When we think about pageants, the field of agriculture may not be our first thought. But, there are many different royal roles that serve and promote agriculture. Meet wo young women from Sigma Alpha who use their royal role to share agriculture in their communities and beyond.
Pia Martinez is a member of the Alpha Phi Chapter at California State University, Fresno. Pia Martinez grew up in a “zero-stoplight town” with a population of around 7,500 people located in the Central Valley of California— Woodlake, California. The Central Valley produces a quarter of the world’s food, and agriculture is in Pia’s blood. As a young adult, her father was involved in California agriculture as a migrant farm worker. Pia’s mother grew up raising livestock and participating in 4-H and FFA. Pia pursued the passions her parents instilled in her by enrolling at California State University, Fresno to major in Agricultural Communications.
questions about current events in agriculture. Pia thanks Sigma Alpha for helping her to prepare for her time as Southern California Miss United States Agriculture. “Sigma Alpha gave me the opportunity to grow alongside and learn from my sorority sisters,” says Pia. “I rely on my sisters to share their knowledge in areas of agriculture where I have less experience. I feel supported and privileged to know that my Sigma Alpha sisters are in my corner cheering me on every step of the way.” Pia chose to join Sigma Alpha for the same reason many sisters do: to be part of something bigger than herself. She has felt at home in the
Pia knows both the joys and the discomforts of agricultural life. She says she has experienced that such a career can be emotionally and physically draining. At the same time, Pia feels that agriculture is one of the most rewarding careers because you directly contribute to feeding the world. Pia seeks to use her degree to bridge the gap between agriculture and the people of the of the world. Pia likens her role as Southern California Miss United States Agriculture to a choose-your-ownadventure book. She tours many parts of the agriculture industry, attends events, speaks at schools, meets with 4-H clubs and FFA chapters and “agvocates” on social media. Pia loves using all of these platforms to share her experiences. The role is an opportunity for her to meet new people, often relying on the crown she wears to serve as an icebreaker. Pia knows she is truly making a difference when people share their own agricultural experience with her or reach out to ask
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Pia Martinez
