A decade ago, a cohort of 14 almond industry members signed up for a little-known program that just found its footing. The group’s goal, though newly stated, was simple and timeless: Prepare the next generation of industry leaders to carry California almonds into the future.
Today, the Almond Leadership Program continues its mission and in turn has graduated more than 150 almond industry leaders.
What can you expect from the Almond Leadership Program? Teambuilding beyond the orchard, and so much more! (Photo by Mackenzie Souza)
The 10th-anniversary of the Almond Leadership Program demonstrates the wide reach of the almond industry, from growers and PCAs to solar energy and property salespersons. Mackenzie Souza, supervisor of client relations and utility interconnection with JKB Energy, explained what the program means to her.
“I do believe that the greatest highlight is the sense of community established in our class and with all those we’ve met at the Almond Board of California,” said Souza. “The underlying theme of each gathering is teamwork. We’re always actively working together to build one another up and share ideas, all in a fun environment.”
Souza’s job in solar energy although associated with the almond industry — doesn’t give her a direct connection to information about almond industry current events. She said the Leadership program continues to inform her about the almond community’s current challenges and how she can help solve them.
2018 Almond Leadership participants take to Knights Ferry Recreation Area for a sunny afternoon of teambuilding. (Photo by Mackenzie Souza)
“The Almond Leadership Program gets the younger generation of leaders engaged in industry current events,” Souza said. “Personally, it has made me more aware of issues the industry is facing and taught me how I can use that to prepare to be a future leader in the industry.”
Souza heard about the Almond Leadership Program from a coworker who was a member of the 2016 Leadership class.
Sullivan Grosz, another 2018 Leadership class member, represents the farmlands department at Pearson Realty — a career he said is built on relationships, trust and knowledge. Grosz said the Almond Leadership Program instills those values in each of its members.
“The friendships with my fellow classmates, mentors and all involved in the program will continue to grow and last a lifetime,” Grosz said. “I gain almond industry knowledge with each opportunity the program provides, and that knowledge gives me a tremendous edge in my industry.”
Beyond the knowledge gained, Grosz said this program has equipped him and his classmates with tools to shape the industry’s future – “and the industry is already seeing the benefits.”
“I cannot wait to one day see what fellow and past Almond Leadership Program members will accomplish,” said Grosz, “and I am confident my business will prosper in the future thanks to the program.”
Are you ready to take the next step in your career, and join a program that builds leaders like Souza and Grosz? Starting in January each year, the Almond Leadership Program takes participants through specialized trainings, tours, in-orchard experiences and other networking opportunities organized by the Almond Board of California. You can find more information about the program online or by contacting Jenny Nicolau at jnicolau@almondboard.com or (209) 343-3248.
