Illuminata, a podcast dedicated to showcasing the journeys of women in agriculture, wrapped up an inspiring series of five episodes featuring recipients of the Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women in Triticum (WIT) award program from the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative. With all five episodes now available, Illuminata continues its mission to spotlight the extraordinary accomplishments of women who are shaping the landscape of agricultural science.
Illuminata hosts Charlotte Rambla and Cristina Ocaña Gallegos have celebrated the triumphs of women in agriculture since the podcast’s inception in January 2021. The podcast serves as a platform for women in STEM fields, providing a space for them to share their personal narratives, experiences, and insights. The collaboration between Illuminata and the WIT award underscores the podcast’s unwavering commitment to empowering women in agriculture.
The WIT awards, aimed at supporting early-career wheat researchers, play a pivotal role in fostering gender equality and leadership development in the agricultural sector. Through this partnership, Illuminata aims to elevate the visibility and impact of women in agriculture, inspiring future generations of female scientists and agriculturalists.
Reflecting on the significance of sharing the stories of WIT awardees, Charlotte Rambla, co-host of Illuminata and recipient of the 2022 Women in Triticum award, emphasizes the importance of representation in scientific fields.
“Growing up, I lacked female role models in science, and our podcast strives to alter that narrative. We aim to fill that gap by showcasing the journey of remarkable women in agriculture and highlighting that in science you can be anything you want. Furthermore, we aim to establish a nurturing community where you can find support, connect with like-minded peers, and seek guidance in navigating this wide world of agriculture,” Rambla said.
Cristina Ocaña Gallegos, co-host of Illuminata, underscored the transformative potential of storytelling in fostering inclusivity and diversity within the agricultural community.
“We’ve only explored the tip of the iceberg in terms of the background of our interviewees. Agriculture is a far-reaching domain with ramifications on science, nutrition and health, environmental impacts, social justice, gender equality and so much more,” Gallegos said. “We have focused on the academic side of things but we believe that women are capable of becoming leaders in any area they desire. Sometimes we just need to hear it from others to ignite it within ourselves, that’s what we aim to do at illuminata, to empower the women around us.
For more information and updates on Illuminata, visit the official podcast website.
