Nicole was the 2022 President of the Pacific Seed Association and is the 2023 Past President currently. She is the chair of the Nominating and Scholarship Committees.
We asked Nicole a few questions about her thoughts on the Industry, her career and a few fun questions about herself.
Company/Person questions:
How long have you worked at the company?
I have worked for California Crop Improvement Association (CCIA) for 12 years.
What do you or your company do for public service or outreach efforts?
CCIA gives out a number of scholarships to college students around the state every year.
Have you received any awards, new leadership opportunities or press mentions that we can spotlight?
In 2021, I was named in Seed World as a 2021 Top Ten Next Gen Leader.
PSA questions:
What’s your favorite part of being a member of PSA?
My favorite part of being a member of PSA is getting to interact with people I wouldn’t normally cross paths with and learn more about their area of agriculture.
How many PSA events have you attended?
I have attended every PSA convention since 2012.
What have you enjoyed about the PSA events?
It has been great getting to know our membership and reconnecting with them every year. I would say my favorite convention location so far was in Kona.
Any tips or advice for new PSA members?
Get involved. You get so much more out of the organization if you take an active role in it!
Industry questions:
What do you love most about the seed industry?
I love the diversity of the seed industry.
What industry publications do you listen to, watch, or read?
I regularly read Seed World publications.
What’s a quote you love about the seed industry?
My favorite quote about the seed industry is: “It all starts with a seed”
Career Questions:
What has been your biggest professional achievement?
My biggest professional achievements have been being president of both the PSA and the California Seed Association.
What do you/did you love the most about your job?
What I love most about my job is getting to interact with our customers. I am probably bias but we have some of the best and the relationships I have built with them are priceless.
What experiences and past roles have led you to where you are today?
I think that being a member of the Future Farmers of America played a major role in leading me to where I am today. That built my foundation for leadership and my love for agriculture and open doors for me to start my path to where I am.
Fun Questions:
Where are you from?
I grew up in Salinas, California
Where did you go to school?
I went to UC Davis for both my undergraduate and master’s degrees.
Who is someone who’s made a big impact on your life?
Someone who made a big impact on my life was my ag teacher, Ken Watje .
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I would definitely say I am more of a morning person
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