To celebrate those who work to support women in the agribusiness sector, HighQuest Group is now seeking nominations for its annual Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award of Excellence. Nominations for this unique industry award are due this year by June 30.
The Demeter Award, which is given in three categories, recognizes companies and individuals (both men and women) whose achievements further the Women in Agribusiness mission of attracting and advancing women in the agriculture and food sectors, and who exemplify the belief that nurturing gender diversity is in a company’s and the industry’s best interests. The annual presentation of these awards will be at the 2017 Women in Agribusiness Summit, which will take place in Minneapolis, Sept. 26-28, at the Hyatt Regency.
Former recipients of the award, such as Megan DeVelvis, business integration project manager for Dow AgroSciences, have said that simply having the award to celebrate that innovation is valued and worthy of recognition is pretty special.
“I was nominated by my colleagues because they see me as being innovative and wanted others outside the company to see me and our company in that light, and that is tremendous recognition,” saya DeVelvis, who received the Innovator of the Year award in 2015. “When I get asked about the trophy that sits on my desk that is what I reflect on, along with what I have done to further the cause of gender equality, which I am so passionate about.”
Companies and individuals are invited to submit nominations in three categories:
- Leader of the Year: This category will recognize an individual who has worked to expand and diversify the offerings of the women’s initiatives within their company or the achievements of leaders and entrepreneurs who have made accomplishments of significance that further the mission of Women in Agribusiness.
- Innovator of the Year: This category will recognize a woman who has demonstrated innovation in the initiation, development or launch of gender diversity programs and/or who has affected positive change in her company or in the industry with regard to women’s advancement. (Please note: nominees for this award should not hold executive positions within their companies.)
- Company/Organization of the Year: This award will recognize the achievements of a company that has initiated programs to support professional development, achievements and overall growth of women in the industry.
Entry form and guidelines for submissions are available on the Women in Agribusiness website under the Initiatives tab. There is no limit to the number of entries in each award category, though there will be only one award recipient in each category. When submitting nominations, any given individual can be nominated for only one category. A person or company may self-nominate. Nominations will be accepted through June 30.
Award recipients will be notified prior to being recognized at the sixth annual Women in Agribusiness Summit.