Leaves of the future

Anna Caroline Ball is President and CEO of the 111-year-old Ball Horticultural Company, which specializes in all aspects of horticulture, including breeding, biotechnology, production, and marketing of hybrid flower seeds and other floriculture crops. Privately-held and now in its third generation of family management, Ball Horticultural Company is located in over 20 locations worldwide.

Anna received her B.A. degree from the University of Colorado and her M.B.A. from Northwestern University. She is a Trustee for The Morton Arboretum, and is also Director of the Board of Career Vision. Anna lives in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

John M. Dole is Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs at North Carolina State University and past Chairman of the Board of the American Society for Horticultural Science. John began a lifelong interest in horticulture by working at a local farm market, growing cut flowers in his garden for sale, and picking strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pears for local commercial operations.

He received a B.S. degree from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, both in the area of Horticulture. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Dole moved to the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University in 2000, becoming Director of Graduate Programs in 2004 and Department Head in 2011.

He has a long history of significant research, teaching, extension, and outreach contributions to the field of floriculture, most notably in the areas of production and postharvest handling of cut flowers, cuttings and poinsettias. His students have excelled in a variety of industry, public garden, governmental, or academic positions. As Department Head he focused on student recruitment into horticulture and spreading the word about the benefits of horticulture.

Dr. Dole specializes in floricultural crops research and teaches floriculture courses including Greenhouse Management, HS 440, and Production of Floriculture Crops, HS 442 . In addition, he serves as Executive Advisor for the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, and co-authored Floriculture Principles and Species, 2nd edition, 2005, with Harold F. Wilkins.

Dr. Dole has been involved with the Seed Your Future movement since it's founding in 2014. He was an inaugural member of the Steering Committee, and served on the Advisory Council until late 2018 when he joined the National Leadership Cabinet.

Dr. Charlie Hall grew up in the industry on a nursery in western North Carolina. Although an economist by training, he is currently a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the Texas A&M University and also holder of the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture. His major areas of specialization include innovative management and marketing strategies, financial analysis and benchmarking, and the situation/outlook for nursery and greenhouse crops. He is an invited speaker at numerous regional, national, and international meetings of various industry-related associations and organizations. He is particularly known for the enthusiasm, passion, and intensity he exhibits when speaking. Dr. Hall is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association and has received TNLAs Award for Outstanding Service to the Nursery Industry. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.

Terri McEnaney became president of Bailey Nurseries in 2001. Along with six other fourth-generation Bailey family members, she is responsible for carrying on the family tradition of growing the company.

While Terri grew up around the business and worked at the nursery while she was in high school, when she went to college she got a business degree with an emphasis on accounting. Upon graduation she went to work in the corporate world at 3M for eight years.

Working at a large multinational conglomerate, McEnaney says, provided her with a great foundation for the business world that she would eventually apply to the horticulture industry.

McEnaney returned to the company in 1991 with a whole new perspective on the family business.

Rodd Moesel and his wife, Dona, own and operate American Plant Products and Services in western Oklahoma City. The grandson of dairy farmers and lifelong Farm Bureau members, Moesel grew up on a vegetable farm and greenhouse operation. He first became involved in the farm organization as a 4-H member.

Moesel has been a member of the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Dean’s Advisory Committee for more than 20 years, has served as Oklahoma 4-H Foundation president, and co-chairs the OSU Foundation agriculture fundraising committee.

He is a graduate of the Oklahoma Agriculture Leadership Program, Leadership Oklahoma City and Leadership Oklahoma. He also is one of two Oklahoma representatives on the National Council of Agricultural Research, Education and Teaching.

He currently serves as President of Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

Dr. Ronda Hamm is a national award-winning informal educator passionate about providing enriching science and agriculture experiences for everyone. She is the Director of the Food, Farm, and Energy Experience at Conner Prairie. She is developing a combination research station and guest experience center to experience first-hand what goes into food, agriculture, energy, ecology, soils, sustainability, food security, and much more.

After graduating with a B.S. in Agricultural Education from California State University, Fresno, Dr. Hamm earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology from Cornell University. She has worked in the agriculture industry and community engagement for over 20 years. Find out more about her past experiences at www.linkedin.com/in/ronda-hamm

Dr. Hamm was named an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) If/Then Ambassador. In 2019 she was recognized as an Indiana Woman of Achievement with Distinction in Science Education and was the 2016 recipient of the Distinguished Informal Educator Award from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). She received the Entomological Foundation Medal of Honor for her work in founding three successful science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs (two while in graduate school and one in industry) that continue to grow.  The industry program engages employees and inspires students to enter agricultural science careers, empowers teachers to bring agricultural science into their classrooms, and engages adults on the importance of the agricultural industry. In the first five years more than a half million people were impacted by the program’s volunteers, numbers that continue to grow.

Kate leads, directs and manages day-to-day activities for SAF and is responsible for developing the overall strategic positioning for the organization. She joined SAF in 1987 as a writer and editor, and then held positions as editor-in-chief, publisher, vice president of publishing and communications, and chief content and publishing officer. Kate has a B.S. in journalism from Bowling Green State University.

Gustavo Carranza currently serves as the Senior Irrigation Manager at the Wonderful Orchards division
based in Firebaugh, California. Coming from a multi-generational farming family, Gustavo has always
had a passion for agriculture which has led him to follow his current career path. In his current role, he
enjoys implementing creative and innovative techniques to improve farming efficiency and develop
solutions for several industry challenges. Additionally, during his time with Wonderful Orchards,
Gustavo has served as an advocate of Health & Wellness initiatives and has hosted High School and
College students for job shadow opportunities and internships.

Gustavo received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Precision
Agriculture Technology from California State University, Fresno

Ryan Hall is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the horticulture industry. As the Head of Syngenta Flowers America's region, he plays a key role in driving business growth and setting strategic direction. With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticultural Science from California Polytechnic State University, Ryan brings a wealth of expertise in plant genetics. He enjoys sharing valuable insights on product development, market trends, and the transformative power of innovative plant genetics.

Chris Drummond, AAF, PFCI is a third-generation florist and president of Penny’s by Plaza Flowers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned a degree in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College and has guest lectured at the University of Delaware and Penn State University. Chris is a past-president of The PA Floral Industry Association and the Society of American Florists.

Julie Caulfield is the Director of Business Operations at BioWorks as well as an officer of the company. She has been with BioWorks since 2000. As Director of Business Operations, Julie is responsible for achieving operational efficiency and productivity plans for the company. She leads the following departments: Finance, Customer Service, Technology, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics and Facilities.

Before being named Director of Business Operations, Julie was BioWorks Director of Customer Experience and was responsible for leading the customer service team, ensuring accurate, timely and complete order processing, managing customer feedback through NPS surveys and customer success through onboarding customers. She also collaborated with multiple departments, channel partners and customers.

Prior to being Director of Customer Experience, Julie was the company’s Business and Administrative Manager, leading day-to-day operations for Finance, Customer Service and Technology.

Julie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from SUNY Geneseo and her Associate in Science in Business Administration from Finger Lakes Community College.

Julie has also served as Treasure of the Board for The Coordinated Child Development Program for 6 years.

Kay Chubbuck is Vice President of the Engagement and Learning at Longwood Gardens. In this role, she leads the 78-person department and oversees the strategic development of Longwood’s award-winning in-person, online, and community-based educational and training programs, which have attracted and engaged learners of all ages from around the globe since 1956. With more than two decades of experience in creating and implementing educational experiences, Chubbuck has previously served as Vice President for Education at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) and Director, Global Online for Sotheby’s Institute of Art. 

Chubbuck holds doctoral and master’s degrees in English Literature from the University of Oxford, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. She also holds an MS in Journalism from Northwestern University and a BA in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. Beyond her professional achievements, Chubbuck volunteers with East Coast Cherokees. She is a founding member and board member of the official Cherokee Nation satellite community for At-Large citizens in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware where she serves on the IT and Youth Activities committees.

Makenzie Pellissier is the Intellectual Property Manager at Proven Winners, with a varied background working in academic, government, and industry settings.  

Makenzie received her B.S. in Environmental Science at the University of New Hampshire and her M.S. in Agronomy at the University of Wyoming. From there she worked as an assistant research scientist in an Agroecology lab at UW, focusing on pest management and organic curriculums. When life took her back to New Hampshire, Makenzie was introduced to the horticulture industry in her role as a Trial Manager at Pleasant View Gardens where she helped select new varieties for Proven Winner’s annual assortment. From there she went on to work for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, as a soil conservationist. 

Now she is happy to be back with the Proven Winner’s Product Development team as their Intellectual Property Manager. She lives in central New Hampshire with her family.

Dr. Charlie Hall grew up in the industry on a nursery in western North Carolina. Although an economist by training, he is currently a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the Texas A&M University and also holder of the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture. His major areas of specialization include innovative management and marketing strategies, financial analysis and benchmarking, and the situation/outlook for nursery and greenhouse crops. He is an invited speaker at numerous regional, national, and international meetings of various industry-related associations and organizations. He is particularly known for the enthusiasm, passion, and intensity he exhibits when speaking. Dr. Hall is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association and has received TNLAs Award for Outstanding Service to the Nursery Industry. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.

Jared Barnes, Ph.D. started gardening when he was five years old, and since then he has enthusiastically pursued how to best cultivate plants and cultivate gardeners. He currently fulfills those passions as an assistant professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX

He obtained his Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC; he participated in a summer internship at The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA; and he has travelled around the US and to eleven countries to gain a national and global perspective of horticulture

His passion has been recognized by peers with being named the 2016 Perennial Plant Association Young Professional of the Year, recognized in the 2016 GPN Class of 40 under 40, and in interviews in Organic Gardening, Greenhouse Grower, AmericanHort Connect, Ken Druse's Real Dirt, and Nursery Management. His articles have appeared in Fine Gardening and Carolina Gardener.

For the past 14 years Mark Broxon has served as the Executive Director of Proven Winners, the leading plant brand in North America.  His responsibilities include leading the development of the Proven Winners brand, long term planning, administration, and financial management. His background includes almost 30 years experience in agriculture and horticulture markets.

Before joining Proven Winners, Mark was principal with Growth Partners, a consulting firm providing marketing and management services to the industry. Prior to this, he was the General Manager for the Western Business Division of The Scotts Company.

Debi joined the American Floral Endowment (AFE) in 2008, and serves as the Executive Director overseeing scientific research projects, educational grants, and scholarships. She also administers three internship programs to assist young professionals entering the floral industry. Since 1961, AFE has funded more than $16 million in research, grants and scholarships/internships. Prior to joining AFE, Debi worked for the Society of American Florists for nine years.

Debi also serves as the Executive Director of the Floral Marketing Research Fund, an organization that funds consumer and market research projects to support and promote floral consumption.

With more than 25 years experience working with non-profit organizations, Debi specializes in administration, communications, marketing, fundraising and member relations. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

For over 28 years, Jeff has managed a range of Ball customer focused sales and marketing activities, currently focusing on Ball’s steadily growing landscape business segment. In this role, Jeff works directly with landscape professionals and the greenhouse and nursery suppliers that serve them. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois with degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and advertising
communications. Jeff is a frequent traveler and speaker to professional landscape, grower and municipal organizations, as well as community groups on landscape color trends, new varieties of annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs, and landscape care and installation practices.

More information about Ball Landscape can be found at www.BallLandscape.com.

Kimberley Lough was an Environmental Consultant before landing an Agriscience teaching position in a Title 1 middle school in southwest Florida 14 years ago. A self-pronounced plant geek who could spend all of her time in the rainforest, she chooses to bring beauty to life for the average of 150 students each year in her urban agriculture and FFA program. She graduated from Western Carolina University, and received a Master's Degree in Geology from the University of South Carolina.

Her passion is introducing youth and community members to the wild world of plants and animals, offering opportunities to experience them in the food desert of where she teaches. Her agricultural program includes aquaculture, hydroponics, vegetable and herb gardens, ornamental nursery production, rabbits, layer hen operations, llamas, dairy calves and market hog production. Her students also recycle their cafeteria's kitchen waste through both traditional and worm composting methods and their chickens, turkeys, and rabbits drink from rainwater collection systems.

The National FFA Organization selected her program as one of the Top 5 Outstanding Middle School programs 3 years in a row, and as a Model of Innovation in 2015. They also won 1st and 2nd place statewide honors in 2014 and 2015 in the campaign "Helping Communities Grow" sponsored by Nutrients for Life Foundation.

Dr. Mary Hockenberry Meyer is a professor emeritus in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota and the Grass Curator for the Grass Collection at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. She is a past president of the American Society of Horticultural Science and is chairman of the Board in 2014 and 2015. She joined the U of MN faculty in 1994 and has primarily an Extension/outreach and research appointment. Her research interests include native and ornamental grasses, including propagation and production of grasses, cold hardiness, and sustainability of grasses for landscaping, especially in northern climates. She teaches international classes, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum internship program, and plant identification. She obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1993, in Plant Breeding and Genetics, her M.S. from Cornell University, and her B.S. from Clemson University.

Michael W. Neff has been the Executive Director of the American Society for Horticultural Science since 2000. He previously served ASHS as Director of the Executive Management Team from 1997 - 1999, Assistant Executive Director/Publications Director from 1987 - 1997, and Managing Editor from 1985 - 1987. Prior to joining ASHS, he was an editor with the National Academy of Sciences, serving on the Transportation Research Board and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. He graduated from Ohio University in 1981 with a B.S. in Magazine Journalism. Neff is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Society for Scholarly Publishing. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Junior Horticultural Association and as one of three U.S. representatives on the Council of the International Society for Horticultural Science. Neff is a strong supporter of horticultural science, education, and outreach, and believes horticulture is critical to meeting the challenges facing humankind for food, health, and well-being now and in the future.

Matt is the President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He grew up in Mercersburg, a small town in south central Pennsylvania, where he attended Mercersburg Academy, and was a frequent visitor to the Philadelphia Flower Show. He earned his BA in architectural history, which remains a personal passion, from the University of Virginia in 2001, and completed his MBA at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, with honors in 2011.

Matt launched a historic preservation consultancy after graduation in 2002, and quickly landed at the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust where he collaborated closely with critical foundation partners, the City of Philadelphia, and individual park supporters to preserve the park system's historic buildings and landscapes. In 2005, Matt relaunched and revitalized the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District, serving as Executive Director for two years, before moving to the Urban Land Institute in Washington, DC in 2007, where he advised cities across the country on regeneration, transit-oriented development, place making and sustainability strategies. Matt has a lifelong passion for improving the urban environment, and under his leadership PHS is primed to expand its programs that create more beautiful and sustainable communities in the years ahead.

Jennifer Schwarz, Ph.D., serves as the vice president of learning and engagement for the Chicago Botanic Garden. In this role, she oversees the Garden’s adult and children’s education offerings, the Budburst community science program, interpretation, and the urban agriculture, Windy City Harvest, and horticultural therapy programs.

Since starting at the Garden in 2005 as the Garden’s education manager, Schwarz has worked to ensure that in our increasingly urban world, people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds have access to green space and to high quality nature-based education and enrichment programs, both on Garden grounds and in their own communities. She is passionate about environmental justice, the need for engagement and action focused on climate change, and the very judicious use of technology to increase access to nature.

Schwarz joined the Garden after completing her doctorate in the learning sciences at Northwestern University. Before attending graduate school, she worked for a nonprofit housing development firm to increase and improve housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households and special-needs populations in Westchester County, N.Y., and then for a variety of nonprofits in the areas of marketing and membership development. She lives in the northern suburbs, where she spends most of her off-time growing her own gardens and looking after two precocious cats.

Casey began serving as the H.O. Smith Endowed Director in August 2022. He has a master of science degree and a doctorate in entomology from Colorado State University, and a bachelor of science degree in ornamental horticulture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Casey’s experience in horticulture spans almost three decades. As executive director of the American Public Gardens Association from 2011–2022, he served over 600 public gardens throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and more than 20 other countries. Prior to that appointment, he spent 15 years leading plant health care efforts at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, including soils and compost, IPM, land stewardship, and other sustainability programs. He is currently board vice president of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and was the recipient of the American Public Gardens Association’s Professional Citation in 2011. Since his arrival at Penn State, Casey has also been appointed an affiliate professor in the Department of Entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Casey enjoys developing partnerships that benefit the growth and development of professionals in the horticulture industry, and help preserve, conserve, and grow gardens and habitats.

Lisa Smith works for Johnson's Nursery as a Horticulturist and Wholesale Sales. She is a committee member of ILCA & the FLIP committee (Illinois Landscape Contractors Association) (Future Landscape Industry Professionals). She has experience in public speaking (iLandscape January 2018 & ILCA seminar March 2018) and had an article published (June 2018) in ILCA ‘Landscape Contractor’ Magazine.

Her mission is to speak to students and educators and give them knowledge and information about the “Green Industry”. That it is not “Just a Summer Job”.

Mary Warshauer of Rumson, N.J. is the former president of the National Garden Clubs Inc. Mary supports and promotes “Plant America,” NGC’s initiative that focuses on gardens and gardening, with an emphasis on community service. In addition, Mary chairs the NGC finance committee, as well as helping guide the national organization and work to advance NGC’s mission: promoting civic and environmental responsibility, as well as a love of gardening and floral design. She also supports the organization’s major objectives—to foster education and participation in the organization’s many local, regional, national and international outreach programs.

Mary previously served as first vice president of National Garden Clubs Inc. She has held a variety of positions in National Garden Clubs Inc. on the national level, including serving as chairman of the Blue Star Memorial program and Water Quality and Conservation Committee. As an NGC executive committee member, she represented the organization’s Central Atlantic Region, where she served as region director and on the NGC Scholarship Committee. In addition, Mary was president of The Garden Club of New Jersey Inc., from 2009-2011. She also served in a number of roles in the Central Atlantic Region and has been a member of the Garden Club of Fair Haven, N.J., for over 30 years.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Florida State University in Tallahassee.

I am a Sales Manager-North America for Rosaprima, a company dedicated to growing the most luxurious rose varieties in the world. Rosaprima values: unequaled craftsmanship, sound business practices, and a belief that roses have a starring role in life’s most precious moments, was exactly the kind of culture I wanted to be a part of. I knew nothing about the industry, but I loved what I was seeing. Fast forward 8 years to today and I am proud to lead a Sales Team of 5 incredible winners!

Chad Follis joined Hummert International in 2021 as the Director of Educational Resources.  He started a mowing and landscape business at age 11 that lead to a career in horticulture.  He has worked in garden center retail, turfgrass management, consulting, education and wholesale supply over his career.  In his current position Chad leads internal and external training, conference and organizational outreach and K-12 promotion. 

He obtained his B.S in Agriculture (plant science), M.S. in Horticulture and Ed. D in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis all degrees coming from the University of Missouri (MIZZOU).  This knowledge led to 13 years in community college horticulture education.  Chad was an instructor, professor, Department Chair and Division Chair of Science, Agriculture and Math. He also oversaw the campus greenhouses, sports fields, beehives, pollinator gardens and assisted with campus landscapes. 

Chad has been recognized for his community work by Farmington Public Schools and the Mizzou Alumni Association – Parkland Chapter.  He has received the Award for Leadership from the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Excellence in Teaching and as the Faculty Member of the Year.  Chad also severs on his local elected city council.

Brenda Moore of Oak Hill, WV is the President of National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC). Her theme for her Presidency will be “Plant America – Go Green” and she will be promoting Feeding America by sharing garden produce, Planting for Pollinators and Wildlife Habitats and environmental issues. As President she serves ex-officio on all committees, except the nominating committee of NGC. Other positions she has held on National Garden Clubs, Inc. Board of Directors is Finance Committee Chairman, Organization Study Committee Chairman, Membership Chairman and the Award of Excellence Chairman, an initiative to recognize outstanding non-member individuals and organizations that advance NGC causes. She is the author of NGC youth books: The Frightened Frog, The Saved Seed, Network with Nature and My Green is Gone. Brenda is a four- star member which means she has completed and passed the courses of all four National Garden Clubs’ schools: Environmental School,  Landscape Design School, Gardening School, and Flower Show School.

On the state and local level, Brenda is a former President of West Virginia Garden Club, Inc. (WVGC) and continues to serve on the WVGC Board as an advisor and the Vice Chairman of the Wildflower Pilgrimage – an event sponsored jointly by the DNR and WVGC. She has been a member of a garden club for 22 years. She has served as a Master Gardener. Her passions are native plants and wildflowers and environmental issues - being a good steward of our planet.  She has served on the advisory committee for the WV Botanic Garden.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family Resources from West Virginia University. As a Grandmother to seven grandsons, she does her best to promote the mission of Seed Your Future – including taking them to botanic gardens, arboretums, gardening with them, encouraging them to grow plants, and spending time outdoors with them.

Broch Martindale National Nursery & Greenhouse Strategic Account Manager

Growing up in the family greenhouse business is where Broch found his passion for plants and this industry.   Broch studied greenhouse production at Ohio State and returned home to the family business before searching for his next challenge.  Broch joined Dow AgroSciences what is now Corteva 10 years ago.  Broch focused his work on IPM and greenhouse technology.  He recently took on the role of National Nursery & Greenhouse Strategic Account Manger  to work with the industry he loves so much.  Broch continues to serve on the AmericanHort Greenhouse connector group.

Growing up in Southern California, Aidan Williams was raised in the Agricultural Industry since he was born. His grandparents, Ron and Pat Caird, started Por La Mar Nursery back in 1972 and have since expanded to over 100+ acres in the Santa Barbara County. With over 300 varieties of blooming and foliage products, Por La Mar Nursery is one of the leading wholesale nurseries on West Coast. After growing up on the farm, Aidan attended California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, where he studied Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences with a concentration in Fruit Science. From there, Aidan worked as the North American QA Manager for Mission Produce, the world’s largest producer, shipper and distributor of avocados world-wide before heading back to Santa Barbara to join the family business. Now, as Sales and Operations Manager at Por La Mar Nursery, Aidan is involved with all aspects of the business and directly oversees the Sales, Purchasing and Operations team.

In addition, in 2021 Aidan and his colleagues started a program called Growing Plants for Growing Minds, where he and his team have partnered with over 15+ schools in the Santa Barbara County area to promote agriculture and educate students on a variety of plant topics. His goal is to continue to expand this program nation-wide and work with a retailers and other organizations on educating our youth and careers in Agriculture.  

Colah is the juggernaut creator, producer, and voice behind the renowned Black in the Garden (LLC) podcast. Most recently she started a national tree planting tour to plant a legacy with her kids: Underground Arborist 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Using her extensive horticultural knowledge, her endless love for Black people, and her keen ability to teach in a spirit of joy and kinship, she has built a village of ‘Soil Cousins’ that have come to not only love, but trust her voice. 

By amplifying Black voices and bringing the marginalized into the center, Colah is on a mission to explore the past, present and future of Black people with plants. Her aim is to inspire,  grow and foster village-building and education via plant media. And she’ll make you laugh while she does it, too! 

Courtney Allen is a gardens and museums professional specializing in lifelong learning. As Director of National Programs, Ms. Allen provides vision, strategy, and leadership for the American Horticultural Society’s signature initiatives, such as the Reciprocal Admissions Program that partners with 350 gardens to create greater access and learning for millions of visitors. She also develops new educational opportunities and resources, throughout the country and virtually, to strengthen and grow the organization’s audiences and impact.

Previous to her role at the American Horticultural Society, Ms. Allen led education at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Native Plant Trust, and The Huntington Gardens. Her expertise addresses adult and youth programming, site interpretation, landscape history, partnership building, digital learning experiences, and professional development training. She has presented and published with organizations such as the American Public Gardens Association, the American Alliance of Museums, the National Association for Interpretation, and the International Society for Landscape, Place, & Material Culture. Ms. Allen holds an MS in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Medieval Studies and Landscape Studies from Smith College.

An award-winning reporter, editor, field producer and media relations practitioner, Sue has more than 30 years in media and corporate, non-profit and agency communications, specific to the horticulture, environment and agriculture industries. Described by a client as a "visionary" at brand ideation and development, Sue excels at strategic storytelling, team leadership, issues and reputation management, and integrated marketing communications.

Sue's passion for her work and the sustainable industry forges alliances among the firm’s clients that yield above-and-beyond results, including in industry leadership capacities, higher-profile visibility and reputation enhancement. As an influencer, Sue counsels sustainable clients in brand development through strategic storytelling using public relations, earned media communications, and digital and social media marketing.

Abel Guzman returned to The Wonderful Company in 2021 to serve as Executive Director of College Pathways. In a previous role at The Wonderful Company, Abel served as Program Supervisor of College Access and Retention. Prior to his return, he served as an educational administrator at Bakersfield College. In his current role, Abel oversees an early college partnership program between three community colleges, nine high schools, and The Wonderful Company. Over 1,500 students in various rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley of California participate in the program, which provides them the opportunity to earn a certificate and/or associates degree in the fields of Agriculture, Public Health, Education, and Industrial Automation by high school graduation. In addition to the course work, students participate in work-based learning opportunities including job shadows, internships, and fellowships. The mission of the program is to end generational poverty by providing experiences and resources that empower and support students in their respective pathways.

Abel received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Masters of Public Administration from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California.

Carrie Waterman has served on National Committees of the Garden Club of America for the past 23 years, including Horticulture, Flower Show, Judging, and most recently as a Vice President on the GCA’s Executive Board. She is currently the chair of the GCA’s Horticulture Committee and is one of the authors of the GCA’s Propagation Manuals.

Carrie is a Trustee at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society where she serves as Secretary and is working on bringing back the flower show to MHS. She is a former Trustee and current Council Member at the Native Plant Trust and has served on development, horticulture and awards committees at that organization.

Flower Shows have been a big part of Carrie’s volunteer life. She has been Chairman of the Amateur Competitions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s 2013 Boston Flower & Garden Show and has been Chairman of the Amateur Horticulture Competitions at the New England Spring Flower Show and the Boston Flower & Garden Show numerous times.

Carrie has a BA in Art History from Smith College.

Sahid Nahim, co-president of 'Above All Flower' and 'New Bloom Solutions', is a pillar of innovation in floristry. With two decades in the industry, Sahid started with industry giants Esmeralda and Royal Flowers and has since collaborated with global leaders like Fleurmetz, Chrysal, and Cal Flowers. His passion drives innovation and strengthens connections in the floral world.

His dedication shines in 'The Bloom Show,' a live YouTube platform where Sahid highlights industry pioneers. Thanks to its compelling content, the show has been invited to major global conventions, including in Ecuador, Holland, the U.S., and Colombia.

Currently at The Morton Arboretum, Meghan Wiesbrock works with students at all places in their journey into STEM. Managing onsite curriculum-based nature programs, she supports youth's exposure to the natural world, through field trips, summer camps, teacher workshops and scout programs. She is co-host of the Planted: Finding Your Roots in STEM Careers Podcast.  Prior to working at the Arboretum, Meghan taught 7th/8th grade science for 6 years in Berwyn, IL. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton, OH in Middle Childhood Education with endorsements in Science and Language Arts, and a Master's degree in Science Content and Process from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. She lives in Geneva IL, with her husband and 2 children.

Corrine Heck, the founder of Details Flowers Software, has an impressive journey in the floral industry, evolving from an event designer to a software developer and now serving as the CEO. She established Details Flowers Software to empower event florists to efficiently manage and expand their businesses. With over two decades of experience, Corrine's vision has become a global solution with thousands of users.‌

Her entrepreneurial journey gained momentum when she won the Rollins College Sponsored Venture Pitch Grand Prize in 2016. Since then, she's relentlessly improved Details Flowers Software, leading a female-led, U.S.-based team dedicated to creating custom-designed automation software.‌

Corrine's contributions to the floral industry have earned recognition from the Society of American Florists, where she was inducted into the Professional Floral Communicators International. In 2022, Details Flowers Software was named one of GrowFL's Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies. Corrine has received numerous accolades, including being honored as the Most Charitable Woman in Volusia County, listed among Inc Magazine’s Top 200 Female Entrepreneurs of 2023, and receiving the University of Florida’s Gator100 Award in 2023. Furthermore, in late 2023, the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce named Details Flowers Software the Small Business of the Year.

Details Flowers Software is the official software and essential procurement tool for prestigious events like the American Institute of Floral Designers Annual Symposium and the 2023 Interflora World Cup. The company is headquartered in Ormond Beach, Florida, where Corrine resides with her husband and three children.

[email protected]

(484) 798-5934

Jazmin joins Seed Your Future as Executive Director with over a decade of change and systems management experience. With a solid knowledge of associations and philanthropy, she will bring her skills and expertise in planning, leading, and managing development projects and programs to the movement. She has experience in a broad range of nonprofit organizations, including those focused on crisis support, youth development, and workforce development.

Before taking on her role at Seed Your Future, Jazmin gained experience in volunteer development and created diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities within the camp industry as the Eastern Region Director at the American Camp Association.

Jazmin will lead Seed Your Future's next phase of growth, promoting horticulture, floriculture, and agriculture, and the nationwide expansion of career development opportunities with plants.