Hi Sisters!
My name is Jessica Gray, and I am honored to introduce myself as your newly elected National President.
I have served in many roles throughout my time in Sigma Alpha, and I am excited to continue serving as President. My time in Sigma Alpha began long ago when I joined the Alpha Pi Chapter at Texas A&M University (Whoop!) my freshman year of college.
My home chapter was in its second year when I was initiated into the Beta Class. I never could have imagined that Sigma Alpha would become a permanent fixture in my life as I journeyed through college and into my career.
Some of my dearest friendships have been products of Sigma Alpha and the connections I have made throughout my time in this amazing organization. I hope to continue building these connections as I get the opportunity to work for and with each and every one of you.
In the coming year, the National Leadership Team and I are dedicated to providing the membership with opportunities and resources to further the positive impact that Sigma Alpha has. We look forward to continuing to cultivate professional women and advancing agriculture.
In Sisterhood, Jessica Gray National Sorority Board President nationalpresident@sigmaalpha.org
Dear Sisters,
Happy Fall! I love this time of year because it makes me think about a fresh start. When I was a kid, fall meant new crayons and shiny new shoes. As a college student, I looked forward to returning to campus to spend time with my sisters and conquer new classes and challenges. Now, I look forward to working with our members as they return to campus, and we start a new academic year!
The staff at Sigma Alpha Headquarters has been busy supporting chapters and members with roster updates, completing required training, and processing new MC classes, all while planning and preparing resources to help the Sorority move forward. things are ahead, and we feel so blessed to spend our days working for the women of Sigma Alpha!
For the past few years, we have conducted Chapter Leader Forums each month. These sessions serve as an opportunity for collegiate chapter leaders to come together to learn and interact. This past spring, Grace Danley, our Chapter Operations Coordinator here at HQ took over as the lead for these sessions.
After surveying chapter leaders about what they want from Chapter Leader Forums, she undertook a full revamp of the program. Grace shares that “I am excited that our collegiate members will have an opportunity to network with one another while they learn about chapter success principles in an interactive way.” These are open to anyone, and if you haven’t already, be sure to join us for a session to learn about how to strengthen your chapter!
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can support you in any way!
In Sisterhood, Teresa Brandenburg Chapter Operations Director teresa.brandenburg@sigmaalpha.org
graduated in 2006 from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science. An alumna of the Alpha Pi Chapter, she has served on the National Sorority Board as the Professional Development Director and Vice President, and as a Leadership Seminar Coordinator. She received her master’s degree in education with an emphasis in instructional leadership and curriculum/ instruction. Jessica is currently an Agriculture Science teacher specializing in Veterinary Medicine. In her free time, Jessica loves cooking, traveling, and attending any sports event involving the Fightin’ Texas Aggies with her daughter, Delanie.
received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Agriculture Business from the University of Tennessee in 2011. While there, she served as the Theta chapter Treasurer for two years. Brooke currently works as a Key Account Manager for ADM in their Animal Nutrition division. When not answering phone calls from customers, Brooke enjoys relaxing at her home in southern Indiana with her husband, horses, and chickens, or traveling to her beef farm in East Tennessee and visiting family.
is a Pasture Specialist for Corteva AgriScience serving the Ohio River Valley States. Rachel, her husband Aron, and their 2 dogs enjoy being outdoors, building their careers, spending time with friends and family, and going to sporting events. During her collegiate time, Rachel was a member of the Beta Omicron Chapter and served on the sisterhood committee, as Professional Development Chair, and as Chapter President.
is an alumna of the Beta Eta Chapter, at Auburn University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Communications. s in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University. Michelle served as a Chapter Consultant from 2021-2023. Currently, Michelle is the Executive Vice President for the Arkansas s Association. Prior to that role, she was the Marketing & Compliance Manager for AcreTrader, a farm capital investment company in Michelle also serves on the board for Arkansas Women in Agriculture. In her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring the
earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Tarleton State University in 2013 and is an alumna of the Alpha Zeta chapter. She works for TechnipFMC where she is an sales representative in the flowline business for Oklahoma City and International sales. Her passion project is the owner of a successful wedding planning business, V6 Ranch Weddings & Events. Megan and her husband, Josh, currently live in Stephenville, TX with their two children, Valyn and Royce. In addition to being a Mom, Megan loves to give back to her community through various service organizations and leadership positions.
is an alumna of the Beta Gamma Chapter of the University of Florida and graduated in 2019 with a Science in Public Relations and a minor in Agricultural Since 2021, Shelby has served as the Coordinator for Florida Farm Bureau and is creating and editing the monthly newsletter, preparing for the FFBF website, e-newsletter and other media managed by the Public Relations Division.
is an alumna of the Alpha Omega Chapter at Kansas State University where she received an undergraduate and a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics. She currently is an Agricultural Economist for the USDA-Economic Research Service in Kansas City, Missouri, where her research focuses are wheat markets, price analysis, and grain storage. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, crafting, and spending time with her niece and nephews.
Leadership Seminar registration is opening soon! It’s time to start determining who will attend this professional development event on behalf of your chapter. The dates and locations have been set for the following:
February 7-8: Kansas City
February 14-15: Denver
February 21-22: TBD (East Coast Location)
Hotel and registration rates will be announced in an upcoming email.
Are you a 2024 FFAAmerican Degree recipient? Sigma Alpha would love to recognize your achievement. Log into the Greenhouse and fill out the ’2024 FFA American Degree Recipient’ form. We can’t wait to see all our amazing Sigma Alpha Sisters.
Since its beginning, SiteOne has had two goals: To provide a career path for women into its organization and impact the lives of sisters through mentoring and give backs. “Providing opportunities to women in Agriculture is at the heart of the SiteOne Landscape Supply’s partnership with Sigma Alpha.”
This past July, SiteOne awarded its first $5000 scholarship to Brandy Kaye, a Sigma Alpha sister who participated in the SiteOne Mentorship program. Brandy, a senior at Purdue University, had also interned with SiteOne in Summer 2023. She had been exposed to all aspects of SiteOne from the branch and sales level. She participated in deliveries, shipping receiving, merchandising counter sales and even some ride-a-longs with the sales team.
“I am honored and grateful to accept the scholarship from SiteOne Landscape Supply and Sigma Alpha,” said Brandy Smith.
During her participation in the mentorship program, Brandy worked with Shannon May, Acquisition HR Leader. “Brandy has shown an immense amount of maturity during the mentorship,” May said. “She is a dedicated and hardworking student that sees herself in the agriculture industry and has positioned herself to graduate early.”
“We had no idea what the partnership with Sigma Alpha would turn out to be,” said Michele Posehn, Senior Recruiting Manager at SiteOne, “But having an opportunity to read the applications this year and hear how our female associates are impacting the lives of young women about to enter the workforce was powerful. It is a testament to how important mentoring relationships can be, getting advice from those who have been where you are now and learning from the ups and downs they have already gone through.”
Brandy has also been described as outgoing, always smiling, and full of great ideas from associates she worked with. “Brandy is an amazing person and very deserving of this award,” Posehn said. “It is obvious she will be tremendously successful and we are thrilled to be able to help her achieve her goals with this scholarship.”
The partnership between SiteOne and Sigma Alpha set a record this year, with 40 Sigma Alpha sisters across 21 states and 26 schools participating in our mentorship program. It is the most participants since the program was established five years ago.
Applicants must be a Sigma Alpha sister actively involved in either our mentorship program or our internship program. This ensures that our scholarship winner is someone who has either impacted or been impacted by SiteOne and its associates.
Our applicants submitted application essays highlighting many of our female associates, the impact they made on the student's life, valuable advice and lessons they shared, and the long-lasting affect that will have as the student moves throughout her career. The applicants’ words are a testament to the talented group of women working at SiteOne.
grew up in Grundy Center, Iowa.
After graduating from high school, she began her academic journey at North Iowa Area Community College. Her path soon led her to Des Moines Area Community College, where she delved deeper into her passion for photography and videography, and earned a Associate Degree Video
She and her husband reside in Clear Lake, IA, where she previously worked at a haven for wellness enthusiasts.
Through her role, she not only managed the store's operations but also fostered a sense of community, guiding customers on their wellness journeys and leveraging her creativity to enhance the store's online presence.
Nicole recently joined the staff of Sigma Alpha Sorority. She was drawn to the sorority's mission of fostering belonging and leadership among women in agriculture.
In Nicole’s free time, she finds solace in hiking, paddle boarding, or tending to her garden. She finds joy in reading, dancing, and capturing the wonders of the natural world through
Sigma Alpha National Headquarters can be reached Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT
The National Sorority Board (NSB,) Chapter Consultants (CCs,) and Headquarters Staff. The NSB and CCs are alumnae volunteers that all serve critical functions in supporting the Sisterhood, but Chapter Consultants are vital in supporting our collegiate chapters.
serve as mentors for the collegiate chapters within a specific region, guiding and supporting the sisters in success. This is done through regular interaction with chapter leaders, both virtually and in-person as they travel to conduct between three and five National Chapter Visits around the country each year. Although this is a volunteer role, all supplies, training and travel is provided, and in addition to the fun of travel and the joy of supporting Sigma Alpha sisters, Chapter Consultants benefit by receiving training and mentorship from the NSB and Staff, and gain management and facilitation skills that can support their personal career growth.
The program has evolved over the past few years, to encompass more training and support for CCs, and to select CCs earlier to allow more time for orientation and training before the start of their term.
CCs are selected based on their application and qualifications, as well as an interview that will take place at the beginning of December. If selected, new CCs will undergo training throughout the spring semester, participate in a shadow National Chapter Visit, and attend National Convention next summer.
Any alumna in good standing can apply to be a Chapter Consultant!
Applications are available in the Greenhouse and are due Nov. 15th. If you have any questions about the program, please contact any current Chapter Consultant, or Chapter Operations Director, Teresa Brandenburg.
We hope you consider giving back to Sigma Alpha and growing your skills by applying to be a Chapter Consultant!
One hundred and fifteen women attended the Sigma Alpha Sorority National Conclave in Lexington, KY July 26-27. Sisters had two full days of networking, farm tours, growing in their leadership skills and shaping the future of the sorority. Known as the “horse capital of the world”, sisters toured Mill Ridge Horse Farm and Spy Coast Horse Farm, both located on the outskirts of Lexington. They learned the history of horse racing, the work that comes with horse breeding and the legacy left by so many strong horses.
During Conclave, sisters shaped the mission and vision for the next year. Divided into committees, voting delegates focused their efforts on the four pillars and what those look like. Alternate delegates received media training and collaboration ideas from staff and board members.
A special presentation was given by the outreach director and executive director to share the future of what service will look like for Sigma Alpha.
During lunch, the sorority inducted Tyler DuBry-Obenshain as an honorary member of Sigma Alpha. For several years now, he has supported Sigma Alpha Sorority and its members on the local and national level. He has consistently volunteered for virtual, and in-person judging and given hours to ensuring Sigma Alpha sisters are recognized and honored for their work in the sorority. Tyler not only gave his time but also provided financial support to the sorority. He has never missed an opportunity to build up a Sigma Alpha sister and promote our Sorority.
Tyler DuBry is a Business Analyst with the Context Network. He graduated from New Mexico State University and began his professional career working for Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, where he was an educational leadership consultant, supporting the growth of their collegiate chapter across the country. Tyler then moved to work in the Agricultural Lending industry, and most recently began his career with the Context Network, a premier business management and consulting firm that provides service to the world’s leading agricultural, biotechnology, and food companies.
Conclave concluded with the Emerald Banquet where many awards were given out.
We look forward to seeing sisters in 2025 in Norfolk, Virginia!
Marissa Cereceres
Rachelle Cole
Jasmine Nellums
Elena Templet
Lauren Mills
Kate Schoenberg
Tyler Dubry
Katelyn Dresdow
Becky Dobbins
Maddie Hokanson earned her Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications and leadership with minors in animal science, agricultural business, and marketing from South Dakota State University in 2019.
Maddie lives in southeast Minnesota with her husband, Eric, and their two sons, Brent and Scott. She is part of their 7th generation of her family’s pig and cattle farm, Schafer Farms, Inc., where she serves as the CFO. Founded in 1886, Schafer Farms has grown and specialized through its nearly 140 years in business. Today, the farm focuses on various components of pork and beef production. Schafer Farms focuses on value-added and service-driven parts of the livestock industry with a goal of helping producers effectively and efficiently grow commodity products for today’s consumers.
On the pork side, they have two sow farms that raise a combination of market hogs and replacement gilts for Topigs Norsvin (TN), a pork genetic company. Additionally, they grow out the boars for TN at their Wisconsin sites, while also doing client-driven work such as breed projects and other production consulting. Bio secure transportation of animals used for genetics is another area their farm has become specialized in.
On the beef side, the family raises around 300 Gelbvieh and Balancer cow/calf pairs, where those calves are either sold as feeder calves, sold as herd bulls for customers across the upper Midwest or used as replacement heifers for their own herd or the herds of their customers.
In addition to the farm, Maddie works remotely for Eidson & Partners, a public relations firm based in Kansas City, Kansas, where she focuses on clients working to share the story of farming and agriculture.
She and Eric are also part of his family’s corn and soybean farm, Hokanson Family Farms. The remainder of her time is spent raising the future generation of both families’ farms, working to instill values of faith, family and farming into both of her sons. Maddie is an active volunteer with Goodhue County 4-H and serves as the livestock judging coach for their program.
She is also involved with Minnesota Pork, especially with their promotion and advocacy work throughout the year.
“Agriculture has been part of my life from the day I was born, and I am very passionate about the industry that feeds our country and world,” says Maddie.
When Maddie narrows it down to the pork and swine industry specifically, she is proud to be part of it because of the continuous innovation and improvement that so many individuals in the industry strive for. Rather than seeing other farmers and producers as competition in the pork industry, they see the opportunity for added strength and resilience when we work together towards common goals, and I believe that is one of the biggest things that really sets pork apart from the rest of livestock agriculture.
The swine industry has impacted Maddie and her family in more ways than one. When Maddie’s dad, Brandon, came home to farm after college in the 1990s, they were primarily a beef operation that happened to raise some pigs as well. Seeing the need for growth in order to support multiple families, their first sow farm was built in 1997. That decision to expand the swine side has impacted the family immensely and allowed continuous growth of our farm.
When Maddie thinks about those individuals involved with the pork industry, they truly feel like family members to us. When Maddie’s son, Brent, was born very sick and needing to spend time in the NICU, Minnesota Pork sent cards and reached out on multiple occasions to see how the family was doing.
“It was just another reminder that the swine industry goes way beyond business alone,” says Maddie.
Maddie joined Sigma Alpha in the spring of her freshmen year at SDSU and is grateful she did. It took her an extra semester to decide that it was the right organization for her because once she saw the |networking and friendships that existed between the women and the opportunities for leadership, growth and development in agriculture, Maddie was eager for the opportunity to be become a part of such a strong program.
Maddie’s favorite part of being a part of Sigma Alpha was the life-long friendships that she developed during her time. She lived with three Sigma Alpha sisters during her junior year until she got married and consider many of those women to be her closest friends. Maddie also had an appreciation for the strong focus on professional development.
During her time as an active Sigma Alpha member, Maddie served as the Leadership Chair for a year and then held the role of First Vice President (Professional Development) during her junior and senior year of college.
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 pork chops, salt & pepper, chicken stock, mustard, sage, rosemary, thyme, 2 apples, 1 red onion
1. Season both sides of pork chops with salt & pepper liberally, heat olive oil in skillet or pan, and sear chops for 3-5 mins per side. Remove pork chops from skillet and place aside. I 2. n the skillet, add chopped onions & sliced apples, seasoning with salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Stir to combine.
3. Add mustard & chicken stock to the pan, and mix.
4. Place pork chops back in the pan, between apple slices, and place lid of pan on top
5. Leave covered to cook for 2-3 more minutes , or until liquid has reduced by half
Article contributed by:
Kristen Smith Volunteer Writer Omega Chapter
Sigma Alpha Alumna, Alta Jordan attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming from 2019 to 2023. She was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter. Alta majored in agricultural education with a concentration in animal science.
Growing up, Alta was surrounded by agriculture through her family, friends and community. When she was younger, Alta would spend her summers at her family ranch in Linch, Wyoming.
In Turlock, California, where she was raised, she was surrounded by dairies, orchards and row crops around every turn. Due to the production agriculture in her home-area, it earned the name “Heart of the Valley.”
Her grandfather was an agriculture professor at the Modesto Junior College in California where he taught soil science. She remembers running through the green house when she was younger and listening to him quiz her on different types of soil and rocks.
Now, Alta presides in Gillette, Wyoming where agriculture looks a little differently than the primary agriculture sources of cattle and sheep production.
She has since fallen in love with the sheep industry through her time at the University of Wyoming where she participated in sheep production courses along with their Lamb-a-Year program.
Over time, her passion for agriculture has grown and her involvement within the industry has sparked the same passion in the minds of youth as an agriculture educator.
Alta went through the Sigma Alpha recruitment process in 2019 during her first semester of college with 20 other incredibly strong women.
While in Sigma Alpha, she served as the philanthropy and recruitment director. In 2022, she attended the regional seminar in Denver, Colorado with three additional sisters.
Along with Sigma Alpha, Alta was a part of the University of Wyoming Women’s Rugby Team that placed sixth in the nation in 2019. Additionally, she was involved in Alpha Tau Alpha, the agriculture education organization on campus, where she served as an officer for a year before she began her teaching in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Currently, Alta is in her second year of her dream job as an agriculture teach and FFA advisor in Gillette, Wyoming.
“I love every aspect of my job and got hired a week after I graduate from the University of Wyoming,” said Alta.
Alta stays involved in Sigma Alpha by reading each edition of the Emerald Times and supporting her home chapter by attending alumni events.
It’s simple for Alta to stay involved within the agricultural industry because she’s surrounded by it. She assists in events that cater to youth who has a passion for agriculture including livestock shows, count and state fairs and continuing to stay connected with her community that provides countless opportunities and resources for her students to get hands-on learning opportunities in the industry.
During the 2024 Wyoming Association of Career and Technical Education Summer Conference, Alta was honored with the New Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year award.
“I remember in high school in my agriculture classes, I was provided with opportunities to grow my passion from my own incredible ag teachers and that became my primary goal as a first-year teacher in the state,” said Alta.
She implemented new projects and learning opportunities, including raising and processing their own meat birds that way her students could become self-sustaining, educated producers and consumers.
Her senior students created business plans for their metal projects, that they sold at the local farmers market where they were able to make strong ties in the community.
In her classroom, she was blessed with the ability to provide hands-on labs, where they learned skills like castration, artificial insemination, ear notching, farrowing, transplanting and animal processing.
“My students made this award possible by being so open to learning and seizing every opportunity that came their way, and I feel confident in saying that I had the best group of students I could have ever asked for and they will be the next incredible leaders of our agriculture industry!” said Alta.
This award now proudly hangs in her classroom as a reminder of achieving her dream of being an agriculture teacher and helping to inspire the next generation!
This summer, she also got engaged to her best friend and we will be getting married next June in California, where the met as high school sweethearts. This summer they also grew their family, with a new corgi, Gibby!
Article contributed by:
Kristen Smith Volunteer Writer Omega Chapter
Agriculture may be the backbone of America, but who knew in September of 2021 it would be the one thing that would hold my family together. Starting my senior year of high school, I was looking forward to dragging my hogs to all the fall shows, playing on the soccer field, and figuring out what my future held. God had a different plan; it would result with me experiencing the lowest point in my life.
To keep the story short but to give some backstory, in the beginning of September, both my grandparents ended up in the hospital with COVID-19. This was all occurring while my mom and brother were at the Indiana Stock Show, and my dad and I had other curriculars to tend to and were hopefully going down later that week. As the days progressed, my grandpa was lifeline to Indy to get access to a ventilator. My grandma, however, was improving until that night. I won’t go into details, but on September 5, 2021, she passed away.
To make matters even worse my grandpa’s mother (my great grandma) also passed away, all while he was still on a ventilator. Seeing your own father breakdown after losing two very important women in his life and potentially his father is something I never want to experience again. However, I am so grateful to say my grandpa is still with us and is doing extremely well despite all the trauma and loss he experienced.
So how does this story of about losing a loved one tie into agriculture?
Simple. It is the common dominator that we all would turn to lean on
Agriculture is in our everyday lives. When my brother and I aren’t in school, it consists of tending to the hogs. When my Mom has a day off of working her office job, she is doing work around the farm. Even when a huge aspect of our operation was affected, agriculture was still there for us to rely on. Yes, we were still working when all of us were grieving, but this is what they all would’ve have wanted us to do and what we wanted to do. My family and I eat, sleep, and breathe this industry. So did my grandparents and generations beyond. Whenever you need something, this industry is always willing to give something back. At that moment in my family’s life, it gave us a sense of ease, hope, and calmness knowing the industry will remain with us.
To me, home doesn’t consist of four walls and a roof. Home consists of the individuals that rally in support of others, and a community that is always willing to give back more than they receive. That is the definition of the agriculture industry. In a time of grief and loss, this industry was our saving grace. The ag industry is forever my family and I’s backbone and home.
Sigma Alpha Sorority is only as strong as its members. Alumnae can continue to be involved in a variety of ways on a national and/or local level. Alumnae involvement allows sisters to not only continue to grow on their journey and sisterhood experience, but can also enhance and strengthen the experience of collegiate sisters both now and for years to come. Whether Alumnae choose to be involved on a local level, on a national level or both, is up to the individual.
Active national dues paying Alumna and Life Members have access to many National benefits. These include, but are not limited to,
• Professional Networking on LinkedIn through the Sigma Alpha LinkedIn group. Search under groups for Sigma Alpha Sorority and request to join. Includes a job board.
• Invitation to attend Leadership Seminars for continuing education & networking opportunities.
• Invitation to attend the National Conclave/Convention for networking, sisterhood and continuing education opportunities at the discounted active member rate.
• Membership in the Sigma Alpha FFA Chapter.
• Eligible for recognition through the Sigma Alpha National Awards Program, including the Spirit of Ruth Award and the Agriculture Advocate Award.
• Eligible to apply for various grants and scholarships offered by the Sigma Alpha Educational Foundation.
Sign into the Greenhouse for dues payment options (select the ’National Dues/Invoicing’ tab), search for and stay connected with sisters, and keep up-to date with collegiate and alumnae chapter events. Visit the Greenhouse today to set-up your account!
Interested in volunteering to write an article for the next issue of the Emerald Times? Have an idea for a story or feature? Reach out to editor@sigmaalpha.org
Share your career endeavors and life adventures with us here https:// sigmaalpha.org/sisterhighlight! We’d love to feature you right here in The Emerald Times.
