In April, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) chapter traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to take part in MANRRS: I Am Because You Are: 39th Annual Training Conference & Career Expo.

MANRRS is a national organization dedicated to promoting diversity within the agriculture and natural resources sectors. With a mission to empower minority students and professionals, MANRRS provides a platform for leadership development, professional growth, and community engagement.  A total of 18 students from various majors within the College of ACES participated in the event, showcasing the chapter’s involvement across a variety of disciplines.

This year’s conference theme, “I Am Because You Are” (created by Ashley Equihua, senior majoring in Food Science and Human Nutrition), was an invitation to reflect on how interconnected and interdependent we all are in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for fields in agriculture and related sciences.

Students had numerous opportunities to network with potential employers and industry professionals. These connections are crucial for students’ career trajectories, as they provide access to job opportunities, internships, and valuable guidance. The event served as a reminder that the true power of networking lies not only in exchanging business cards but in building authentic relationships with those who share a common passion for advancing the field.

One of the standout moments for the attendees was the Corteva Agriscience Social Event, where students had the opportunity to meet with Corteva staff and gain invaluable insights into the industry. For many students, it was a chance to explore how their passion for agriculture and natural resources could align with careers at a leading company dedicated to innovation and sustainability.

MANRRS-UIUC  visited the Civil Rights Museum on April 4, the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students reflected on the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement, connecting the themes of justice, equality, and perseverance with their own journey as future leaders in their communities. This experience was particularly relevant to their attendance at the conference, where they engaged in discussions about empowerment, leadership, and the importance of inclusivity in their chosen fields. The museum visit not only deepened their understanding of the historical context surrounding Dr. King's legacy but also underscored the significance of advancing social justice and contributing to positive change, principles that align with the values promoted at MANRRS and throughout their professional development.

At the conference, students participated in the MANRRS Bowl, a competition that was designed to test and increase the knowledge of members on MANRRS history and topics related to agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. Senior students Amy Hernandez, Guadalupe Montero, and Xitaly Andrade were participants in the bowl along with junior students Michi Vazquez and Omar Camarena.

Several scholarships were awarded to students for their outstanding contributions to the organization and their field. Kathya Grau (sophomore majoring in Agr & Consumer Economics) proudly took home first place in the National Essay Contest, while Elizabeth Arias (junior majoring in Engr Tech & Mgmt for Ag Systems) was honored as a recipient of the MANRRS 39 Gold Scholarship. The MANRRS-UIUC Chapter also received the John Deere MANRRS Chapter Scholarship which was submitted by Amy Hernandez - MANRRS UIUC President. This scholarship is awarded to chapters who have excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvements. These accolades are a testament to the commitment and excellence displayed by the students of the MANRRS-UIUC chapter.

The program is advised by Assistant Director of Inclusive Recruitment and Retention Diana Rodriguez and Coordinator of Global Engagement and Inclusive Excellence Roxanne Patiño.