While most of campus was making their way back to Aggieland after winter break, ten Aggie Poultry Ambassadors (APA) packed their bags and traveled to Washington, D.C. from January 5-9, 2026, for a once-in-a-lifetime networking experience. Accompanied by advisors Lesley Gleason and Allison Blackledge, Ph.D., the students spent the week exploring how poultry science connects to policy, leadership, and advocacy at the national level.

Ambassadors with Aggies and U.S. House Ag Committee Staff: Harlea Hoelscher, Justina Graff, and John Hendrix
Ambassadors with Aggies and U.S. House Ag Committee Staff: Harlea Hoelscher, Justina Graff, and John Hendrix

A Week to Remember

While in D.C., the ambassadors met with leaders from the National Chicken Council and the National Turkey Federation, where they learned how these organizations advocate for the poultry industry and work with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Students also visited several areas within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including USDA APHIS and USDA FSIS, gaining insight into animal health, biosecurity, food safety, and regulatory processes that directly impact poultry production.

Leslee Oden, President and CEO at the National Turkey Federation, shared, "As a former Aggie Poultry Science student, it was incredibly rewarding to welcome this next generation of leaders and reflect on how the program shaped my own path. Their enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and commitment to the poultry industry truly highlight the strength of why this program has such a strong legacy of developing leaders."

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was the opportunity to meet Brooke Rollins, the United States Secretary of Agriculture and a proud Aggie from the Class of 1994. For many of the students, the experience served as a powerful reminder of the reach of the Aggie Network and the leadership roles Aggies continue to hold across agriculture and public service.

APA member Christopher Rodriguez reflected on the experience, saying, “It was incredibly inspiring to hear how she carries Aggie values with her into national leadership. Our conversation went beyond agriculture and focused on purpose and leadership. Secretary Rollins shared how she relies on her faith to stay grounded while carrying the responsibility of putting American agriculture first. That perspective was a powerful reminder that strong leadership is rooted in values, service, and conviction.”

APA with U.S Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins
APA with U.S Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

Inside the World of Agricultural Policy and Advocacy

Throughout the week, ambassadors also learned more about how agricultural policy moves through both the U.S. Senate and House Committees on Agriculture. Just as impactful were the conversations with fellow Aggies living and working on Capitol Hill, who shared their own career paths and experiences in policy, government relations, and advocacy.

Amanda Ling, a current APA member, shared, “This trip was an extraordinary experience. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about agricultural policy and advocacy and gaining insight into the many moving parts involved in making even the smallest steps of progress, things the average citizen may not always realize. I now have a much greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the hard work policymakers and their teams do to keep American agriculture moving forward.”

Building Perspective and Purpose

This trip sparked new ways of thinking about career paths and leadership opportunities within agriculture. Seeing firsthand how decisions are made and how voices are represented reinforced the importance of involvement, advocacy, and service.

“It was incredibly rewarding to watch these students present themselves with such poise, confidence, and professionalism throughout the trip,” said Lesley Gleason. “I have been a part of many of their educational journeys since their high school years, and seeing how much they have grown, both personally and professionally, was truly meaningful. I’m honored to have shared this experience with them and proud of the way they represented the Department of Poultry Science and the Aggie spirit.”

The Washington, D.C. Networking Trip was more than a learning experience; it was a chance for Aggie Poultry Ambassadors to gain perspective, build confidence, and strengthen their understanding of the poultry industry’s role at the national level. Trips like this continue to shape students into informed professionals and leaders ready to carry the Aggie values forward.

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Meeting with the professional staff of the U.S. House Ag Committee
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Ambassadors meeting with Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
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Ambassadors with NTF Leadership, and two former students from our department- Leslee Oden, President & CEO and Dr. Lindy Froebel, Senior Vice President of Science and Policy.
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Interacting with Senator John Boozman from Arkansas, who serves as the Chairman of the Ag Committee in the Senate

We extend our sincere thanks to the following organizations and officials for their valuable time and insight:

  • The National Chicken Council
  • The National Turkey Federation
  • USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
  • USDA FSIS
  • Office of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins
  • Office of Arkansas Senator John Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee
  • U.S. Senate Ag Committee
  • U.S. House Ag Committee