NextGen AgSector

The Youth Summit is a powerful day of growth, connection, and inspiration. It is a one-day experience designed for students interested in agriculture, food systems, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. We are committed to supporting and empowering these young leaders throughout the year.

The Future of Agriculture

The future of agriculture is here. As the green sector and technology intertwine 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 at an industry shaping the future of food, sustainability, and innovation, while exploring the skills and career pathways driving the agriculture sector forward.

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Sprouting Ideas, Cultivating Change

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.

Highlights Section

Youth In Ag Highlights

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Tamara Grace Dumay

Founder of Ministry Healing Farms

Meet the Professionals Roundtable

Career Pathways

A panel discussion featured professionals in the agriculture field who shared insights about their career paths, educational backgrounds, and real-world experiences. The session also provided 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

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Perla Acevedo

Special Projects Coordinator of Green Guerillas

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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

A brief presentation highlighted 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

Haizel McIntyre

Haizel McIntyre

Financial Educator and Founder of Making Money Movers

Resume Review

Professional Career Development

A presentation covered how to build, edit, and improve a resume, with practical tips and examples to guide participants through the process. This was followed by a team that provided in-person resume edits and reviews.

Skills: cultivating a positive professional brand, critical thinking, and effective written communication
Careers: non-specific pathways

Branching Out

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Ibro Badji

Founder & CEO of GoodVibes Inc.

College Applications

Professional Career Development

A presentation explained 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

A presentation explored vocational training to increase employability, develop skills, and ensure job security in the agriculture sector.

Skills: cultivating a positive professional brand, critical thinking, and effective written communication.
Careers: non-specific pathways

Showcase Your Skills: Build Your Portfolio

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Free Professional Headshots

Professional Career Development

Attendees received free professional headshots to support their personal branding.

Skills: cultivating a positive professional brand.
Careers: non-specific pathways

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Free Resume Editing

Professional Career Development

Attendees had the opportunity to have their resumes reviewed by professionals in the agriculture sector. Attendees will learn how to change their resumes to fit their desired career paths.

Skills: cultivating a positive professional brand, critical thinking, and effective written communication.
Careers: non-specific pathways

Dig In: Hands-On Learning for All

AgSummit

Youth Agritourism

Professional Career Development & AgEducation

Agriculture trips are centered on education and fun, ensuring that youth gain a deeper understanding of farming and local and urban agriculture.

Skills: education in sustainability and urban/rural agriculture.
Careers: Agriculture sector-specific pathways

NextGen Memories

“Don’t just grow crops — grow community.” — Dr. Booker T. Whatley

2026 Funders

WHDC
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Unleashing Potential (UP) Foundation

2026 Partners & Collaborators

HNY F2I
nycurbanag
Council Member Gale A. Brewer
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
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LESEC logo
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American Farmland Trust
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Marketlink
cce
Care Farming Network
Farm School NYC
hempfarm
SBS
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Citizens' Committee for Children of New York
PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Jazz Kerr
smallhold
CFarm
Commonpoint
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Apian industry
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Saved by the Plate
LYFT/Citi Bike
LF
LaGuardia Community College
Pratt Institute
NYSW
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Planting Seeds For A Sustainable Future

Want to help shape the next generation of leaders? Support our youth by making a donation today.

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