The Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI) co-hosted an inspiring “Women in Leadership” breakfast at the International Wheat Congress (IWC) in Perth, Australia, uniting global agricultural leaders to discuss authentic leadership and gender empowerment. Now available for download, the booklet “From Surviving to Thriving” captures the event’s insights, offering practical tools, strategies, and stories to help readers embrace diverse perspectives and drive positive change in their communities.
Organized in part by Maricelis Acevedo, BGRI’s Director of Science, the event on September 25 brought together influential scientists from the global agricultural community to discuss authentic leadership and gender empowerment.
Attendees started the morning with breakfast and networking, followed by a guided meditation session. The main highlight was the panel discussion, featuring Charlotte Rambla, Alison Bentley, Laura Dixon, Tress Walmsley, Parveen Chhuneja, and Hafssa Kabbaj. Each panelist shared their unique experiences and insights on leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field, sparking a lively and interactive Q&A session.
Drawing on insights and data shared during the event, the organizers created a comprehensive guide to authentic leadership and fostering inclusive environments. The booklet captures the experiences, challenges, and successes of leaders in agriculture and beyond as they work toward greater inclusivity. Inside, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the activities from the breakfast event, along with key takeaways from our engaging panel discussion. It offers practical tools and strategies to help readers lead with authenticity, embrace diverse perspectives, and drive positive change in their community.
Download the guide today to start making an impact.
The event also celebrated the achievements of several Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women in Triticum (WIT) awardees. Acevedo, Rambla, and Kabbaj are previous recipients of the WIT Early Career Award, while Chhuneja was honored with the WIT Mentor Award, recognizing their leadership and contributions to empowering women in agricultural research.
The breakfast set the tone for a day of connection and reflection, emphasizing the importance of gender inclusivity and authentic leadership in shaping the future of wheat science.
The event was co-hosted by the BGRI, the Illuminata podcast, and Women in Crop Science.
