developing skills, and ensuring job security in the agriculture sector.
Skills: cultivating a positive professional brand, critical thinking, and effective written communication.
Careers: non-specific pathways

Career Pathways You’ll Explore

The Resume Pruning

Get personalized feedback to strengthen your resume and prepare for job and internship applications.

Radish-ing Portraits

Receive free professional headshots to support your career and personal branding.

Rooting for Your Future

Discover diverse career options across agriculture, food systems, innovation, and community impact — beyond traditional farming.

The Salad Bowl

This is an opportunity to hear from leading corporations as they discuss their steps towards increased sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Sowing the Seeds

Participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate the different processes and roles within the agriculture, food, and technology sectors.

The Runner Beans

Connect with industry professionals and peers to build relationships and learn about career opportunities, internships, and academic programs in the green sector.

Sustainability & Innovation

Farm-to-School & Local Food Systems

Learn how you can apply your skills and unique interests to make a real impact in your -community by strengthening local food systems.

Urban Agriculture & Climate Solutions

Discover how businesses and organizations use community, green infrastructure, and innovation to address climate change and food access.

Food Justice & Equity

Learn how food justice and equity address socioeconomic barriers in the food system. Explore how academic programs in policy, community organizing, nutrition, education, and nonprofit leadership can drive change.

AgTech in Action

Learn how careers in agriculture are evolving through hydroponics, data systems, sensors, and technology, opening pathways in engineering, data analysis, sustainability, farm management, and AgTech (agricultural technology) innovation.

Planting Seeds For A Sustainable Future

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